Books: New and noteworthy

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

1. The Girl Before by J.P. Delaney (Ballantine, fiction, on sale Jan. 24)

What it’s about: The Girl thriller trend continues into 2017 with this murder mystery about two women, one amazing house, and the controlling architect they both fall in love with.

The buzz: Universal has optioned the film rights, with Ron Howard set to direct.

2. True South by Jon Else (Viking, non-fiction, on sale Jan. 24)

What it’s about: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Eyes on the Prize, Henry Hampton’s influential 1980s PBS series about the civil rights movement, written by one of the producers.

The buzz: “An illuminating look at racial strife and TV history,” says Kirkus Reviews.

3. Fatal by John Lescroart (Atria, fiction, on sale Jan. 24)

What it’s about: In this thriller, a married woman’s moment of infidelity leads to violent consequences.

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

4. Lara: The Untold Love Story and Inspiration for Doctor Zhivago by Anna Pasternak (Ecco, non-fiction, on sale Jan. 24)

What it’s about: A portrait of Olga Ivinskaya, mistress of author Boris Pasternak and inspiration for the great, tragic Soviet love story that became an acclaimed movie starring Omar Sharif and Julie Christie.

The buzz: Anna Pasternak is the great-niece of Boris Pasternak and had access to family sources.

5. The Fifth Letter by Nicola Moriarty (William Morrow, fiction, on sale Jan. 24)

What it’s about: Four female friends are ripped apart when one writes an anonymous, hate-filled letter revealing a long-held grudge.

The buzz:  Moriarty is part of the Aussie writing clan that includes sister Liane Moriarty (Big Little Lies); this is her debut U.S. novel.