Unusual SuspectsAnthology
Edited by Dana Stabenow
ACE
December 2, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-441-01637-2
Book Blurb:
All-new from the top names in mystery and fantasy- including a never-before published Sookie Stackhouse story from Charlaine Harris!
This follow-up to Powers of Detection showcases bestselling and award-winning names from Simon Green to Laurie King to Sharon Shinn-with original stories featuring otherworldly investigators trailing uncanny criminals across fantastical realms. From video game characters seeking civil rights and a cave dragon loan shark pondering an investment, to Santa Claus's Australian vacation and an enemy of Sam Spade's out for revenge-plus visits to the Nightside and Sookie Stackhouse's hometown- these stories will take readers around the world on a magical mystery tour.
My thoughts:
Lucky by Charlaine Harris – When Sookie’s insurance agent stops by with concerns of a break-in at his office, she and her housemate Amelia do some detective work to take down the culprit.
Bogieman by Carole Nelson Douglas – When the body of a CinSim is discovered with a corkscrew from the Inferno Bar in its chest, Snow recruits Paranormal Investigator Delilah Street to solve the mystery.
Looks are Deceiving by Michael A. Stackpole – Someone is trying to kill Duke Serean Darikean so he calls upon Primin to find and stop the murderer. With Kellach watching his back what they discover is surprising, but even more startling is the Duke’s reaction to the news.
The House of Seven Spirits by Sharon Shinn – A writer in the midst of divorce, Erica needs a quiet place to live and get her life back together. In the process, she’ll help change the afterlives of the ghostly residents of the home she chooses to rent.
Glamour by Mike Doogan – When his daughter goes missing and his wife has no clue where to look, Alf finds himself working with a stranger to locate her. He wasn’t nearly as surprised that she’d gone missing as he is to find out where she’s been.
Spellbound by Donna Andrews – With a witch setting her sights on Master Justinian, and a murder to investigate, Gwynn is busy keeping an eye on everyone. It seems that the conference being held at their Westmarch College of Magical Studies has just brought more trouble than any of them could have anticipated.
The Duh Vice by Michael Armstrong – Sometimes taking simple advice to heart is the right way to go. For this Resource Allocation officer his failure to heed that advice will find him all alone in a shack near Boundary.
Weight of the World by John Straley – When one elf is found dead and another goes missing, Santa calls off their yearly vacation to get to the bottom of things. The killer’s actions will bring forth some interesting changes for Santa and his helpers.
Illumination by Laura Anne Gilman – From the letter she receives, it’s easy for Bonnie to see that her father, Zaki, is in trouble. He’s a gambler, and this time he may have cost himself more trouble than Bonnie wants to handle.
The House by Laurie R. King – Brad and his friends have an assignment due for school and have chosen the empty house in their neighborhood as their subject. When one of their small group disappears, one of the remaining kids will realize the shocking truth.
Appetite for Murder by Simon R. Green – With a serial killer on the loose, Sam Warren and Ms. Fate team up to uncover the clues. Only one of this investigating pair will be smart enough to discover and capture the murderer.
A Woman’s Work by Dana Stabenow – Seer and Sword are sent to Pylos to hear charges and dole out justice in the King’s name. They’ll uncover a surprising secret in the midst of judging a criminal for the most heinous of crimes.
Filled with creative tales from twelve top writers, Unusual Suspects is an entertaining collection of short stories that should please fans of both mystery and fantasy. Readers will enjoy suspenseful visits to worlds they’ve previously journeyed to, and will also be introduced to captivating new places they’ll wish to visit again. Unusual Suspects is a follow-up to Powers of Detection (ACE; 2004).
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
9 comments:
I would get this on the strength of the Harris and Douglas stories alone but there seems to be quite a few gems here. Thanks for the summaries!
i'm going to have to look into both of these.
SciFiGuy - I would have as well, but I'm sure that you'll enjoy many of the other stories. :)
HagelRat - Hope you enjoy reading them when you get the chance. :)
Hi, remember me? LOL.
I'm supposed to be getting this one to review, can't wait! Lots of my favorite authors. :)
hmmm....aren't you that girl with the book addiction? *grin* How's it going Nurse Wendy?
I love when we get those short stories between books in our favorite series. Hope you enjoy it! :)
Hey Kimberly
Lots of great authors in this one! Sounds good and I loved your review.
Hi Rachael - Lots of stories to choose from, and some nice little escapes to favorite 'worlds'. Thanks! :)
I liked the last anthology edited by Dana Stabenow and hope this one is just as good. I would usually just get this because of Charlaine Harris but all her short stories in the anthologies of late were very poor.
I think that you'll find quite a few in this anthology that you'll enjoy. :)
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