RISE AND FLY: Tall Tales and Mostly True Rules of Bid Whist (Three Rivers Press, $12) by Greg Morrison and Yanick Rice Lamb

Background: This zippy guide offers easy-to-follow rules to bid whist, the popular card game that requires quick wit, a straight face and, some would swear, chicken wings and beer.

We like it because: Morrison and Lamb pack their pint-sized book with fascinating historical and cultural anecdotes, like tracing the game's origin back to Black Pullman car porters at the turn of the century.

Perfect for: Your next book-club selection. Order a whist set from Our Own Image, (937) 767-6741 or ourownimage.com.

HAARLEM (Harlem Moon/Broadway Books, $12.95) by Heather Neff

Background: Neff's sensitively drawn tale follows beleaguered hero Abel Crofton from Harlem to Haarlem in the Netherlands.

We like it because: Neff creates poetic and memorable sentences that make you smile.

Perfect for: Fans of Neff's previous works like Wisdom (One World/Ballantine, $13.95).

JOPLIN'S GHOST (Atria Books, $25) by Tananarive Due

Background: In her sixth novel, suspense master Tananarive Due conjures up another you-won't-sleep-tonight thriller featuring the spirit of Scott Joplin, the legendary pianist and father of ragtime.

We like it because: There are so many surprises like, well, we won't give that one away. But after reading Joplin's Ghost you'll never look at a piano the same way again.

Perfect for: Your friend who just can't get enough of Due's horror tales.

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