Complete book coverage for July 5, 2009

A corpse with mysterious dog bites sends a redemption-seeking ex-con into the L.A. world of dog fighting.

July 5, 2009

A writer’s meditation on a Japanese poet-priest springs from an unexpected, private source of inspiration.

July 5, 2009

Fiction Weeks on list1.The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (Doubleday: $26.95) A novelist in 1920s Barcelona takes a dangerous writing assignment.1 2.The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly (Little, Brown: $27.99) A recently downsized reporter investigates a serial killer who uses his computer job to find his victims.4 3.Shanghai Girls by Lisa See (Random House: $25) Two sisters from Shanghai encounter tragedy and heartbreak as they are sold into arranged marriages in 1930s Los Angeles.4 4.Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer (Little, Brown: $19.99) Bella must choose between her lover and a friend, between life and death505.Relentless by Dean Koontz (Bantam: $27) A bestselling novelist encounters a sociopathic book critic, and dangerous consequences ensue.36.The Bourne Deception by Eric Van Lustbader (Grand Central: $27.99) Presumed dead, Jason Bourne takes on a new identity to track down his assassin.17.Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (Little, Brown: $22.99) The final book in the “Twilight” saga finds Bella choosing immortality. 478.A Short History of Women by Kate Walbert (Scribner: $24) Five generations of one family take on the 20th century.19.The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan (Disney Hyperion: $17.99) Percy Jackson and his army of demigods battle to stop the Lord of Time. 8 10.Knock Out by Catherine Coulter (Putnam: $26.95) An FBI agent tries to rescue a telepathic girl while tracking a bank robber on a killing spree.1 11.Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith (Pantheon: $23.95) In the latest installment of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, Precious Ramotswe is in need of her own investigative skills. 8 12.My Father’s Tears by John Updike (Knopf: $25.95) The author’s 12th and last collection of short stories.2 13.Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney (Amulet: $12.95) Greg’s dad enlists him in sports to toughen him up. 21 14.Finger Lickin’ Fifteen by Janet Evanovich (St.

July 5, 2009

Fiction 1.

July 5, 2009

Why do some publishers release some serial mysteries out of order? The unfortunate case of Fred Vargas.

July 5, 2009

Owen Davies’ ‘Grimoires: A History of Magic Books’ and a new edition of ‘The Hammer of Witches.’

July 5, 2009