All Kinds of Things

 

Vivian Forest has been out of the country a grand total of one time, so when she gets the chance to tag along on her daughter Maddie’s work trip to England to style a royal family member, she can’t refuse. She’s excited to spend the holidays taking in the magnificent British sights, but what she doesn’t expect is to become instantly attracted to a certain private secretary, his charming accent, and unyielding formality.

Malcolm Hudson has worked for the Queen for years and has never given a personal, private tour—until now. He is intrigued by Vivian the moment he meets her and finds himself making excuses just to spend time with her. When flirtatious banter turns into a kiss under the mistletoe, things snowball into a full-on fling.

Despite a ticking timer on their holiday romance, they are completely fine with ending their short, steamy affair come New Year’s Day. . .or are they?

Pages: 304

Plenty of historians can tell you which president had the most effective economic strategies, and which president helped shape our current political parties, but can any of them tell you what to do if you encounter Chester A. Arthur in a bare-knuckled boxing fight? This book will teach you how to be better, stronger, faster, and more deadly than the most powerful (and craziest) men in history.

Pages: 255

A collection of tales to invade and paralyse the mind as the safe light of day is infiltrated by the shadows of the night. As you read, the clutching fingers of terror brush lightly across the nape of the neck, reach round from behind to clutch and lock themselves, white-knuckled, around the throat.

This is the horror of ordinary people and everyday objects that become strangely altered; a world where nothing is ever quite what it seems, where the familiar and the friendly lure and deceive. A world where madness and blind panic become the only reality.

Pages: 409

I don't think it needs an introduction, plus that description is way too long. 

Pages: 835

Ghosts of the Shadow Market by Cassandra Clare

 Pages: 617

"The Shadow Market is a meeting point for faeries, werewolves, warlocks and vampires. There the Downworlders buy and sell magical objects, make dark bargains, and whisper secrets they do not want the Nephilim to know. Through two centuries, however, there has been a frequent visitor to the Shadow Market from the City of Bones, Brother Zachariah.  Follow and see, against the backdrop of the Shadow Market’s dark dealings and festive celebrations, Anna Lightwood’s first romance, Matthew Fairchild’s great sin and Tessa Gray plunged into a world war. Valentine Morgenstern buys a soul at the Market and a young Jace Wayland’s soul finds safe harbor. In the Market is hidden a lost heir and a beloved ghost, and no one can save you once you have traded away your heart. Not even Brother Zachariah..."

I will read anything from the Shadowhunter universe at this rate and getting to follow Jem and Tessa even more? Sold! My favorite part of this universe is still the Clockwork trilogy with the Dark Artifices a close second. This brings them both together with eight short stories that all had me smiling (my favorite being The Land I Lost). 

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare

 

Pages: 673

"Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy’s illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. Written by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, and Robin Wasserman, these moving and hilarious short stories are perfect for the fan who just can’t get enough of the Shadowhunters."

I know, I'm addicted. But this was a nice break from the main books and I enjoyed the chance to follow Simons character growth from one series to another. Some books were better than others, my favorite being "Born to Endless Night." Magnus is an amazing character and this story was so pure!

The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm: Tales from Alagaësia

 The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm

By Christopher Paolini

Pages: 288

"It's been a year since Eragon departed Alagaësia in search of the perfect home to train a new generation of Dragon Riders. Now he is struggling with an endless sea of tasks: constructing a vast dragonhold, wrangling with suppliers, guarding dragon eggs and dealing with belligerent Urgals and haughty elves. Then a vision from the Eldunarí, unexpected visitors and an exciting Urgal legend offer a much-needed distraction and a new perspective."

This was such a fun little visit to the world of Alagaësia. I have always loved the inheritance series and thoroughly enjoyed a little peek into what some of my favorite characters have been up to. And proves that Christopher Paolini can write a short book!

