The fiction titles for April are quite exciting. As I did for the new April nonfiction, I’m going to give you an overview of MY HITS (High Interest Title Selection) in my domain – Fiction.

This month, we have big news for Tolkien fans. The Children of Hurin was incomplete at the master's death leaving his son, Christopher, to prepare the manuscript for publication. This work is the prequel to “The Lord of the Rings” and is set in the same universe.

In other fiction news, Anita Shreve revisits the New Hampshire seaside in a wonderful new novel entitled “Body Surfing,” and Christopher Buckley riffs on generational politics in his new book: “Boomsday.”

Mystery readers will be looking for a new offering by Stuart Woods: “Fresh Disasters: A Stone Barrington Novel.” Martin Cruz Smith brings back Gorky Park’s Detective Arkady Renko, and Alexander McCall Smith has a great new read for the fans of far-away mysteries. Carol Higgins Clark brings back Regan Reilly and her new husband Jack. Of course their honeymoon turns into a suspenseful journey, filled with Irish history and lore. We'll see new suspense titles: Mary Higgins Clark’s title tells it all -- “I Heard That Song Before.” Jonathan Kellerman will grab you at the very beginning with his newest Alex Delaware Novel, “Obsession.” And “Absolute Fear” by Lisa Jackson certainly keeps the suspense and mystery till the very end. Thriller fans will be on the edge of their seats with a new title by David Baldacci --- “Simple Genius”—a heart-pounding race against time to expose those who would tip the entire global power structure and destroy life as we know it. In the same genre, Ted Decker’s twisting, unpredictable story of revenge begs the question “What is beauty?” in his latest offering “Skin.” Eric Jerome Dickey thrives on fast-paced, deadly and sensual novels that are impossible to put down. “Sleeping with Strangers” is no exception. While introducing a great new bad-boy narrator, a hit man who goes by the name of Gideon, we are given the chance to catch up with some of our favorite characters.

In the historical fiction category, Arthur Phillips entertains with a Victorian ghost story while Tracy Chevalier imagines the world of William Blake in “Burning Bright.” She has bought to life, with her fine eye for historical detail, a London that is romantic, sweeping, and thoroughly researched.

We'll also see new romantic suspense by Karen Robards in her latest electrifying novel, “Obsession.” There are also romance titles by Dorothea Benton Frank and Fern Michaels. Frank specializes in resilient characters who survive thanks to a saucy combination of grit and humor. Check out “Land of Mango Sunsets.” It’s full of joy, wisdom, and love. The latest hardcover from Michaels puts the focus on an exciting adventure reminiscent of her bestselling “Revenge of the Sisterhood” series. Pick up “Marriage Game.” I promise you won’t regret it.

Notable debuts this month include a Vatican thriller called “God’s Spy” and a novel of occupied France --- “April In Paris”--- which happens to be quite a thrilling page-turner by a promising new writer, Michael Wallner. In addition, James Patterson’s co-author ventures out in a thriller of his own. Andrew Gross makes “The Blue Zone” a sensational solo debut. It has a great combination of breakneck pacing and emotional resonance.

Look for these and other fine novels in April.

Have you been able to participate in “One Book- One Columbus?” The Friends Group has put so much effort into this year’s selection, “Marley and Me,” by John Grogan. There have been contests, both essay and photo; canine movies for the kids; story times devoted to our furry friends; as well as special presentations by dog trainers, vets, and 4-H clubs. We hope that as the events come to a close you’ll be able to say you’ve participated in at least one of the offerings for “One Book -- One Columbus.” We especially want to thank Tooley Drug Store for agreeing to carry the book, “Marley and Me.” It certainly was very generous of them to have this item for sale during the city-wide event.

Happy reading!