Teeth, Long and Sharp

by Grace Draven, Antioch Grey, Aria M. Jones

IVORIES by Aria M. Jones - Eleanor resents the afternoons sacrificed to piano lessons and a disagreeable teacher who gloats over her failures and humiliations. Today, it’s Mrs. Lundemann’s turn for a sacrifice of a very different nature…

NIGHT TIDE by Grace Draven - Something hunts the surf at night, luring villagers to their deaths with a lullaby of sorrow and the torture of nightmares. Blessed with the gift of water-sight, Zigana Imre senses the presence of an ancient predator possessing a taste for human flesh sweetened by grief. With the help of a child of earth, she will battle a spawn of the sea to protect a loved one and save a man who will one day save a world.

THE NOISE OF FUR by Jeffe Kennedy - The first time, it came at night…

In the forest, a Thing prowls, picking off members of young Raven’s tribe. If they flee their home, they face starvation. If only Raven can answer the question of what kind of fur makes that noise.

VENETRIX by Antioch Grey - A merchant and a poet come to the City, seeking justice for the murder of a relative, and if justice cannot be found, they will have revenge. They collude with vampires, negotiate with mermaids, share ale and meat pies with gargoyles and navigate the prisons, waterways and court system of a city ruled by a Master possessing long life and even longer teeth.

The City will make you a fortune, or it will kill you, but it will always change you.

THE VAMPIRES OF MULBERRY STREET by Aria M. Jones - Living the simple life in small town Indiana, Mrs. H has everything she could possibly ever a cozy house, peace and quiet, and a garden that is the envy of Mulberry Street. But when sinister outsiders disrupt the tranquility of her neighborhood, it might be time for her to come out of retirement and take up tools more deadly than pruning shears and a trowel.

VOICE OF THE KNIFE by Mel Sterling - Biologist Charles Napier doesn’t mind getting lost in a Florida swamp—it’s part of a scientist’s job. Logic and training will get him out safely. Except lurking in this swamp, there’s a monster Napier’s science can’t explain...a lonely, exquisite, desperate monster.

~Foreword by Ilona Andrews~

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Horror, Urban Fantasy, Anthologies, Vampires, Romance

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2016

About the author

I'm an author and Louisiana native living in Texas with my husband, three smalls and a big doofus dog. I have lived in Spain, hiked the Teton Mountains, honeymooned in Scotland, ridden in competition rodeo and am the great great granddaughter of a Nicaraguan president. I also hate doing laundry and refuse to iron anything.

I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.

Reviews

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of stories that seems to be cut someplace between Steven King and Alfred Hitchcock since they are all a bit creepy but sadly a couple of them seem to carry that “mysterious” vibe to the point that they did not tell a whole story and left you trying to fill in blanks, if you like this type of writing, you will love it, me …… not so much. I should be honest about a couple of things, I seldom really enjoy short stories because either I get left with a longing for more or I feel cheated. I am not a big horror fan since I enjoy HEA and that is the exact opposite of most horror stories. So here is my take on this collection, the order of the stories might be different than the final book since it was an ARC.

THE VAMPIRES OF MULBERRY STREET – by Aria M. Jones - 4 Stars

This story was one of the ones I really wanted more of since the grandmotherly figure that is our heroine in this story was a real surprise and one tough old broad. The problem is that at the point I was REALLY getting into this story it was over and all that delicious revenge I wanted to read about was not forthcoming sadly. I have to admit that in those first few pages I never imagined the story would become as engrossing as it did, maybe she has or will add a few pages in another book telling me what happens next. I think I could have given this one 5 Stars if she had actually finished the story completely but then again, I am a revenge junkie and not getting to read about the revenge you know is coming was disappointing.

THE NOISE OF FUR – by Jeffe Kennedy – 3.5 Stars

I suppose this one might be more in line with the title of this collection but I found it more horror than anything else. Raven keeps hearing strange noises that belong to some unseen predator and having violent dreams. The truth is they don’t know what it is and you are fed bits of information to get a true picture of Raven and her clan. The ending of this story was not what I expected …… although I am not 100% sure what I did expect if I am honest. Once again I am left with too many questions and to repeat myself, short stories are not my forte’.

