‘Devil House’ by John Darnielle, thriller Danya Kukafka: 5 new books

Looking for something good to read? USA TODAY Barbara VanDenburgh scour the shelves for this week’s hottest new book releases. All books go on sale Tuesday.

1. “House of the Devil”, by John Darnielle (MCD, fiction)

What is it about : From The Mountain Goats singer-songwriter and author of “Universal Harvester” comes a dark new novel about true-crime writer Gage Chandler, who moves into a house that has been the site of notorious murders.

The buzz: “An awe-inspiring meta-work that delivers the pleasures of true crime while skewering it,” says a starred review for reviews Kirkus.

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2. “From the South to America: A journey under the Mason-Dixon to understand the soul of a nation”, by Imani Perry (Ecco, non-fiction)

What is it about : A black, Alabaman-native scholar returns to the South with fresh eyes. While America’s soul is inextricably linked to the South, understanding the region’s history and culture is essential to understanding the whole country.

The buzz: “A graceful and finely crafted examination of America’s racial, cultural and political identity. Perry always delivers,” says a starred review by Kirkus Reviews.

3. “Notes on a performance”, by Danya Kukafka (William Morrow, fiction)

What is it about : The “Girl in Snow” author returns with an empathetic and gripping story about a serial killer on death row, told mostly from the perspective of the women in his life as time is running out for his execution.

The buzz: A opinion followed of Publishers Weekly calls it a “masterful thriller” and says “Megan Abbott fans will be thrilled”.

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4. “Goliath”, by Tochi Onyebuchi (Tordotcom, fiction)

What is it about : In her first adult novel and sci-fi epic, Onyebuchi sets her story in the 2050s, when those with wealth left Earth for space colonies, leaving those behind to save what they had. may remains in ruins.

The buzz:Weekly editors calls it “an urgent and magnificent work”.

5. “Defenestrate”, by Renée Branum (Bloomsbury, fiction)

What is it about : Twins Marta and Nick are haunted by their ancestral “falling curse” where their family members tend to die or get seriously injured in serious falls. Can they overcome old superstitions and their own personal demons?

The buzz: “A serious story, told brightly”, says a starred review by Kirkus Reviews.