The prolific Elmore Leonard (more than 40 novels and short-story collections) has come up with a new fast-paced thriller that begins with the two chief protagonists in prison and ends with one of them laid out at a funeral parlor. Full Article at Asbury Park Press

Some illuminating pre-interview James Ellroy research shows: “America’s greatest living crime writer” (some would root for Elmore Leonard) feigning masturbation for the benefit of the Playboy Channel outside the house where a girl he used to spy on... Full Article at Times Online

THIS novel starts with a trip to prison. Why not? No self-respecting Elmore Leonard character avoids the occasional legal infraction, and this new book resurrects a few repeat offenders. Full Article at The Scotsman

JACKIE BROWN (1997) Sunday, 10 a.m. , TNT Quentin Tarantino revived 1970’s blaxploitation sexpot, Pam Grier’s acting career — not to mention her profile — with this wacky spoof from an Elmore Leonard novel. Full Article at New York Post

An exuberant snap and visceral pop pulsate through much of the best American vernacular art. Louis Armstrong's "Stardust." Fred Astaire's "Top Hat." Frank Sinatra's "Songs for Swingin' Lovers!" Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather." Full Article at Detroit Free Press

John Sutherland on the winner - To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee How many British admirers of Harper Lee’s novel have seen a mockingbird? Scarcely more, I suspect, than have seen a dodo. Full Article at Times Online