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Chekov's gun theory can be summarized: If you show a loaded gun in the first act, it must go off by the third act. (There are several minor variations of this theme.) The trick for writers/directors is to set up the thing that pays off later in a manner where the set up doesn't have a spotlight...

While the OP asked about books, I'm surprised that no one has suggested listening to director's commentary tracks and making-of featurettes. I've picked up many tips and pearls of wisdom that way. Robert Rodriguez's 10-Minute Film Schools are excellent and I've used his tip from the El Mariachi...