The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness

 The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness

By Joel ben Izzy

Pages: 256

"The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness is that rare, magical book—a book that tells a good story but also shows us how the tales we learned when we were children shed light on our adult lives. Joel ben Izzy had the unusual opportunity to relive those lessons when he lost his voice and reconnected with his old teacher, Lenny, a retired storyteller. Through his meetings with Lenny, Joel rediscovers the wisdom of ancient tales and takes us on a journey into a world of beggars and kings, monks and tigers, lost horses and buried treasures—and in the end tells us the secret of happiness."

I really enjoyed this little memoir. Each chapter started with a short story that was applicable to the chapter of the storytellers life. This book is a reminder to find the happiness in your own story, and that sometimes what seems to be a curse is really a blessing.

Tales from the Hinterland by Melissa Albert

So it's like....a Grimm's Fairy Tales
I wish I had read this closer to when I read the series because then I would like...really catch the references.
240 Pages

Beasts and Beauty: Dangerous Tales by Soman Chainani

Ok but I love this. It's a collection of fairy tales in short story form, rather than like....a whole book-full.
Soman Chainani making me feel things, and crying. Did one scene remind me of the episode of The Twilight Zone that attacks me on a personal level. Yes. 
 336 Pages

An Apple for the Creature by Charlaine Harris

 An Apple for the Creature by Charlaine Harris

Pages: 336

Rating: 3 out of 5 star

This short story collection features scary tales set in schools. Is the teacher really a creature, or does the teacher need to be worried about her students?

This collection features a Sookie Stackhouse story, Playing Possum.

Dead But Not Forgotten: Stories from the World of Sookie Stackhouse

Title: Dead But Not Forgotten: Stories from the World of Sookie Stackhouse

Editors: Toni L. P. Kelner and Charlaine Harris

Pages: 352

Stars: 4 out of 5 stars 

You know a book series is popular when the fans clamor for more stories and more information about characters after the author has officially ended the series AND written a book to explain what happens to each of the characters after the final book. Charlaine Harris wasn't sure about turning her beloved Bon Temps and the characters over to other authors, but she was pleased with what the 15 invited authors submitted. 

The stories included in Dead but Not Forgotten are:

"Nobody's Business" by Rachel Caine (featuring Kevin Pryor & Kenya Jones)
"Tyger, Tyger" by Christopher Golden (featuring Quinn)
"The Real Santa Claus" by Leigh Perry (featuring Diantha)
"Taproot" by Jeffrey J. Mariotte (featuring Andy Bellefleur)
"Knit a Sweater Out of Sky" by Seanan McGuire (featuring Amelia)
"Love Story" by Jeanne C. Stein (featuring Adele Hale Stackhouse)
"The Million-Dollar Hunt" by Jonathan Maberry (featuring Mustapha Khan)
"Borderline Dead" by Nicole Peeler (featuring Desiree Dumas)
"Extreme Makeover Vamp Edition" by Leigh Evans (featuring Bev & Todd)
"Don't Be Cruel" by Bill Crider (featuring Bubba)
"What a Dream I Had" by Nancy Holder (featuring Alcide Herveaux)
"Another Dead Fairy" by Miranda James (featuring Claude & Claudia Crane)
"The Bat-Signal" by Suzanne McLeod (featuring Luna)
"The Sun, The Moon, and The Stars" by Dana Cameron (featuring Pam Ravenscroft)
"Widower's Walk" by MaryJanice Davidson (featuring Eric Northman)

Dead but Not Forgotten was edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner.

Unusual Suspects: Stories of Mystery & Fantasy

Unusual Suspects: Stories of Mystery & Fantasy edited by Dana Stabenow

Pages: 306

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

This collection of short stories combines mysteries with paranormal fantasy. 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.