Venetrix – by Antioch Grey – 4.5 Stars

This story touched 2 of my favorite things and this story did them right if perhaps a wee bit lackluster at the end but revenge and dry humor done well are hard to beat. This story is basically about 2 kinsmen who are wanting revenge for their relative but can’t actually do it without getting hanged themselves. I love a great con job also so make that 3 things, all done well.


Ivories – by Aria M. Jones – 2 or 5 Stars

This could have been a great story, even with my limited imagination I could have taken this and made a great story out of it, instead we get something that looks like an assignment in a writing class. I have to say that for me it was almost a waste of time. You had pages of nothing much, a hint of something here and there, the reader is given almost nothing and apparently was supposed to make up a story from the framework of this homework assignment from class. I am working hard here not to do any spoilers but I am not even sure why this story is even in this book (or any book). It does give your imagination a workout if you are into “What do YOU think happened?” as a plot but there is really not much of a story. So if you like making up your own story from a few words thrown together then this might be 5 Stars for you, for people like me that want an actual story with a beginning, middle and end, this was a generous 2 Stars.

Voice of the Knife – by Mel Sterling – 4.5 Stars

I really liked this one, it was one of the longer stories and the extra effort showed since there was a lot more background to the story. Napier was a bit of a contradiction since he was supposed to be a total tough guy with specialized military training who is now a biologist looking for a rare woodpecker (yes, writers go where real people fear to tread). The story was engaging, addicting and seriously creepy but it does actually have a beginning, middle and end to this story. Obviously one of my favorites in this creepy collection.

Night Tide – Grace Draven – 5 Stars

WOW, a jewel to finish this collection it seems. Zigana is an unlikely heroine and the monster that is part of this story is pretty scary. As with most short stories I can’t say a lot about it without spoilers and so just this to whet readers’ appetites. A shrimp trawler, who must face down a creature of the ancient deep.

The hint of unrequited love seems to give the ending a bit of a sadness that I am not sure what to make of it since I know we will see this heroine again in one of the Wraith Kings books.

It kept my attraction all the way through and left me in a good place even with a few questions about the future.

So when I average all these rating it came out to something like 3.91 so 4 Stars it is.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This anthology has a couple of novellas in it. Scary? Not really. Just you know, stories.

IVORIES by Aria M. Jones
A kid hates playing the piano. And something strange will happen during the lesson. To be honest I am still not sure what happened. I must have missed something.

NIGHT TIDE by Grace Draven
I liked this one. Something is out there in the water, our heroine has water sight or what it was called, and something needs to be done. We also learn about her village and family. But there was one thing that rubbed me the wrong way, certain feelings she had. It just made me dislike her at the end.

THE NOISE OF FUR by Jeffe Kennedy - The first time, it came at night…
There is something hunting in the forest killing. What is it?
I was reading and noticed 3 names that means Raven in other languages, so I checked, and yes it was a theme. I liked that, very cool. Nice twist too.

VENETRIX by Antioch Grey
It has promise, but it went on too long. Which is a weird thing saying about a novella. I just wish they had cut to the chase. But the world was interesting and it would be a good fantasy novel.

THE VAMPIRES OF MULBERRY STREET by Aria M. Jones -
This one was a bit, what is happening? The whole X thing came around so what? Anyway vampires, a nice old lady next doors. What will happen?

VOICE OF THE KNIFE by Mel Sterling -
This one had a really slow beginning, but then it picked up as the guy goes further into the swamps, and there is something there...there it did get interesting.

So yes, not scary. Just paranormal stuff with no happy endings. Bad things will happen, bad things are out there and want blood. Some good, some got better. As always then.

Interesting stories

[RachelW (BamaGal) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only read Night Tide. Another great fantasy tale by Grace Draven, set in the fringes of the "Wraith Kings" world. Looking forward to reading more about Zigana, as her story was left deliciously open-ended.

Thank you to Melindeeloo for the loan...

