New in paperback: 'Dear Life,' 'The Casual Vacancy'

This month's critic's pick is Dear Life: Stories by Alice Munro (Vintage, fiction, reprint, * * * * out of four)

"Spare, graceful and beautifully crafted," says Paste BN's Claudia Puig of what may be Munro's final collection.

Also recently released:

Waging Heavy Peace by Neil Young (Plume, non-fiction, reprint). A rock memoir by the singer/songwriter.

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling (Back Bay, fiction, reprint). In her first book for adults, Rowling uncovers the dark side of a town called Pagford.

The Marseille Caper by Peter Mayle (Vintage, fiction, reprint). When not indulging in fine French dining, sleuth Sam Levitt gets involved in a dangerous real-estate transaction.

True Believers by Kurt Andersen (Random House, fiction, reprint). A famous attorney reveals a shocking secret from 1968 as she publishes her memoir.

Elsewhere by Richard Russo (Vintage, non-fiction, reprint). A memoir by the novelist (Empire Falls) about his complicated relationship with his mother.

Paterno by Joe Posnanski (Simon & Schuster, non-fiction, reprint). A biography of the controversial Penn State coach, who died amid scandal last year.

The Legend of Broken by Caleb Carr (Random House, fiction, reprint). A fantasy epic revolving around a mysterious manuscript; by the author of The Alienist.

Mission to Paris by Alan Furst (Random House, fiction, reprint). Espionage set in 1938, involving Nazis and a Hollywood film star who is also a spy.