USA TODAY’s Jocelyn McClurg scopes out the hottest books on sale each week.
1. "Spymaster" by Brad Thor (Atria, fiction, on sale July 3)
What it's about: In the latest in a series, counterterrorism operative Scot Harvath is called in when a secret organization starts attacking diplomats across Europe.
The buzz: Thor had five top 5 USA TODAY best-sellers between 2013-17.
2. "What to Read and Why" by Francine Prose (Harper, nonfiction, on sale July 3)
What it's about: Essays by the novelist about some of her favorite authors past and present, from Charles Dickens and Mary Shelley to Edward St. Aubyn and Jennifer Egan.
The buzz: "Prose passionately pushes great books and good writing … stimulating," says Publishers Weekly.
3. "How to be Famous" by Caitlin Moran (Harper, fiction, on sale July 3)
What it's about: British rock critic Johanna Morrigan (aka Dolly Wilde), all of 18 years old, has it all, except for the guy she loves, in this humorous sequel to "How To Build a Girl."
The buzz: "How to Build a Girl" is about to be made into a movie, with Beanie Feldstein ("Lady Bird") set to star.
4. "The Banker's Wife" by Cristina Alger (Putnam, fiction, on sale July 3)
What it's about: In this financial thriller, a young widow tries to unravel secrets left by her banker husband after he dies in a plane crash.
The buzz: "Alger perfectly nails her twisty plot … fast-paced," says Booklist.
5. "The Boy With the Perpetual Nervousness" by Graham Caveney (Simon & Schuster, nonfiction, on sale July 3)
What it's about: A memoir by a British writer who looks back at the sexual abuse he endured as an adolescent from his male English teacher, who was his mentor.
The buzz: "Raw, compelling, and darkly lyrical," says Kirkus Reviews.
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