Prepub alert.

FICTION

Bank, Melissa. The Wonder Spot. Viking. Jun. 2005. 368p. ISBN 0-670-03411-8. $24.95. CD: Penguin Audio.

Pitched as both literary fiction and high-class chick-lit, this follow-up to Bank's blockbuster The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing features feckless Sophie Applebaum of Surrey, PA. With a 12-city tour.

Benedict, Elizabeth. The Practice of Deceit. Houghton. Jun. 2005. 288p. ISBN 0-618-56371-7. $23.95.

When therapist Eric Lavender discovers that lawyer wife Colleen has been hiding some nasty secrets, she makes sure he runs afoul of the law. From the author of Almost, an NPR Best Book of the Year; with a four-city tour.

Brown, Dale. Act of War. Morrow. Jun. 2005. 384p. ISDN 0-06-075299-8. $25.95. CD: HarperAudio.

It's international terrorists, set to attack the world's oil refineries, vs. ruthless terrorist hunters with high-tech weapons and a certain disregard for the law.

Bujold, Lois McMaster. The Hallowed Hunt. Eos: Morrow. Jun. 2005. 480p. ISBN 0-08-057462-3. $24.95.

The Hallow King is near death, crazy Prince Boleso has been murdered, and Lord Ingrey must save the kingdom. From a multiple Nebula, Hugo, and Locus award winner

Clowes, Daniel. Ice Haven. Pantheon. Jun. 2005. 88p. ISBN 0-375-42332-X. $18.95.

This graphic novel transports us to the nutty Midwestern town of Ice Haven. With a six-city tour.

Connolly, John. The Black Angel. Atria: S. & S. Jun. 2005. 320p. ISBN 0-7434-8786-9. $25.

What's the mysterious Black …