Review: 'Dead Ringer' by Michael A. Black and Julie Hyzy
It seemed like risky business when Chicago mystery writers Michael A. Black and Julie Hyzy announced plans to pen a joint novel, merging their signature characters. But just as their literary heroes sneer at danger, the authors took a big chance by messing with success. And the results are well worth it. Black's kickboxing champ private eye Ron Shade and Hyzy's hard-charging TV reporter Alex St. James are a perfect pairing in Dead Ringer.

Review: 'Spellbound By Beauty: Alfred Hitchcock and His Leading Ladies' by Donald Spoto

For his third book on Alfred Hitchcock, Donald Spoto traces the women Hitchcock cast in his films. Although he salutes Hitchcock (1899-1980) as "history's greatest filmmaker," here Spoto sides with the actresses the director abused and adored.

Review: 'Outliers: The Story of Success' by Malcolm Gladwell

What does it take to be a success? Ask around. Everyone has a pretty good idea: Talent. Hard work. The breaks.

Review: 'The Enemy Within' by John Demos

Look within ourselves to grasp and temper witch-hunting, advises John Demos, the Yale University history professor who wrote The Enemy Within, a thoughtful, fair account of society's darker attempts to get rid of its demons.

'Shenanigan' author Ross wins business award
Sandra Guy: A Chicago author whose passion for inspiring African-American children to read family-friendly stories has found technology an ally in her quest. Jil Ross, who grew up in Pullman and lives in the Beverly neighborhood, wrote the Shenanigan Series (www.shenaniganseries.com) of books based on her family values and experiences.

Writing was on the wall

Improving her writing skills wasn't the only reason Molly McNett applied to the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop. There also was this nagging feeling that life as she knew it was "about to be over."

Graphic novel roundup

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NOV. 23