5 books not to miss: Karen Tumulty’s ‘Triumph of Nancy Reagan,’ Elizabeth McCracken stories

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 Tuesday.

1. ‘The Triumph of Nancy Reagan’

By Karen Tumulty (Simon & Schuster, nonfiction)

What it’s about: The definitive biography of one of the most politically influential first ladies in American history and an intimate look inside Ronald Reagan’s presidency.

The buzz: A starred review from Publishers Weekly calls it “a complex and engrossing portrait of one of the 20th century’s most quietly influential political figures.”

2. ‘The Souvenir Museum’

By Elizabeth McCracken (Ecco, fiction)

What it’s about: The author of “The Giant’s House” and “Bowlaway” releases a powerfully written new collection of short fiction that explores the mysterious bonds of family.

The buzz: “An astonishingly powerful collection worth multiple readings,” says a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.

3. ‘Love in Color: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold’

By Bolu Babalola (William Morrow, fiction)

What it’s about: This debut story collection retells love stories from history, mythology African legends and magical folktales, centering Black love.

The buzz: “The result is effortlessly readable, and the chemistry between characters and the focus on Black female empowerment will surely win over many romance fans,” says Publishers Weekly.

4. ‘What Comes After’

By JoAnne Tompkins (Riverhead, fiction)

What it’s about: The shocking murder-suicide of two teenage boys tears apart a Pacific Northwest community, as well as the families the boys left behind. But a pregnant 16-year-old unexpectedly offers hope and a way forward.

The buzz: Kirkus Reviews calls this “quiet portrayal of troubled lives” a “graceful debut.”

5. ‘One Got Away’

By S.A. Lelchuk (Flatiron, fiction)

What it’s about: Private eye (and bookseller) Nikki Griffin returns for a fresh case when a con man defrauds the matriarch of one of San Francisco’s wealthiest families.

The buzz: “This breakneck-paced thriller – while straining the bounds of believability at times – is unapologetically bloody fun,” says Publishers Weekly.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 books not to miss: Tumulty's Nancy Reagan bio, Elizabeth McCracken