And, yes, still more fall books I'm excited about:
The Twelve by Justin Cronin (Ballantine Books, October 16) Finally, the second book in the Passage trilogy. In the present day, three strangers attempt to navigate the chaos of a manmade apocalypse, searching for others, desperate to survive. Move 100 years into the future, where the cast of The Passage... well, if you haven't yet read The Passage, hop to, and prepare for the next high-adrenaline ride in Cronin's world.
The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro (Algonquin Books, October 23) In 1990, in the largest unsolved art heist in history, 13 works of art were stolen from Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum by two thieves posing as police. In Shapiro's novel, struggling artist Claire Roth agrees to forge one of the stolen paintings--a Degas masterpiece--in exchange for her own show. Not surprisingly, many layers of deceit ensue.
The Racketeer by John Grisham (Doubleday, October 23) In the history of our country, only four active federal judges had been been murdered. Judge Raymond Fogletree became number five, along with his young secretary. The narrator knows who killed him. The narrator is an imprisoned lawyer. Prime Grisham territory.
Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver (Harper, November 6) Set in contemporary Appalachia, a story of a young mother, a mysterious ecological event (sign from God or portent of climate disaster?) and the ensuing media firestorm.
Eight Girls Taking Pictures by Whitney Otto (Scribner, November 6) Otto's novel explores the ambitions, passions, conflicts and desires of eight female photographers during the 20th century. She offers a history of feminism and photography--a must read especially for admirers of Margaret Bourke-White, Tina Modotti, Imogene Cunningham and, oh, maybe 100 others.
Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan (Nan A. Talese, November 13) During the Cold War, Cambridge student Serena Frome is recruited by MI5 to infiltrate the literary circle of a young writer in order to manipulate the "cultural conversation." Betrayal, love and intrigue by a masterful writer--more reason to anticipate November. --Marilyn Dahl, reviews editor, Shelf Awareness