What we're reading: writers and readers on the books they enjoyed in October
Mason's 'Missing Person: Alice' is a praised, elegant novel about an investigator's quest.
Minchin's 'Isolation Island' modernizes murder mystery within a reality TV context.
Van der Wouden's 'The Safekeep' features strong character work, post-war themes, and a clever twist on expectation.
The literary world mourns Paul Bailey, known for his complex and humorous characters.