Each fall of the year, authors who we’ve come to know and love are publishing their newest novels. Of course, the runaway hit of the summer has been J. K. Rowling’s sixth Harry Potter book. The first printing of 10.8 million copies of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” is the largest such printing for a hardcover release in this country. The previous record holder was “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”, which came out in 2003 with a first run of 6.8 million.

Some of the more popular adult writers will be the object of my attention in this column. Prolific thriller writer James Patterson published two books this summer, “4th of July”, which is part of his series about a women’s murder club---a group of San Francisco women who solve crimes—and his second title of the summer was “Lifeguard”.

The latest from best-selling crime author Michael Connelly is “The Closers”. His hallmark character, Harry Bosch, is back in Los Angeles, working on the unsolved murder of a 16-year old.

“Fight Club” author Chuck Palahniuk has “Haunted”, which charts the trials of a group of aspiring writers brought together for a three-month author retreat in an abandoned theater.

Another “must read” is by first-time author, Elizabeth Kostova, called “The Historian”. The story is about a young girl who discovers her father’s dark secret and sets out to find him in Europe when he goes missing. Publisher Little, Brown and Company, of course, is hoping this book will replicate the success of another tale about a quest, “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown. “The Historian” is that same wonderful blend of history and real thrills---I think you’ll fall in love with this novel, it delivers a fantastic read.

Nicholas Sparks brings back two characters from his bestseller “True Believer” in his newest addition to the continuing saga of extraordinary love between Jeremy Marsh and the love of his life Lexie Darnell---“At First Sight”. As Marsh looks forward to the birth of his first child, old wounds are reopened, setting off a chain of events that will change the course of his marriage.

“A Breath of Snow and Ashes” by Diana Gabaldon has been eagerly anticipated by her legions of fans. This is the sixth novel in her bestselling Outlander Saga. It is truly a masterpiece of historical fiction from one of the most popular authors of our time. Now, “A Breath of Snow and Ashes” continues the extraordinary story of 18th-century Scotsman Jamie Fraser and his 20th-century wife, Claire.

The author of “The Horse Whisperer”---Nicholas Evans—has come up with another wonderful story. “The Divide” involves a woman wanted for murder and acts of terrorism. She’s found embedded in ice in the backcountry. What trail of events led the once joyous, golden child of a loving family so tragically astray? And how did she die? Evans keeps the suspenseful story moving right along.

I almost resent the phrase used to describe my next choice to recommend---chick-lit. It’s insulting on so many levels, but the publishing world didn’t consult with me before they started tagging these novels with such a disgusting phrase. “Lipstick Jungle” is by Candace Bushnell (She happens to be the author of “Sex and the City”). Well, maybe I’m being a little too harsh! Anyway, “Lipstick Jungle” revolves around three powerful, sexy career women who will do anything to stay at the top of their respective fields in this page-turner of sex and scandal.

A book loaded with espionage and intrigue is “Point Blank: An FBI Thriller” by Catherine Coulter. FBI agents Lacey Sherlock and Dillon Savich face the most dangerous case of their careers; and it all begins when Savich is nearly killed while trying to rescue a kidnapped entertainer.
A mystery by Robert B. Parker is always anxiously awaited. The Spenser novel is a celebrated series that continues in Parker’s latest book, “School Days”. A troubled teenager accused of a horrific crime draws Spenser into one of the most desperate cases of his career.

Wherever your taste lies, Columbus Public Library has a genre that will satisfy your reading pleasure. Please contact me if you would like help choosing a title.