Creating An Anthology

Werewolf Love (Shiver) Book Trailer

The Good Fairies of New York

I went into The Good Fairies of New York with great expectations. I'd read a lot of blurbs that commented on how funny the book was. I thought Fairies was cute in some places, kind of amusing in others but in no way hilarious as the blurbs promised. I'll admit to feeling a bit gypped. I kept wondering when the real funny would start.

Are inept, drunken Scottish fairies who almost start a race war amongst the black and Italian fairies supposed to be funny? Is the slacker with bad hygiene and manners really the "hero" of the story? What about the girl with Crohn's disease who wants nothing more than to beat the man who jilted her in a local arts competition? Is she the heroine?

I am amazed by reviews that say the book provides insights into, among other things, "the plight of the homeless." The fairies notice when a homeless person dies. Is that what passes for insight these days?

I was totally disappointed by this book. Other people might find it outrageously funny. Humor is a subjective thing. If you've read it (or decided to read it) let me know what you think.

Buy The Good Fairies of New York

J.R. Ward & Jessica Andersen

Shiver Book Trailer

Totally Off Topic Post: The Story of Lizzie

Pets Alive is an animal shelter in New York state. Their tweets tell the story:

Just took in this precious little thing. Her name is Lizzie. She is just 3 months old. She is having seizures. Little Lizzie was left on the porch when her family moved. A neighbor found her days later.

Lizzie seizures getting worse. We are continuing to cover her medical care. Taking her to a specialist for ultrasound & liver test tomorrow.

Lizzie had to be left at specialist hospital. Not looking good for our girl.

Lizzie doing a little better today. She needs to have an MRI & a spinal tap to fully diagnose. We have thought a lot about it & the cost...

...& decided we need to try to give her a chance at life. Cost is over $1100...but if done she may have something treatable. If we don't ..

...then she will definitely die. If anyone can help with expenses...please do. We just can't give up on her if this is something fixable.

I know this decision will be controversial, to spend so much on ONE dog, but we feel that based on or philosophy we have an obligation to...

...every animal that comes into our facility to have fighting chance at life and a home. We hope you agree.

They really need your help. If you can give anything, even $5 please Click Here

I don't want this little girl to die.

Jayne Castle

Tempting Fate

Deader Still

Deader Still is the second book by Anton Stout featuring supernatural investigator and psychometrist Simon Canderous. Manhattan's Department of Extraordinary Affairs hasn't seen a vampire incursion for 737 days. When a boat load of people turned up with bite marks on their neck and missing blood, Simon is sure that the streak is over. Of course things are never that cut and dried when you're dealing with the "extraordinary." While some aspects of the crime fit vampires, some things just don't click. When a victim's ghost sends Simon and his partner Connor in a new direction it's anyone's guess where they'll end up.

I haven't read the first book in the series Dead To Me but I enjoyed this book without it. It's the mark of a good series when each books stand alone. This book made me want to read the first one. I love the quirky characters. Simon is a former crook whose past comes back to haunt him. He's dating a nerdy girl with an astounding magical talent. My one complaint is the villains. They strut perilously close to being caricatures of evil madmen. Mostly they're just annoying.

Deader Still is part dark urban fantasy and part paranormal procedural. A lot of it is tongue-in-cheek. Some parts, like the scenes at the New York Comic Con (where the department recruits new members) are funny bordering on silly. If you like your vampires mixed with ghosts, zombies and man eating book shelves this is the book for you.

Buy Deader Still

Jim & Shannon Butcher

The Cursed Clan Trailer