Books: New and noteworthy

USA TODAY's Jocelyn McClurg scopes out the hottest books on sale each week.

1. Old Venus, edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois (Bantam, fiction, on sale March 3)

What it's about: A collection of 16 new stories about the planet Venus from sci-fi writers including Elizabeth Bear, Joe Haldeman and David Brin.

The buzz: Martin fans can console themselves with this editing gig as they wait (and wait) for book six in his Game of Thrones series.

2. Epitaph by Mary Doria Russell (Ecco, fiction, on sale March 3)

What it's about: Russell has the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral — and the story of Wyatt Earp and his future wife, Josephine — in her sights in this sequel to Doc (about Doc Holliday).

The buzz: "Epic and romantic," says Kirkus in a starred review.

3. Live Right and Find Happiness (Although Beer Is Much Faster): Life Lessons and Other Ravings by Dave Barry (Putnam, non-fiction, on sale March 3)

What it's about: The humorist muses on all sorts of things, from David Beckham to Home Depot commercials to Google Glass (bad idea).

The buzz: Here's a curmudgeonly antidote to the recent spate of books urging us all to be happy.

4. Tales From Another Mother Runner: Trials, Triumphs, Tricks, and Tips from the Road by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea (Andrews McMeel, non-fiction, on sale March 3)

What it's about: Personal essays from runners who also happen to be moms.

The buzz: Features a jacket blurb from Cheryl Strayed of Wild fame: "I found miles of inspiration in these entertaining, insightful essays. Makes me think next time I should run the Pacific Crest Trail!"

5. The Assassin by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott (Putnam, fiction, on sale March 3)

What it's about: In 1905, things turn deadly as Van Dorn Agency private eye Isaac Bell investigates John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil monopoly.

The buzz: The last Isaac Bell tale, The Bootlegger, landed at No. 8 on USA TODAY's Best-Selling Books list last year.