A PERKY SOUTHERN SLEUTH goes undercover at a combination spa and psychics’ retreat. Alas, all too muddled.

ANNE LAMOTT’S LOVING memoir of her grandson’s first year of life (written with his dad and mom) melts the heart.

THE END OF THE HAWAI’IAN monarchy and the rise of the “sugar kings” come alive in this fascinating history.

MARVELOUSLY ABSORBING SPACE opera, set in an artificial solar system. Lots of action! Last of 5 in a series.

“MIAMI’S OLDEST DETECTIVE,” 87-year-old Harry Lipkin, is the star of this witty, warmhearted gumshoe tale.

THE LINDBERGH BABY KIDNAPPING, reviewed and reopened in the light of memories from New York’s German community.

INCISIVE, DEEPLY PERSONAL reflection on the impact of AIDS and gentrification on New York’s queer avant-garde.

KEENLY DRAWN PORTRAIT of a mother pushed beyond rationality by the sudden death of her young daughter. Chilling!

COMPLEX THRILLER TRACES an apocalyptic battle of angels and the plight of humans caught up in the struggle.

REVISITING THE FAMOUS psychiatric case written up as “Sybil” reveals collusion, overinterpretation, and fraud.