[Kara-karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

IVORIES BY ARIA M. JONES 7.5/10

This as a creepy little short which started promising but ended very abruptly. So abruptly, I couldn't make sense of it.

* * *

Очень короткая история, очень атмосферная и жутковатая. Однако обрывается она так внезапно, что я ничего не поняла.


NIGHT TIDE BY GRACE DRAVEN 8.5/10

As always I'm in awe of Grace's tidy, full of meaning and untold past, short story. This novella was fully fleshed out, beautiful and melancholic. I am hoping it will lead to a full novel as the characters were delicious.

* * *

Как обычно, я в восторге от авторского стиля Грэйс Дрэйвен. Даже маленькая повесть у неё вышла аккуратной, красивой, меланхоличной и полной умолчанного прошлого. Очень надеюсь, что герои получат продолжение в полноценном романе, так как очень они были вкусными.


THE NOISE OF FUR BY JEFFE KENNEDY 5/10

I don't know why I just can't enjoy Jeffe's writing beyond her first fantasy book, but this story absolutely failed to interest me. I forced myself to skim through it right to the end.

* * *

Я не знаю почему мне не везёт с творчеством Джефф Кеннеди, но так получилось, что мне ничего из её книг не нравится помимо первой фэнтезийной книги. Повесть эта совершенно меня не заинтересовала, и я её быстро пролистала до конца.


VENETRIX BY ANTIOCH GREY 8/10

What a fantastic novella! A beautiful world of imaginary Venice with sharp-toothed mermaids and vampires, treachery, old magic and assassins. Bang on characters! This is another author I'll be on the lookout for, an author who managed to cram so much yumminess in so few words.

* * *

Фантастика просто а не повесть! Красивый мир сказочной Венеции, где в каналах плавают острозубые русалки, а городом правит не менее острозубый Мастер вампир. Эта Венеция или Венетрикс полна старой магии, опасных заговоров и наемных убийц. Характеры шикарные! Беру автора на заметку, ибо талант.


THE VAMPIRES OF MULBERRY STREET BY ARIA M. JONES 8/10

Another great short from this author. I really liked her style. It reminded me of Sunshine by Robin McKinley. There was just something very steadfast and comforting about a little grandma vampire slayer with Romanian roots. I do hope there is more to her story.

* * *

Ещё одна прекрасная повесть от Арии М. Джонс. Мне прям очень нравится ее стиль. Он напомнил мне "Солнышко" от Робин МакКинли. Что-то было очень комфортное и степенное в престарелой охотнице на вампиров. Надеюсь, что эта история получит продолжение.


VOICE OF THE KNIFE BY MEL STERLING 8.5/10

This was by far the creepiest novella in anthology. The swamp with its green-eyed monster was so atmospheric, I could almost smell, hear and taste it. Charles was a great character, and the whole thing was like Tales from The Crypt. *shivers* Awesome ending!

* * *

Это была самая жутковатая повесть сборника. Болото с его зеленоглазым монстром было настолько атмосферным, что мне чуть ли не передавались запахи, звуки и вкусы, окружавшие главного героя. Чарльз конечно был героем в классике жанра ужасов, да и концовка оказалась классной. Рекомендую.

[FV Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original review posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-teeth-...

Ivories by Aria M. Jones

Eleanor resents the afternoons sacrificed to piano lessons and a disagreeable teacher who gloats over her failures and humiliations. Today, it’s Mrs. Lundemann’s turn for a sacrifice of a very different nature.

Eerie short story that begins with a young girl arriving at her piano lesson and ends with… Well, I’ll let you find out for yourselves how this one ends. I was sucked in and the weird non-ending left me even more intrigued.

Night Tide by Grace Draven

Something hunts the surf at night, luring villagers to their deaths with a lullaby of sorrow and the torture of nightmares. Blessed with the gift of water-sight, Zigana Imre senses the presence of an ancient predator possessing a taste for human flesh sweetened by grief. With the help of a child of earth, she will battle a spawn of the sea to protect a loved one and save a man who will one day save a world.

