Books: New and noteworthy

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

1. White Bone by Ridley Pearson (Putnam, fiction, on sale July 19)

What it’s about: In this thriller set in troubled Kenya, security operative John Knox tries to find Risk Agent partner Grace Chu, who has disappeared with murderous ivory poachers in pursuit.

The buzz: A “crackling adventure,” says Kirkus Reviews.

2. Falling: A Love Story by Jane Green (Berkley, fiction, on sale July 19)

What it’s about: In this autobiographical novel, a woman who buys a Westport, Conn., fixer-upper falls in love with her landlord.

The buzz: Green has had 18 Paste BN best sellers.

3. The Castle of Kings by Oliver Potzsch (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, fiction, on sale July 19)

What it’s about: In this epic set in the 16th century, in what is now Germany, the daughter of aristocrats goes on the run with a commoner.

The buzz: Potzsch is best known for his Hangman’s Daughter series; his new book is a standalone title.

4. Angela Merkel by Matthew Qvortrup (Overlook, non-fiction, on sale now)

What it’s about: A biography of the German chancellor, a timely topic in light of events in Europe.

The buzz: “Well written and informative,” says Booklist.

5. The Sunlight Pilgrims by Jenni Fagan (Hogarth, fiction, on sale July 19)

What it’s about: Dystopian novel follows characters in 2020 Scotland, as the world freezes over from climate change; by the author of The Panopticon.

The buzz: “Evokes a chillingly plausible near future,” says The Spectator of London.