Can't-Wait-to-Read Books: Fall & Winter Edition

It seems like it's been a long time since I wrote about books I wanted to read (rather than reviewing books I'd already read). Back in the summer, I wrote about books I was taking to Africa; before that, I posted three separate posts about books I was looking forward to reading during a beach trip and, even earlier in the year, books I was planning to read over spring break.

I always tell you all about my Christmas wish list for books, but there are so many books that have recently released or are going to be published soon that I just couldn't wait until then. I keep a running list of books I want to read, some old, some new, but here are the books I absolutely can't wait to read from this fall and winter:

Flash and Bones by Kathy Reichs: The latest in the Bones-inspiring series brings Tempe Brennan back to North Carolina and to the scene of a crime -- in the middle of a Nascar race. Although I must admit the racing aspect doesn't get me excited, any book with Tempe is a good book. (August 23, 2011)

V is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton: It truly seems like forever since a new Kinsey Milhone book released, when in fact it's only been two short years ago. The problem is that I came into the series late, so I read the first dozen or so books back-to-back. Then I had to wait until the next one and the next one were published. Kinsey is always worth the wait, though, as readers are transported back to the 1980s California for another classic private eye mystery.
(November 16, 2011)

Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich: Stephanie Plum almost lost me for a while, but -- like so many other well-written series -- she pulled me back in towards the end. In Smokin' Seventeen, which released earlier this year, Plum was back in her element, and I was enamored once again with her series. Evanovich built upon that good feeling and has written another novel in the series to release later in the same year. I, for one, can't wait. (November 22, 2011)

The Drop by Michael Connelly: This one is a bit of a cheat, as I've already read it. But it needs to be on your can't-wait-to-get-my-hand-on list. Look for a full review closer to the release date, but suffice it to say Harry Bosch is at his absolute best in this novel. And Connelly isn't half-bad, himself. (November 28, 2011)

Red Mist by Patricia Cornwell: I am a mystery series fan (in case you hadn't noticed), and Kay Scarpetta is one of my longtime favorite characters. In her latest forensic adventure, Cornwell sends Kay on a mission to discover the truth behind an employee's death. Although the Scarpetta series suffered for a book or two, I have really enjoyed the last couple of books from Cornwell, and I expect to like this one just as much. (December 6, 2011)

Breakdown by Sara Paretsky: Yes, it's another series novel. And yes, that means if you're behind you  have a lot of reading to do. But that's okay, because in this case each and every book will be well worth your time. Paretsky is a master at building both character and suspense. V.I. Warshawski is simply the best P.I. in Chicago, and Paretsky never fails to make her tales both highly entertaining and relevant in today's world. (January 3, 2012)

A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson: No, it isn't a series novel, but anything by Jackson is sure to be excellent. There is absolutely no doubt that this latest novel will be full of southern charm, dark shadows, and strong-willed women. Those have been the building blocks of Jackson's writing, and I don't expect this book will disappoint. (January 25, 2012)