Here’s the rundown on seven of the hottest new book releases.
‘Speaking of Summer’ by Kalisha Buckhanon
(Counterpoint, fiction, $26)
What it’s about: In this novel by Chicago writer Kalisha Buckhanon, Autumn’s twin sister Summer walks to the roof of their Harlem brownstone and vanishes. The authorities are indifferent, so it’s up to a desperate and unraveling Autumn to solve the mystery.
The buzz: Booklist calls it “devastating,” writing, “It is Buckhanon’s elegant images of grief that most captivate.”
‘Chances Are…’ by Richard Russo
(Knopf, fiction, $26.95)
What it’s about: Three longtime friends in their 60s gather for a Memorial Day weekend trip to Martha’s Vineyard that will test the bonds of their friendship. This is Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Russo’s first standalone novel in a decade.
The buzz: “At a rough time for masculinity, Russo’s flawed but always decent characters are repositories of the classic virtues of their gender,” Kirkus Reviews writes.
‘Never Have I Ever’ by Joshilyn Jackson
(William Morrow, fiction, $26.99)
What it’s about: Amy Whey has a husband who loves her, beautiful children, a best friend and a book club. All is threatened when a mysterious new woman joins the club and starts a game of spilling secrets — and seems to know Amy has a killer secret.
The buzz: “It’s a stay-up-all-night kind of book,” Kirkus Reviews says. “Compulsively readable.”
‘One Good Deed’ by David Baldacci
(Grand Central Publishing, fiction, $29)
What it’s about: Aloysius Archer fought WWII and soon after returning home finds himself imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Released early for good behavior, he becomes entangled in a mess in which chaos and mystery will have him once again trying to prove his innocence.
The buzz: “David Baldacci is a master storyteller, and he invokes the classic feel of the post-war 1940s evident in the timeless literature and film of that time,” The Associated Press writes. “He once again doesn’t disappoint.”
‘The Chain’ by Adrian McKinty
(Little, Brown, fiction, $28)
What it’s about: Kylie, 13, is abducted by parents dealing with the kidnapping of their own child. It turns out that ransom isn’t the essential part of her mom’s getting her back. She must pay — but she must also keep the chain going by kidnapping a child herself. If she goes to the police, her daughter will be killed, and her kidnappers will be forced to take another child. They cannot break the chain.
The buzz: “Adrian McKinty delivers one of the best thrillers of the year,” AP writes.
‘Someone We Know’ by Shari Lapena
(Pamela Dorman Books, fiction, $27)
What it’s about: In a quiet New York suburb, a teenager has been sneaking into homes, hacking owners’ computers — and learning their secrets. Everyone has something to hide in this thriller.
The buzz: Publishers Weekly calls the book “slyly plotted.”
‘The Chelsea Girls’ by Fiona Davis
(Dutton, fiction, $27)
What it’s about: Two women — playwright Hazel and actress Maxine — become fast friends after meeting at a USO show during World War II. That friendship is tested as the Red Scare sweeps America into McCarthy-era paranoia.
The buzz: “Featuring vibrant, witty characters who not only weather but thrive in a dark period of American history, Davis’ tale of one friendship’s strength will stun and satisfy readers,” Publishers Weekly writes.
Contributing: AP