"Lucky" by Charlaine Harris -- a Sookie Stackhouse short

"Bogieman" by Carole Nelson Douglas

"Looks are Deceiving" by Micheal A. Stackpole

"the House of Seven Spirits" by Sharon Shinn

"Glamour" by Mike Doogan

"Spellbound" by Donna Andrews

"the Duh Vice" by Michael Armstrong

"Weight of the World" by John Straley

"Illumination" by Laura Anne Gilman

"the House" by Laurie R. King

"Appetite for Murder" by Simon R. Green -- a Nightside short

"A Woman's Work" by Dana Stabenow

Down These Strange Streets edited by George R. R. Martin

Down These Strange Streets edited by George R. R. Martin

Pages: 479

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Urban fantasy where mystery waits at the end of every alley and things that go bump in the night have something to fear...

1 The Bastard Stepchild - George R.R. Martin
2 Death by Dahlia - Charlaine Harris
3 The Bleeding Shadow - Joe R. Lansdale
4 Hungry Heart - Simon R. Green
5 Styx and Stones - Steven Saylor
6 Pain and Suffering - S.M. Stirling
7 It's Still the Same Old Story - Carrie Vaughn
8 The Lady is a Screamer - Conn Iggulden
9 Hellbender - Laurie R. King
10 Shadow Thieves - Glen Cook
11 No Mystery, No Miracle - Melinda M. Snodgrass
12 The Difference Between a Puzzle and a Mystery - M.L.N. Hanover
13 The Curious Affair of the Deodand - Lisa Tuttle
14 Lord John and the Plague of Zombies - Diana Gabaldon
15 Beware the Snake - John Maddox Roberts
16 In Red, with Pearls - Patricia Briggs
17 The Adakian Eagle - Bradley Denton

Home Improvement: Undead Edition edited by Toni L.P. Kelner and Charlaine Harris

Home Improvement: Undead Edition edited by Toni L.P. Kelner and Charlaine Harris

Home Improvement: Undead Edition edited by Toni L.P. Kelner and Charlaine Harris

Pages: 340

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Using the theme of home renovation, Kelner and Harris invited other authors to share paranormal short stories, and this collection is the fun result! 

This is the fourth anthology that Kelner and Harris have teamed up on following from Wolfsbane and Mistletoe, Many Bloody Returns and Death’s Excellent Vacation.

Includes:
"If I Had a Hammer" (Sookie Stackhouse #12.5) by Charlaine Harris
"Wizard Home Security" by Victor Gischler
"Gray" (Mercy Thompson #0.5) by Patricia Briggs
"Squatters' Rights" by Rochelle Krich
"Blood on the Wall" by Heather Graham
"The Mansion of Imperatives" by James Grady
The Strength Inside by Melissa Marr
"Woolsey's Kitchen Nightmare" by E.E. Knight
"Through This House" (October Daye series 4.5) by Seanan McGuire
"The Path" by S.J. Rozan
"Rick the Brave" (Downside Ghosts series 3.5) by Stacia Kane
"Full-Scale Demolition" (Spellcrackers.com series 0.5) by Suzanne McLeod
"It's All in the Rendering" by Simon R. Green
"In Brightest Day" by Toni L.P. Kelner

Games Creatures Play (Sookie Stackhouse #13.5 - The Blue Hereafter)

Games Creatures Play (Sookie Stackhouse #13.5 - The Blue Hereafter) edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner

Pages: 356

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner co-edit another fun collection of paranormal short stories, this time using the theme of sports and games. Harris gives Sookie Stackhouse fans another short story featuring Sookie and introducing her readers to Manfred, the main  character of the Midnight, Texas series. 

The Blue Hereafter by Charlaine Harris

Hide and Seek by William Kent Krueger

False Knight on the Road by Mercedes Lackey

Ice by Laura Lippman

Jammed by Seanan McGuire

Dreamer by Brandon Sanderson

Case of the Haunted Safeway by Scott Sigler

Stepping into the Dead Zone by Jan Burke

Dead on the Bones by Joe R. Lansdale

The Devil went down to Boston by Caitlin Kittredge

On the Playing Fields of Blood by Brendan Dubois

The God's Games by Dana Cameron 

Prise de Fer by Ellen Kushner

Hide and Shriek by Adam-Troy Castro

Bell, Book and Candlepin by Toni L.P. Kelner

The Sookie Stackhouse Companion (Sookie Stackhouse #10.5 - Small-Town Wedding)

The Sookie Stackhouse Companion (Sookie Stackhouse #10.5 - Small-Town Wedding) by Charlaine Harris

Pages: 461

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Charlaine Harris gives fans of True Blood and of the Sookie Stackhouse series, what they have been asking for - a definitive guide to the world of Sookie Stackhouse.