Want a little taste of what is coming up soon for Ms. Draven? Well, Night Tide introduces a heroine in an upcoming Wraith Kings book. As always, this author weaves a suspenseful, fantastical tale that will leave you thinking long after you’ve read the last word. Zigana is a strong, brave heroine who must risk herself in order to save everyone in her small fishing village. The only thing that left me confused about my feelings toward this novella was Zigana’s interactions with another character introduced. It was obvious they had a deep connection, and in my head I knew that it could never be because of who he was to our heroine, but nonetheless I felt like they were meant to be. Which in the end left me sad, and hopeful, and wondering where Ms. Draven would take these characters in the future.

The Noise of Fur by Jeffe Kennedy

The first time, it came at night…

In the forest, a Thing prowls, picking off members of young Raven’s tribe. If they flee their home, they face starvation. If only Raven can answer the question of what kind of fur makes that noise.

I wonder if it’s just me or if other readers had no idea where this was going until the very end. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this short, but the ending left me wondering if I had missed something. Which means that yes, I probably missed something, so I went back and read it all over again.

Venetrix by Antioch Grey

A merchant and a poet come to the City, seeking justice for the murder of a relative, and if justice cannot be found, they will have revenge. They collude with vampires, negotiate with mermaids, share ale and meat pies with gargoyles and navigate the prisons, waterways and court system of a city ruled by a Master possessing long life and even longer teeth.

The City will make you a fortune, or it will kill you, but it will always change you.

I really enjoyed the world-building in this novella. It had the feel of a full length novel, but without the word count. This is another entry in this anthology that I hope becomes something more later on.

The Vampires of Mulberry Street by Aria M. Jones

Living the simple life in small town Indiana, Mrs. H has everything she could possibly ever want: a cozy house, peace and quiet, and a garden that is the envy of Mulberry Street. But when sinister outsiders disrupt the tranquility of her neighborhood, it might be time for her to come out of retirement and take up tools more deadly than pruning shears and a trowel.

Creepy vampires move across the street and Mrs. H must come out of retirement in order to save the neighborhood! VAMPIRE HUNTING GRANNY! I KNOW! I almost didn’t want this novella to end. I feel like Mrs. H could have her own series hunting down the creatures that no one else knows about, all the while tending to her garden and visiting with her neighbors. I’d read that in a minute.

Voice of the Knife by Mel Sterling

Biologist Charles Napier doesn’t mind getting lost in a Florida swamp—it’s part of a scientist’s job. Logic and training will get him out safely. Except lurking in this swamp, there’s a monster Napier’s science can’t explain…a lonely, exquisite, desperate monster.

This was one of my favorites of the collection. More horror than fantasy in my opinion, it follows Charles as he searches the Florida swamp for a mythical bird and in the end finds something much different. Bravo to Ms. Sterling as I had no idea what in the world would happen to our MC until the very end, and even then I kind of hoped that I would turn the page and find a ‘to be continued..’

[Vicki Stiefel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel Sterling, Antioch Gray, Grace Draven, Aria Jones, and Jeffe Kennedy have concocted six delicious and horrific tales to give you shivers and thrills in the night. Teeth, Long and Sharp is a unique treasury of amazing tales— each story seethes with marvelous characters, inimitable style, and a miasma of spooky dread. Some will amuse. Others will make you tremble. All will thrill you. Finally, I must give a special shout out to Grace Draven's tale, "Night Tide," which will chill the bones, yet warm the hearts of Eidolon readers everywhere. A perfect pre-Halloween compendium.

[Molly Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initial Thoughts: I was fascinated by the grouping of stories. Varied with creatures and endings, I found it very difficult to put down. Though not all endings were happy, there were certainly fascinating. I loved the suspense and imagination that went into each story. Please click on the link to my full review posted at That's What I'm Talking About blog: http://twimom227.com/2016/10/review-t...

[Melindeeloo]

I enjoyed the Grace Draven short, and the one with the vampire hunting granny.

[PointyEars42 · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Ivories[2/5] A well written but unfortunately underwhelming start and definitely not indicative of the rest of the stories in this collection. I actually put the book aside after reading this, thinking the rest must also be as dull understated, and it’s a damn shame because then you get to...

