Books: New and noteworthy

• New World War II history is also an inspiring Christmastime tale
• 'Downton Abbey' companion volume is timed to Season 3
• Smiths fans, quit that moping and check out Tony Fletcher's history of the band

We scope out the hottest books on sale the week of Dec. 16.

1. A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II by Adam Makos with Larry Alexander (Berkley, non-fiction, on sale Dec. 19)

What it's about: The true story of a German fighter pilot who mysteriously didn't take the chance to shoot down a badly damaged American bomber over Germany – four days before Christmas 1943.

The buzz: "Military historian and aviation enthusiast Makos… delivers a top-notch narrative," says Publishers Weekly.

2. The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era by Jessica Fellowes and Matthew Sturgis (St. Martin's Press, non-fiction, on sale now)

What it's about: A fully illustrated companion volume to the hit PBS series starring he Crawley family, which is about to return for Season 3 (hail Shirley MacLaine!).

The buzz: Fans who can't wait for the premiere on Jan. 6 can get their Downton fix early; the author is the niece of series creator Julian Fellowes, who penned the introduction to the book.

3. SEAL Team 666 by Weston Ochse (Thomas Dunne, fiction, on sale now)

What it's about: You've heard of SEAL Team Six. Introducing SEAL Team 666, a top-secret special-ops unit charged with protecting the USA against demons, mass-murdering cults and plain old evil.

The buzz: Here's the publisher's buzz phrase: "SEAL Team Six meets Stephen King." Not a bad tagline, considering how well books about SEAL Team Six have done this year.

4. The Book of Mormon: The Testament of a Broadway Musical by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone (Newmarket, non-fiction, on sale now)

What it's about: The official tie-in book to the hit Broadway musical, featuring more than 700 color photos and drawings.

The buzz: Arrives just in time for the holidays – and timed to a national tour.

5. A Light That Never Goes Out: The Enduring Saga of the Smiths by Tony Fletcher (Crown Archetype, non-fiction, on sale now)

What it's about: The backstage story of one of the greatest bands of the '80s, England's The Smiths.

The buzz: "An up-to-date and revealing rock biography that sets a standard of completion that will likely prove hard to beat," says Kirkus Reviews.