5 books not to miss: ‘Willie Nelson's Letters to America,’ Riley Sager's 'Survive the Night'

In search of something good to read? USA TODAY's Barbara VanDenburgh scopes out the shelves for this week’s hottest new book releases. All books are on sale June 29.

1. "Survive the Night," by Riley Sager (Dutton, fiction)

What it's about: Movie-obsessed college student Charlie Jordan is sharing the long drive home to Ohio with a man she just met – and whom she starts to suspect might be the Campus Killer, who murdered her best friend.

The buzz: "The novel satisfies like a summer blockbuster, nearly demands you stay until the final scenes and the lights come up," says a ★★★½ (out of four) review for USA TODAY.

2. “Willie Nelson's Letters to America,” by Willie Nelson with Turk Pipkin (Harper Horizon, nonfiction)

What it’s about: Following his memoir “It's a Long Story: My Life,” the country music superstar shares an epistolary collection of lyrics, memories, observations and wisdom.

The buzz: “Another amiable book that is just what you’d expect from Willie,” says Kirkus Reviews.

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3. “Hell of a Book,” by Jason Mott (Dutton, fiction)

What it’s about: A bestselling Black author goes on a cross-country publicity tour that turns into an exploration of racism and police violence in America.

The buzz: “By turns playful and surprising and intimate, a moving meditation on being Black in America,” says Kirkus Reviews.

4. “Bad Moon Rising,” by John Galligan (Atria, fiction)

What it’s about: Sheriff Heidi Kick tracks down a killer during a record heat wave in her rural Wisconsin community while embroiled in a nasty reelection campaign. Third in the Bad Axe County series.

The buzz: “Intriguing characters take a wild ride through backwoods Wisconsin in this irresistible mystery,” says a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.

5. “When Stars Collide,” by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (William Morrow, fiction)

What it’s about: In this Chicago Stars romance, quarterback and occasional underwear model Thaddeus Walker Bowman Owens finds love in an unlikely person: Olivia Shore, international opera superstar and total diva.

The buzz: "The thrilling suspense plot and intoxicating chemistry will hook new readers and returning fans alike. This is a page-turner,” says starred review from Publishers Weekly.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 books not to miss: ‘Willie Nelson's Letters to America,’ Riley Sager