2. Night Tide[5/5] I might be a fan of the author, but I had no idea she could write like this! Creepy and poignant with a part-fantasy part-historical flavour, this actually left me unsettled and reluctant to turn the lights out, which the written word hasn’t done to me in ages. If there’s only one story you read in this anthology, it needs to be this.

3. The Noise of Fur[3/5] Enjoyable, particularly right up until you realise who the protagonist and villain are... then I was Team Fur all the way.

4. Venetrix[4/5] This is Ellen Kushner’s Swordspoint meets the Doctor Who episode “The Vampires of Venice”. I was on the fence for a while but in retrospect I actually lived it.
5. The Vampires of Mulberry Street[3/5] This one (both the story & the protagonist) treads softly and carries a big stick – this is what the author’s first story “Ivories” didn't quite get right.

6. Voice of the Knife[2/5] This didn't really work for me for the same reason it might appeal to others – this has the most obvious scary monster in the book & the most traditional TSTL protagonist behaviour.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I needed a Grace Draven story to get me through my Grace Draven drought...
I read the first story about the piano teacher and was somewhat confused with its ending...not really sure what happened there but it certainly wasn't spooky. Not that I was expecting anything scary or horrifying but it was definitely lacking.
Anyway onto Grace Draven's short...ding ding ding...winner...it was what I needed to get me through until the next full length novel appears. Crossing fingers that will be soon.
TBH I didn't actually read the other shorts in this book at this time. I do plan to go back and finish it just not sure when that will be.

[Ria Lize · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ivories- 2/5
Night Tide- 4/5
The Noise of Fur- 2/5
Venetrix- 3/5
The Vampires of Mulberry street- 3/5
The Voice of the Knife- 1.5/5 Hated the ending :(

