Great new reads at the Maricopa Public Library

As we begin 2011, bibliophiles can rejoice as the Maricopa Public Library has a host of new books to enhance your reading pleasure, providing both information and adventure.

Fans of author Dean Koontz will enjoy his newest novel, “What the Night Knows.”  Detective John Calvino interviews fourteen-year-old killer Billy Lucas–a young man with no conscience. What’s more terrifying for Calvino is Billy’s knowledge of murders from 20 years ago. Even though he leaves the interview with a signed confession, the detective’s nights are never the same. 

WEB Griffin and William E. Butterworth IV are back with the sixth book in the Presidential Agent series entitled “The Outlaws.” Charlie Castillo and his team must uncover the truth about a series of photos found in a FedEx package showing barrels filled with bio-hazardous materials thought to have been destroyed.

Tami Hoag’s new book “Secrets to the Grave,” book two in the “Deeper Than the Dead” series takes readers to Oak Knoll, California. Marissa Fordham is found dead, and the only witness is her young daughter Haley. Sheriff’s Det. Tony Mendez and teacher turned child advocate Anne Leone investigate the mystery.  The problem at hand is that Marissa Fordham never existed. 

Bob Lee Swagger is on the trail of AWOL Marine sniper Ray Cruz a.k.a. the Cruise Missile in Stephen Hunter’s “Dead Zero.” Jack Ryan Jr. and his colleagues at the “Campus,” have fought an unofficial war with terrorists threatening western civilization.  In “Dead or Alive” by Tom Clancy and Grant Blackwood, Jack and friends are on the search for the terrorist known as Emir, who has eluded capture from top law enforcement agencies throughout the world.

When Arthur Conan Doyle killed the beloved Sherlock Holmes in 1893, Londoners were outraged. In 1901 he was resurrected much to the delight of his fans. Between 1893 and 1901, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle kept a series of journals with very detailed information in each of them. Upon Doyle’s death, one of those famous journals went missing. In Graham Moore’s “The Sherlockian,” Harold White, a literary researcher, has been inducted into The Baker Street Irregulars, and he uses his skills to investigate the murder of a Doylean scholar while searching for the missing diary. The multi-talented Steve Martin tackles the New York City art world in his new novel which features a young woman’s rise to the top in “An Object of Beauty.” 

Nora Roberts a.k.a. JD Robb is out with book 38 in the “In the Death” series. Eve Dallas is very angry in this new thriller, “Indulgence in Death,” which takes her into the world of her husband –a world of madness. Jayne Ann Krentz will delight readers who enjoy reading paranormal adventures in her newest book “In Too Deep.” This is the first in a new trilogy entitled: “Arcane Society: Looking Glass Trilogy.” Set in Scargill Cove, Calif., it’s the home of Fallon Jones, an investigator of the paranormal and a known recluse. Isabella Valdez is on the run; when she begins working for Jones they unearth a mysterious antique clock enmeshed with dark energy, and danger beckons.

Rounding out the newest in fiction is Sandra Brown’s “Love’s Encore.” Camille Jameson, a young decorator, was swept off her feet by Zack Prescott and thought she lost him forever. When she takes on the renovation of a Mississippi plantation, she’s unaware that the man she once loved will enter her life once again. Nora Roberts “Ever After,” the fourth book in the bridal series the “Bride Quartet,” puts the spotlight on Parker Brown.  Parker, the ultimate wedding planner, finds herself attracted to a mechanic named Malcomb Kavanaugh. Harry Turtledove offers readers a collection of stories in “Atlantis and Other Places: Stories of Alternate History.” Salman Rushdie tells the story of a young boy’s journey through a world of danger to save his father in “Luka and the Fire of Life.”

For fans of science fiction and fantasy Terry Goodkind provides readers with the inspiration for the “Sword of Truth” series entitled “Debt of Bones.” This is the prequel to that bestselling fantasy series. “Vortex Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi” finds Luke Skywalker searching for the reasons behind the fall of Jacen Solo.  

Young adults can enjoy “Last Sacrifice: A Vampire Academy,” the new novel by Richelle Meed. Queen Tatiana is dead and Rose, on trial for high treason, is being framed for the Queen’s demise. In James Patterson’s “The Gift,” Whit and Wisty are needed by “The One.”  Unbeknownst to Wisty, she possesses a gift, and the adventure begins in earnest, promising readers an exciting climax and the conclusion to the prologue in book one’s “The Execution of the Allgoods.” Sara Shepherd, author of “Pretty Little Liars,” has a new series beginning with “The Lying Game.” One twin sister has died and her long lost twin wants to find out who killed her. Erin Hunter’s “Night Whispers,” book three in “Warrior: Omen of the Stars,” finds Dovepaw, Lionblaze and Jayfeather wondering how they will win the next battle. The lingering question: who will die?

For those who prefer nonfiction, there is a feast of titles to choose from. George W. Bush shares with readers some of the key decisions of his life in and out of office in “Decision Points.” Latin singer Ricky Martin takes readers into his world with his memoir “Me.”  Many books have been written about singer Frank Sinatra, but James Kaplan promises something different in “Frank: The Voice.” This is the first volume of a planned two volume set on the life of this famous entertainer.

The correspondence between chef Julia Child and Avis DeVoto takes center stage in Joan Reardon’s “As Always, Julia: The letters of Julia Child and Avis DeVoto: Food, Friendship and the Making of a Masterpiece.” Finally, those ever present Kardashian women tell you a few secrets of their own in “Kardashian Konfidential.”

Maya Angelou, well-known poet and novelist, shares her love of good food in “Great Food, All Day Long: Cook Splendidly, Eat Smart.” Sarah Palin shares her views on many subjects in “America by Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith, Flag.”

Having trouble understanding your man? Comedian and radio personality Steve Harvey gives information on how to start in “Straight Talk, No Chaser: How to Find, Keep and Understand a Man.” The wisdom of grandfathers is passed on in Erin Bried’s “How to Build a Fire: And Other Handy Things Your Grandfather Knew.” Expecting a baby this year? Explore the pages of the Baby Names Almanac 2011 by Emily Larson. Could a thank you note change a life? 

John Kralik tells his story of a life burdened by negativity in both the personal and professional arenas and how its changed by acknowledging those with gratitude who have come into his life in “365 Thank Yous: How Simple Acts of Daily Gratitude Changed a Life.” Closing out the newest in non-fiction is a self-help book for women, “It’s Not Him, It’s You!: How to Take Charge of Your Life and Create the Love and Intimacy You Deserve” by Laura Berman.

There you have a feast of new reads to keep you busy on chilly winter nights here in Maricopa. Happy reading!

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Roberta Cianciosi is an avid reader, an educator and a published writer.