Last Man Standing by David Baldacci (Warner; $26.95). An ambush in an alley has left the FBI's point man, Web London, the last man standing — and friends, colleagues and widows want to know why in Mr. Baldacci's newest thriller. Signing: 7 p.m. today Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Edwards and Madison roads, Norwood, 396-8960.

        Zigzagging Down a Wild Trail: Stories by Bobbie Ann Mason (Random House; $22.95). Ms. Mason has been exploring the psyches of Kentuckians in her fiction for decades. This summer, she released a fine collection of stories that a Booklist review said made rural America “seem exotic, strange, and mysterious.” She is touring again to promote the book. Signings: 7 p.m. today, Books & Co., 350 E. Stroop Road, Kettering (937) 298-6540; and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Edwards and Madison roads, Norwood, 396-8960.

        Lexi's Tale by Johanna Hurwitz (Seastar Books; $14.95; ages 8-11). The latest story by the prolific children's writer is about PeeWee, the literate guinea pig she introduced last year in the chapter book, PeeWee's Tale. In his new adventure, PeeWee (who was abandoned by his owners in New York City's Central Park) teaches his squirrel friend, Lexi, that some humans can be trusted. Signing: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, The Blue Marble, 1356 Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas, Ky., (859) 781-0602.

        The Water Hole by Graeme Base (Abrams Books for Young Adults; $18.95). Mr. Base is an Australian writer/illustrator who specializes in visually sophisticated picture books that can be appreciated by young and old alike. Beneath the splendid artwork in his newest are a counting lesson and other surprises that take readers to exotic locations around the world. Signings: noon Thursday, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Edwards and Madison roads, Norwood, 396-8960; and 7 p.m. Thursday, Books & Co., 350 E. Stroop Road, Kettering (937) 298-6540.

        — Sara Pearce

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