Average- 2.58/5
~~~~~~~~~
Creepy, but overall, some of the endings left me unsatisfied.

[Eleonora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved Grace Draven’s story, it deserves 5 stars.
3 stars to the other stories, they are good but forgettable.

[Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read Night Tide by Grace Draven; which doesn't show up as a separate title on GR.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

I should have saved this one for Halloween. Some of the stories in this collection are absolutely raise the hair on the back of your neck scary. And the rest are fairly creepy. Think of this one as horror for people who don’t really like horror.

Like me.

My favorite story in this collection, hands down, is Venetrix by Antioch Grey. It’s the one story in the collection that feels most like paranormal or alt-history-type fantasy, and is the least, well, creepy. Instead we have an alternate Venice where everyone is wearing a mask, even if they are not, and creatures who are varying shades of not-quite-human mingle with the more usual denizens of the city – the humans AND the vampires. The crux of this story centers on one group of the otherworldly, the mermaids who live in the canals and the harbor and trade with the humans. And they are more than willing to avenge the death of someone who was actually willing to talk with them and hear what they had to say. This world, with it’s hidden dangers and it’s ultra-communicative masks, is a place I would love to visit in a longer work. And the ending was spectacular in its devious cleverness.

The Venice in this story reminded me a lot of the Venice in Jon Courtenay Grimwood’s The Fallen Blade. Which was awesome.

I also really liked Grace Draven’s Night Tide, which is another story about the creatures of the sea. And also reads like fantasy as much as it does horror. There’s a creature living out beyond the waves of this fishing village, and it is luring the villagers to their deaths. Zigana Imre and her marvelous horse Gitta battle both the creature and the darkness of their own hearts. At the end of the story, Zigana has triumphed over the monster with the help of the one man she should never be near – her sister’s husband. The ending is open – evil is vanquished, but Zigana will have a battle ahead to rein in her own desires.

The trawling horses in this story are absolutely awesome.

Ivories by Aria M. Jones is a fun little story that borders on horror. At the same time, it has a definite appeal to anyone who has ever endured unwanted lessons, particularly music lessons, at the hand of a sadistic teacher. This is one where the just desserts definitely taste sweet, but in the mouth of something that is best not identified completely.

I found both The Noise of Fur by Jeffe Kennedy and The Vampires of Mulberry Street by Aria M. Jones to be interesting but not quite as arresting as Venetrix or Night Tide. However, the heroine of Mulberry Street reminds me of a Granny Weatherwax in a way that brought a smile of memory to this reader. She’s just that kind of sharp-edged old lady, for all of Weatherwax’s definitions of old and sharp.

Voice of the Knife by Mel Sterling absolutely chilled me to the bone. It’s not a story I’ll forget for a long time. And that scares me.

Escape Rating A-: Like all collections, my reaction to this one is a bit mixed. I preferred the stories that bordered on fantasy, like Venetrix, Night Tide and The Noise of Fur to the outright horror of Voice of the Knife. That I found Voice of the Knife to be utterly chilling tells me that it is a good story, but just not my cuppa. And I needed a warm cuppa after that one to chase the chill from bones.

All in all, Teeth Long and Sharp is a chilling, thrilling choice for your Halloween reading pleasure.

[Tiffany Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivories by Aria M. Jones – I really liked this short thriller about a young girl and her piano lessons with a very strict, old tutor. The imagery created by words was vivid and Aria brought the story to life with her writing. The end was a little open ended, I guess to allow you to draw your own conclusions as to what happened. 4 Stars!

Night Tide by Grace Draven – As always, I adore Grace and the way she weaves a story. Night Tide was suspenseful and detailed and I wish it would have been longer! The creature – the obluda – was creepy and something I would not like to ever run into. I loved the relationship between Zigana and Odon, a wonderful father/daughter pair, but was saddened by Jolen and Andras’s relationship. I know this isn’t a romance, so Zigana’s feelings towards a certain someone isn’t unrealistic, but makes ya kind of wish…. But who knows for the future! I heard something about them being part of another one of Grace’s series? 5 Stars!

A Noise of Fur by Jeffe Kennedy – Really enjoyed the imagery and the sense of being stalked. I apparently missed that the main character was actually a bird. I didn’t pick up on that until more towards the end so I had to go back and reread some parts. Guess the names and eating bugs should have given it away, lol. There is an obscurity to the Thing, and we still don’t get a clear picture by the end, but overall, it was a good story with lots of mystery! 3.5-4 Stars!

Venetrix by Antioch Grey – Alair and Martis were an interesting sort. They added some humor to the story with talk of bubbies. Haha! Gargoyle and Hartest were interesting and there was some great world building, too. There were times when I felt like it dragged on, but it didn’t take away from a great story. I didn’t particularly find this scary, but it definitely had the sharp teeth element! 3.5-4 Stars!

The Vampires of Mulberry Street by Aria M. Jones – This story held my attention from the beginning. I love the way she wrote Willa, and I couldn’t help the snigger at this line: ‘I didn’t care for his overly familiar tone so I didn’t refill his tea, not even when he clinked the ice cubes back and forth in the glass longingly.’ I also enjoyed how Aria implemented some back story. As I mentioned in my review of Ivories, Aria has a way with words and creates a vivid picture. I really enjoyed this story and high recommend it! – 5 Stars!

