This week’s column features a mixed bag of tricks from mystery to romance to nonfiction.

High Anxiety

By Charlotte Hughes

Jove, 2010, $7.99

This is the third of Hughes’ series featuring Dr. Kate Holly, a psychologist whose work seems to get her involved in crime of all kinds.

When her assistant, Mona, is out of work, a temp agency sends Abigail, who turns out to be as crazy as some of Kate’s patients. All the characters in these books have their funny moments.

The Golden Season

By Connie Brockway

Onyx, 2010, $7.99

Lady Lydia Eastlake is seeking a wealthy husband, and Capt. Ned Lockton has been informed by his brother that he must find a wealthy bride in order to save the family’s estates and position in society. It only stands to reason that these two should meet and fall in love. Neither realizes that the other is in dire straits until it’s too late. Will their passion for each other override the needs of their families?

Something About You

By Julie James

Berkley Sensation, 2010, $7.99

James writes contemporary romances that are both witty and sizzling. Cameron Lynde, an assistant U.S. attorney, must try to make her peace with FBI agent Jack Pallas. Jack blames her for his recent assignment to the boondocks. When Cameron overhears a murder in the hotel room next to hers, it’s Jack who ends up with the case, so they must work together in spite of their differences — and their passion.

Blonde With a Wand

Chick With a Charm

By Vicki Lewis Thompson

Signet Eclipse, 2010, $7.99

I’m really not into paranormal romances, but this series is so funny and well-written that I do enjoy it.

Sisters Anica, whose story is told in “Blonde With a Wand,” and Lily, subject of “Chick with a Charm,” both fall in love with mere mortals. Guess it’s a Samantha and Darrin thing. Anica turns her potential lover into a cat and can’t reverse the spell, and Lily slips a love potion into a drink, with the desired results — but then she realizes she will always wonder if it’s real love.

Little Boy Blues

By Malcolm Jones

Pantheon, 2010, $24.95

In the spirit of Truman Capote (sort of), Jones, a former newspaper reporter who now writes for Newsweek, recalls his Southern roots in this wonderfully written memoir. Readers don’t need to know anything about the author to enjoy every page.

Chasing the White Dog

An Amateur Outlaw’s Adventures in Moonshine

By Max Watman

Simon and Schuster, 2010, $25

Watman immerses himself in the world of moonshine and moonshiners, even trying his hand at brewing some of the white stuff, while imparting the history of the art from the early days of the country.

Contact Faye Dasen at fdasen@thepilot.com or (910) 693-2475.