AUBURN – New books for December are announced at the Auburn Public Library.

Fiction

“The Christmas Thief,” Mary and Carol Higgins Clark. Lottery winner-turned-sleuth Alvirah Meehan joins with private detective Regan Reilly to track down the 90-foot tree, destined for Rockefeller Center, that vanished en route to the city.

“Twisted,” Jonathan Kellerman. Overburdened homicide detective Petra Connor is skeptical when a nerdy LAPD intern studying patterns for his doctoral dissertation confronts her with a series of links between otherwise unrelated cold cases.

“Life Expectancy,” Dean Koontz. Koontz combines humor and suspense in his latest, about a young man grappling with the horrific events his dying grandfather predicted would befall him on five fateful days in his life.

“Silver Bells: A Holiday Tale,” Luanne Rice. Troubled by haunting memories of the past, a rugged Christmas tree farmer from Nova Scotia and a reclusive young librarian from the city cross paths amid the holiday magic of a glittering New York.

“Wolves Eat Dogs,” Martin Cruz Smith. In a case that leads him to the radioactive netherworld of Chernobyl, Moscow detective Arkady Renko struggles to learn why a successful businessman was found dead with salt scattered throughout his apartment.

“The Gift,” Nora Roberts. In two novellas of holiday romance, a reporter returns home to win the love of a woman from his past, and two mischievous twins get the best Christmas present ever.

Nonfiction

“The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on Life’s Journey,” Muhammad Ali. The former champion, afflicted with Parkinson’s disease, shares hard-won spiritual lessons in this meditation on success, love, friendship and respect.

“A Thousand Days in Tuscany: A Bittersweet Adventure,” Marlena de Blasi. Leaving the world she so vividly chronicled in “A Thousand Days in Venice,” de Blasi starts anew, delighting in the rhythms of a new setting even as she copes with the depressions of her husband.

“Hallelujah! The Welcome Table: A Lifetime of Memories with Recipes,” Maya Angelou. The collection of recipes and soulful, food-related recollections reveals a writer who cooks with the same zest for life with which she writes.

“The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul,” Phil Jackson. What was life really like with Kobe and Shaq? Why couldn’t the all-star Lakers beat the blue-collar Pistons for the title? Here coach Phil Jackson tells his side of a story as dramatic as a fourth quarter collapse.

“Maine 24/7,” Rick Smolan. The team that brought the successful series of photography books, “A Day in the Life of America,” returns with a new installment for each state. This one portrays Maine from The County to coast.

“The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness,” Stephen R. Covey. The author of “Seven Habits for Highly Effective People” applies his lessons to the business world by showing how, in developing a leadership voice, people can contribute to happier, more successful workplaces.

Children’s

“On My Way,” Tomie dePaola. In this autobiography for young people, the children’s author/illustrator shares highlights of his growing up in New England: his experiences in school, during holidays and in the public library. For readers in grades two through four.

“Ida B,” Katherine Hannigan. The feel-good book about an irrepressible girl, her home-schooling family and the way they confront change will have you laughing and crying. Written for children in grades four through six, but a treat for readers of all ages.

“Be Polite and Kind,” Cheri J. Meiners. The empowering picture book from Free Spirit Publishing helps young children understand how to behave respectfully toward themselves and to others. For kids in preschool to grade one.

“Emily and Albert,” Jan Ormerod. Emily the ostrich and Albert the elephant have a strange but lasting friendship. In this picture book of five adventures, they compare noses and share a good book. For kids in preschool to grade one.

“Mr. Putter and Tabby Write the Book,” Cynthia Rylant. On a snowy day, Mr. Putter decides to write a famous mystery novel, but numerous temptations interfere with his creativity. For children in kindergarten through grade two.

Copy the Story Link