Stephen Jewell talks to reporter, critic and former stand-up comedian Natalie Haynes about her debut novel, set in Edinburgh, a city she knows so well

The themes of murders in Paris, religious fundamentalism and a threat to multiculturalism might seem all too topical after recent grim events in the French capital.

Is everything I have ever done and will ever do in my life ultimately less significant than Winston Peters winning a by-election in Northland?

What does it take to be a successful comic? Well, being funny sure helps. But so, too, Dai Henwood tells Greg Dixon, does having a clear head and a brain for business

Is it a good book that leaves you wanting to know more?

So yes, we’ve been pushed into autumn, and while your tan may be fading, don’t let your taste buds suffer the same fate

Eclectic array of flavours and inviting, decor make for an entertaining night out at new 'Asian barbecue' eatery Woodpecker Hill

The menu had us from the word go, when we spotted the instructions, sweetly cheesy, to “brunch and relax” or “best ugly bagel and smile”.

I am really struggling with ageing. The kids have left home, my husband is boring and I feel I have nothing to look forward to except the TV guide.

Bridget van der Zijpp’s new novel explores the fleeting, dangerous side of fame.

The most popular biographies are those that embrace the subject’s life while assuming little prior historical knowledge on the part of the reader.

Are we, New Zealand and New Zealanders, for the most part, simply too nice for our own good?

Is the unhappiness of beautiful people more significant than that of real people?

Chris Leadbeater makes the most of a short visit to the harbour city.

Pinot gris has proved an unstoppable force in this country. Our wineries now crush a whopping 24,000 tonnes; 1500 times the volume of 2005. But not all pinot gris is the same — some super-dry, right through to luxuriously rich, sweeter styles.

Local brands update that much-loved land girl look for a reliable take on casual dressing.

Ima’s soul food and convivial atmosphere will help transport you to downtown Tel Aviv.

The menu was exciting. Loads of dishes you won’t find elsewhere, as well as some of the standards, but with an interesting twist.

Australian writer Kate Grenville’s new book is a homage to her mother Nance, an ‘ordinary’ woman who decided she wasn’t going to follow in her own mother’s footsteps. She talks to Linda Herrick.

I am not, by nature, a corporate person. It is not by natural habitat. In fact, at concerts I'm generally happy anywhere.

As wonders of the world go, the Victoria Falls are astonishingly uncrowded, says Sandra McGregor.

Give your tastebuds an everlasting summer with these luscious, aromatic wines. Wild flowers, berries, citrus, stonefruit and spice — they’re all here in fine form …

Tailored separates elevate denim to the next level.

Extracting morsels can be troublesome but it’s all part of the fun

Great actors thrive under great teachers. Alan Perrott talks with the “great” of Britain’s theatrical tutors — Kiwi Ken Rea.

Realising her bookshelves were a bit on the parochial side, Ann Morgan embarked on a quest to read a book from every country over the course of a year, and blog about it. The response from bibliophiles around the globe was a story in itself.

My best friend had her stomach stapled and is really slim now, but tells everyone it was done through dieting and exercise and that is just not true. Shall I squeal?

The look is definitely set at 33RPM. Kaos is a homage to music and vinyl — there are LP album covers on the walls — and to 70s style, with the decor leaning heavily on retro furniture and fixtures.

She has record-breaking sales and secure friendships - not to mention a steely grip on her digital copyright - what on earth does Taylor Swift have to worry about? Plenty, she tells Mark Sutherland in an exclusive interview.