Voice of the Knife by Mel Sterling – First off…heh…peckerwood. Sorry, had to get that out of the way because I chuckle each time! I loved this story! Possibly my favorite of them all. I loved the tale, and Napiers journey, and his meetings with Jenny. It was suspenseful, thrilling, and a little gag worthy. If only he could get past those small (big) differences and love her! Great writing, great story, highly recommended! 5-Stars!

Overall, this anthology is 4-Stars!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

This was such a great collection of stories. Each grabbed me (with the teeth, obviously) in a different way.

Mel Sterling's story was the one that gave me the legitimate goose-fleshy creeps, though. I read it late at night, alone in the dark, with the wind brushing branches (I hope) against my windows. By the time I was done, I was jumping out of my skin at every noise and the only reason that every light in the house wasn't on was because I wasn't sure I wanted to put my feet on the floor and traverse the long, dark path to the light switch.

My note made during this story include:

"If an old geezer ever tells me that a river is haunted, it's going to be really hard for me to disbelieve it at this point; Mel Sterling has ruined me for swamps and canoe trips and possibly shellfish."

Antioch Grey's "Venetrix" was such a fun read. I love the carnivorous mermaids (I'd just seen a cartoon the other day saying that mermaids were too often depicted as topless beauties and not enough as "luring men to their death and crunching their bones." This story definitely took care of that (although they are topless).

There was a good balance of world building (something that can be hard in a short story), suspense, and humor.

It was typical of the City that you should both skulk around and be seen ding it so that people knew you were skulking but not why.

and

The mermaid smirked, and Maris resolved never to swim in mermaid infested waters.

"The Vampires of Mulberry Street" by Aria M. Jones was a great read. I enjoyed the building of the main character - learning her history along with her present - and finding out why the sweet, old lady knew so much about the sleeping habits of her new neighbors.

My grandmother always said the quickest way to a man's heart is between the third and fourth rib. She never said what came after, though.

Another important point - bread and butter pickles really are the best, aren't they? Mrs. H was not wrong about that.



The other three are just as delightful as the three mentioned. Jeffe Kennedy's left me gasping at the end, Aria M. Jones's ending surprised me enough that I had to read the entire thing again because I thought I'd gone wrong somewhere, and Grace Draven has, once again, found something to give me nightmares and keep my heart in my throat for pages.



The Verdict

You cannot go wrong with this book. Every story has something pointed to offer and the way these authors weave their craft makes that offering delightful. I'm grateful especially for the chance to discover new authors as I'd not previous read anything by Aria M. Jones or Antioch Grey.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, wow, wow! talk about magic! this collection came to me by way of the

intro by Ilona Andrews, I love their writing so much that I couldn't imagine that I'd dislike anything they recommend even though I don't really like horror all that much. But... I am so thankful that I took the chance! I am agog at how great the writing is in these tales. I usually am willing to give a positive rating to good stories if they hold my attention and catch me up in their world but very rarely do I feel the need to write a recommendation for books. this is one I actually needed to write. I was taken totally into places by these authors that had me actually feeling the creep of eyes watching and in several instances found my stomach and leg muscles tightening as if I were trying to escape right along with their characters. I wouldn't dream of spoiling any of these marvelous imaginings by giving a synopsis of them, if that's what you want there are brief tidbits at the beginning of each story though personally I would wait till after I'd read them so as to savor the experience of being thoroughly drawn into each one. I highly, highly recommend this collection to anyone who loves story's and storytellers because these are great examples of how tales should be told!

[Tracy Zullo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always hard to rate short story compilations. But I enjoyed almost every story and I'm not a real horror story fan. The ones that stick in my memory the most are 1. The noise of fur -- this one suckered me in and I loved how the ending took you full circle. 2. Venetrix -- a story of revenge and business, the characters reminded me of Sherlock Holmes 3. Night tide -- nicely told and left you wanting more of these characters 4. Voice of the knife -- a true horror. If this is your genre this one will appeal. There were more, also good stories.

[AlitaConejita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a series of short stories by different authors. Non had any romance (though Grace Draven's had a hint which will be developed in a future Wraith Kings book - so looking forward to it!). I mention the lack of romance because some of these authors tend to write in that genre. This is really a compilation of fire-side spook stories.

I gave it a 3 because 1 or 2 stories were pretty good, 1 or 2 stories were totally blah, and the rest were in the middle.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this collection principally for the story by Grace Draven - and I wasn't disappointed - but this book has several great reads, some quirky, some less interesting than others, some not to my taste, but all well-written. Good value!

[Conny · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not read every story, because I did not like 1,2 and 3 I did not go further. Maybe another time.

[Edna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for Grace Draven's Night Tide.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to love everything Grace Draven writes! Truly entertaining and never a dull moment in her stories you will not be disappointed!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

6 stories with long, sharp teeth as the theme. I really liked all but the first. It was a little bizarre.
I love Grace Draven's story.

[Kristian Alva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short story collection.