The Gospel of Wellness by Rina Raphael review – bee-sting therapy, jade eggs: why do some women buy it?

A reformed wellness addict isn’t entirely convincing as she constructs a grand theory to explain some bizarre behaviour

In brief: The Cloisters; My Trade Is Mystery; Sweat: A History of Exercise – review

A tense whodunnit unfolds in New York’s Metropolitan museum; poet Carl Phillips imparts life lessons for all; and a study of our need to keep in shape

Sensational: A New Story of Our Senses by Ashley Ward review

A vivid exploration of the science behind sight, hearing, touch and smell that shows us we should take nothing for granted

A Year to Change Your Mind by Dr Lucy Maddox review – a way through

Twelve month’s worth of psychological tips from someone you’d want on your team in a crisis

The big idea: could you have made different choices in life?

We can’t change what’s happened – but we can learn to make better decisions in the future

Body Am I by Moheb Costandi review – the new science of self-consciousness

What gives us our sense of self? A fresh take on how the brain and body are connected offers answers

The big idea: why we shouldn’t try to be happy

Happiness might seem like a noble goal – but striving for it can be counterproductive

Food for Life by Tim Spector review – the science of eating well

The epidemiologist and author of The Diet Myth returns with a comprehensive guide to foods that foster healthy microbiomes

In brief: The Good Drinker; The Blue Flames; Exit Stage Left – reviews

Adrian Chiles gives entertaining advice on moderation, AM Burrage’s spooky short stories get their dues and Nick Duerden tells of the tolls of pop stardom

‘I’m eternally fascinated’: confessions of a ghost writer

Storyteller, nosy neighbour, bad therapist… a friendly ghost must be all these things, says Alexandra Heminsley