About a decade ago, acclaimed Irish novelist John Banville wrote the first in a series of literary crime novels under the pseudonym Benjamin Black. Set in 1950s Dublin, the novels, featuring pathologist Dr. Quirke and his sidekick Detective Hackett, were surprising best sellers. Emboldened by his ... [Continue Reading]
Dr. Quirke Novels by Benjamin Black
Another recently discovered mystery series is by Booker Award-winning novelist John Banville writing under the pen name Benjamin Black. I’m not a huge fan of Banville’s work, but the Black novels are exceptionally fine. Set in 1950’s Dublin, the novels feature a brooding pathologist named Quirke ... [Continue Reading]
We Have a Pope
What happens when the elected Pope has second thoughts about his nomination? He takes to the streets disguised as a regular guy, and the Vatican creates an elaborate cover-up. This is the story of We Have a Pope, an Italian film directed by Nanni Moretti, who also plays a psychiatrist summoned ... [Continue Reading]