This book includes a short story that takes place before Dead Reckoning. Sookie accompanies her friend and boss, Sam, to his sister's wedding. Trouble seems to follow Sookie wherever she goes, but this time, it has more to do with Sam and his family.

Also included in the book are information about Bon Temps, some of the characters' houses, Tara's dress shop and Merlotte's. Recipes from previous stories are shared including Caroline Bellfleur's famous chocolate cheesecake. There are trivia questions from the series and insights into Sookie's thoughts.

Death's Excellent Vacation

Death's Excellent Vacation edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner

Pages: 339

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Because everyone - and everything - needs a break from the routine, Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner return with an all-new story collection of members of the paranormal world taking a vacation. 

This was a fun read. A chance for the authors to have fun with some of their regular characters. Sookie Stackhouse and her vampire friend Pam go on a weekend getaway, a demon takes a trip to Paris, a shifter ends up protecting an heiress from supernatural hit men while on vacation and ten other short stories involving the furry, strange, and sometimes grotesque.  

Wolfsbane and Mistletoe

Wolfsbane and Mistletoe edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner

Pages: 340

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

This short story collection was edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner and includes fifteen original tales set at Christmas time with a werewolf theme. The collection also includes an original Sookie Stackhouse story, set between books 8 and 9 in the series.

This was a fun read. Perfect to read around Halloween and Christmas time both. Some of the werewolves are sad, some are scary and others show how human the creatures can be in these short stories. There are a variety of authors, some new, some established including Donna Andrews, Simon R. Green, Kat Richardson, Patricia Briggs, and Nancy Pickard. 

Crimes by Moonlight: Mysteries from the Dark Side

Crimes by Moonlight: Mysteries from the Dark Side Edited by Charlaine Harris

Pages: 358

Rating 3 out of 5

Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse series and several mystery series, edits this collection of short stories about crimes and vampires. The volume includes a short story set in the world of Sookie Stackhouse and the events in the story occur between books 7 and 8 of the series.

Other authors in the collection are mystery writers but for some this was their first venture into supernatural fiction. They include: Steve Brewer, Dana Cameron, Max Allan Collins and Mickey Spillane, Barbara D'Amato, Carolyn Hart, Toni L. P. Kelner, Lou Kemp, William Kent Kreuger, Margaret Mahon, Elaine Viets and others. 

The Beadworkers by Beth Piatote

The Beadworkers by Beth Piatote

Pages: 208

Rating: 3 out of 5

A collection of writings about Native American life in the contemporary world. The mixed-genre works find unifying themes in the strength of kinship, the ache of longing, and the language of return. A formally inventive, witty, and generous, the works in this collection draw on Indigenous aesthetics and forms to offer a powerful, vision of Native American life in modern America.

Midnight Bites (The Morganville Vampires #Shorts collection)

Midnight Bites (The Morganville Vampires #Shorts collection) by Rachel Caine

Pages: 540

Rating: 5 out of 5

A collection of short stories set in Morganville, TX. Stories are told from a variety of character viewpoints. While some are just for fun, most add depth and history to the series characters. Rachel Caine makes it worth your while to track down her short stories that  belong with this series.

Straight Outta Deadwood

Straight Outta Deadwood edited by David Boop

Pages: 288 

Stars: 3 out of 5 stars

Short story collection from paranormal writers with all of the stories set in the Wild West. They were also required to document any facts given about real people in their stories, such as when and where Doc Holliday died. The authors clearly had fun with this task, some included characters from their regular series while others wrote a stand-alone paranormal western. Those are two words I never imagined putting together in a book review, but this was fun to read.