Review written for ClubReading.com by Linda
The best short story writers pull you in quickly, setting that “hook” that writers talk about early. Then they involve the reader, and wrap up the story with a wonderful ending. The writers who never get the knack of writing short stories make it almost painful to read the story.
None of the writers in this collection are that bad, but several don’t seem to understand the requirements for a good story. At least one, and perhaps more, has the narrator die at the end of the story. This throws my world into a frenzy, as dead men (or women!) tell no tales. And while the book is suppose to be mysteries, several of the tales are more super-natural than mystery, which also bothers me.
But there are some gems here. “Hog Heaven” by Gillian Roberts is a must for every woman who was once made fun of, and a must for every man who made fun of those women. “A Poison that Leaves No Trace” by Sue Grafton was a wonderful story about betrayal and the lack of honor among thieves.
In short, like most collections, there are some gems and some not so bright and shining stories. But you might disagree with me on which are which!