Books: New and noteworthy

Paste BN's Jocelyn McClurg scopes out the hottest books on sale each week.

1. Hope to Die by James Patterson (Little, Brown, fiction, on sale Nov. 24)

What it's about: Detective Alex Cross must try to save his family as he's stalked by a psychotic genius.

The buzz: Patterson's last Alex Cross book, Cross My Heart, landed at No. 3 on Paste BN's Best-Selling Books list last year.

2. Downton Abbey: Rules for Household Staff, introduction by Mr. Carson (St. Martin's Press, non-fiction, on sale Nov. 25)

What it's about: Based on authentic period manuals, this guide explains how the servants downstairs should properly attend the folks upstairs.

The buzz: Use it to brush up on your table manners, or as a fun place holder until Downton returns for a new season on Jan. 4.

3. Betrayed by Lisa Scottoline (St. Martin's Press, fiction, on sale Nov. 25)

What it's about: In this new Rosato & Associates mystery, associate Judy Carrier seeks justice when her beloved aunt's friend is murdered.

The buzz: Scottoline has carved out a niche with her all-female law firm thrillers.

4. Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys by Viv Albertine (Thomas Dunne Books, non-fiction, on sale Nov. 25)

What it's about: A memoir by the lead guitarist of the female punk band The Slits, who was girlfriend of The Clash's Mick Jones.

The buzz: A "fascinating insider's look at the punk scene from a female perspective," says Booklist.

5. Girl Online by Zoe Sugg (Keywords Press, fiction, on sale Nov. 25)

What it's about: Autobiographical young-adult novel by the British blogger and YouTube sensation better known as Zoella.

The buzz: It's the first book to be published by Keywords Press, which is dedicated to "digital stars."