The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

Patricia Campbell lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband, Carter, and her two children, Korey and Blue. She is thrilled when she finds five friends to be in a true-crime book club. Patricia, Kitty, Slick, Grace, and Maryellen are all traditional Southern housewives who spend their days cleaning, cooking, and supporting their husbands and children. However, when James Harris moves into their community and Patricia's mother-in-law, Miss Mary, is convinced she knew him when she was young, Patricia's suspicions about him begin to rise. What evil could James Harris possibly be doing in their neighborhood? The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires is lighthearted horror tale of women taking charge to save their families and town. It's not for the squeamish, though. It will be published in April.

A Royal Affair by Allison Montclair

Iris and Gwen, owners of the Right Sort Marriage Bureau, are asked by Gwen's cousin, Lady Matheson, to investigate a possible blackmail plot against the royal family. It looks like an engagement is imminent between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and there appears to be someone who has damaging information on the Prince's family that could stop the marriage from occurring. In their effort to discover the truth, Iris and Gwen find themselves embroiled with British intelligence, the Greek community in London and others whose motives are not clear. A Royal Affair is the second book in the delightful Sparks and Bainbridge series. Don't miss it if you like mysteries full of witty dialogue and heart. It will be published in June.

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner

As the small village of Chawton is recovering from World War II, several residents begin to bond over their love of Jane Austen's novels. Dr. Benjamin Gray, farmer Adam Berwick, and former local schoolteacher Adeline Grover decide that, because Chawton was the last home of Jane herself, there should be some type of museum devoted to her in the town. While it's a great idea, it isn't until more members are recruited that things really get off the ground. Will the society be able to succeed with their plan when the estate once owned by Jane's brother, Edward, looks to be sold? The Jane Austen Society is a leisurely-paced novel exploring the lives of the characters in the town. It will be published in May.

Above the Bay of Angels by Rhys Bowen

In 1896, after her family has fallen on hard times, Isabella goes into service as a maid. When an opportunity arises to interview for a cook position at Buckingham Palace, Isabella jumps at the chance, even though it's under false pretenses. After getting the job, Isabella finds that she has a gift for cooking and becomes a trusted member of Queen Victoria's household. However, the memory of her privileged upbringing and the fear of losing her job are never far from her mind. When love possibly comes her way, will Isabella choose a career over being a wife? Above the Bay of Angels is another delightful read from author Bowen with lots of descriptions of what life was like in the royal household.

The Wild One by Nick Petrie

Peter Ash is finding it difficult to keep his PTSD at bay. When Catherine Price asks Peter to travel to Iceland and bring her young grandson, Oskar, home, he agrees to take on the job, even though he knows others have failed at the task. Oskar was taken to Iceland by his father, Erik, after Oskar's mother, Sarah, was murdered in Washington D.C. Soon after his arrival, Peter learns that the U.S. government is ordering him to be on the next plane back to America in two days time. Peter wonders why the government is getting involved, and it's his nature to not want to follow any authority. The Wild One takes Peter through Iceland's harsh environment on his quest to find Oskar and keep him safe. A great read-alike for Lee Child and those looking for a new thriller series. However, newcomers are advised to start at the beginning of the series with the book, The Drifter.

The Words I Never Wrote by Jane Thynne

In 1936, Cordelia is not happy about sister Irene's wedding to wealthy German industrialist Ernst. Irene and Cordelia were very close growing up on the family's English estate, Birnbaum Park. However, with Irene's move to Berlin, Cordelia worries about the great distance between them and about Irene giving up her painting career. It turns out that Cordelia's fears are not unfounded, as Irene finds herself immersed in the upper echelons of the Nazi party, shocked and appalled about what is going on around her. Cordelia, meanwhile, is living in Paris and working as a journalist. The Words I Never Wrote explores the lives of Cordelia and Irene during World War II and it's aftermath, along with the contemporary story of Juno, who buys Cordelia's old typewriter and finds an unfinished novel in the typewriter case that leads her to want to know more about Cordelia and her life. A great read-alike for Lilac Girls, The Women in the Castle, and Jennifer Robson.