The Blondes by Emily Schultz

Canadian student Hazel Hayes is grappling with a major life decision when she witnesses a violent incident in the New York subway — a blonde woman suddenly attacks a stranger. Within hours, similar assaults occur worldwide as blonde women — natural and not — are infected with a sudden, fatal plague. As Hazel tries to escape north, will she be able to escape the possible enemy within? An engaging, satirical study of our beauty-obsessed society and the idea that looks really can kill.

The Blondes by Emily Schultz, $30.