Preview Shelf: Notable New Books by CDPL Volunteer, Janice Clauser

“Rather Outspoken: My Life in the News” is Dan Rather’s look back over his entire career as he stays dedicated to the two principles of journalism: “first, find out the truth; and then, tell people about it.” R. J. Smith’s “The One: The Life and Music of James Brown” is “a portrait of a man whose fascinating life helps us understand the music he made.” “It shows that he is deeper, more contradictory, and more important than the song-and-dance man he has been rendered in the past.” Powerful new novels include James Patterson and Maxine Paetro’s “11th Hour”. Billed as “the most shocking, most emotional, and most thrilling Women’s Murder Club novel ever”, it chases a movie star who might be a serial killer. Next, James Patterson and David Ellis’ “Guilty Wives” says the reader is “about to experience the ultimate guilty pleasure. Four best friends on a decadent vacation – thrown in prison for murder.” Janet Evanovich’s Lizzy and Diesel series proves there’s no business like this new novel, “Wicked Business”, whether “it’s monkey business, funny business, or getting down to business.”

“The Witness” by Nora Roberts follows “a studious, obedient girl’s short-lived teenage rebellion that began with L’Oreal Pure Black, a pair of scissors, and a fake ID. It ended in blood…” Another new novel this week is Johanna Lindsey’s “Let Love Find You” in which London society has its own Cupid, a renowned horse breeder and occasional matchmaker who pairs eligible young ladies with suitable gentlemen based on his theory of animal magnetism.

In “Robert Parker’s Lullaby’”, a Spenser novel by Ace Atkins, inside covers show a map called Spenser’s Boston where the correct murderer of her mother is sought by a street-smart fourteen-year-old whose theory is finally proved correct. “The Big Cat Nap” is the 20th anniversary Mrs. Murphy mystery by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown (cat). Marcia Clark’s “Guilt by Degrees”, the follow-up to her bestselling debut, tells how heroine Rachel Knight becomes the object of a brilliant psychopath’s obsession.

“Force of Nature” by C. J. Box is a Joe Pickett novel; Joe and cohort Nate, former secret Special Forces member, are put in danger by Nate’s past. Iris Johansen’s “What Doesn’t Kill You” (makes you stronger) is the theme as a former teenager who survived in Hong Kong by trading information becomes a CIA agent, and because she had worked with a man whose deadly poisonous formula is completely untraceable, she now must find it in spite of untold dangers to herself.

The latest travel guides are “The Bumper Book of London” by Becky Jones & Clare Lewis, offering fun facts for all the family, Rick Steves’ “Germany 2012” with foldout color map, and “The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget” from Rough Guides.
Two new cookbooks are Kris Holechek’s “Have Your Cake and Vegan Too” offering 50 dazzling and delicious cake creations, and “Taste What You’re Missing”, the passionate eater’s guide to why good food tastes good, by Barb Stuckey.