I found a little more time to read this week but my reading rate has been lower than I’d like for a few weeks now because I have a lot of personal admin things to take care of. The good news is that I have a pile of books that I’m looking forward to bingeing on next month when my chores should be over.

Anyway, here’s what’s been happening this week and what’s up next.

---

This week, I read an Urban Fantasy novel about a reluctant vampire and an even more reluctant werewolf, a horror novella about a monster in the woods, a crime novella about an assassin doing a good deed and an Urban Fantasy short story collection. The novel and the crime novella were good fun. The short story collection was a little disappointing and I set the horror novella aside.

Fall under the intoxicating spell of their hex appeal…. In the magical world that lies hidden beneath our own, witches and conjurers play deadly games. They know just the right spell to kill a man with one kiss—or raise him back again. And they’re not afraid to exact sweet revenge on those who dare to cross them. But what if you’re the unlucky soul who falls victim to a conjurer’s curse? And if you had the power to cast a magic spell of your own, would you use it? 
In this bewitching collection, nine of today’s hottest paranormal authors tell all-new, otherworldly tales. Spellbinding stories featuring bigfoot, albino vampires, professional wizards, resurrected boyfriends, and even a sex droid from the 23rd century named Silicon Lily. But as our conjurers are about to discover, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hexed. And sometimes, even the best spun spells can lead to complete and utter mayhem.

I dug this out from the very bottom of my TBR pile where it’s lurked since 2013. The cover and the title seem very dated now. It doesn’t help that they misspelt Ilona Andrews’ name in large letters on the cover.

The collection was a bit of a disappointment. Of the nine stories in the collection, only the ones by Ilona Andrews, Jim Butcher and Carrie Vaughn, stood out. Three of the stories I abandoned before the end and one of the ones I finished was an uphill struggle. 
I’ve commented on each of the stories below in the order they appear in the collection. 

My review, including comment on each of the stories, is HERE

Fifteen years ago, hit man Tyrone Cypher disappeared into the wilderness. Now he’s back with a job for his old “friend” Jack. While Jack doesn’t consider Cypher much of a friend, the job is ideal for Nadia. 
There’s a killer in Honolulu, targeting those involved in the family court system. When no one else would take one victim’s cases, lawyer Angela Kamaka did, putting herself squarely in the killer’s cross-sights. 
For Nadia, Angela is the perfect victim—an innocent person in danger for doing the right thing. So Nadia and Jack get an all-expenses paid trip to Hawaii courtesy of Tyrone Cypher, who has his own reasons for wanting to keep Angela safe.

‘Perfect Victim’ (2016) is the final thriller featuring Kelley Armstrong’s copy turned part-time assassin, Nadia Stafford. It was a satisfying read with a strong plot, a lot of action, a few surprises and a pretty setting. Readers get to see Nadia being unequivocally on the side of the angels for once and they get to see how the relationship between her and Jack, has developed. 

If you’re a fan of the series, then this rounds things off nicely. If you haven’t read the series yet, start with ‘Exit Strategy’.

My review of ‘Perfect Victim’ is HERE

Erin Rogers and her daughter Casey have been missing in the Alaskan wilderness for five days. Troy Spencer is determined to find his sister and niece at any cost. Once there, a local tells Troy about a loner, Bishop, a man shrouded in secrets, who may be his only hope.
As Troy sets out to find the mysterious Bishop, Casey is lost in the woods, alone and frightened, seeking help for her gravely injured mother. But she is not alone, something ancient stalks these forested trails, something evil that hungers for fresh blood.
The trio soon finds themselves caught in a struggle against time as an ancient rivalry is renewed.

Sadly, I set this novella aside at 25% because my Inner Pedant kept distracting me from the narrative by complaining about the prose.

My review is HERE

Aileen has always been certain of a few undeniable facts – black raspberry is the only ice cream flavor that matters, vampires can’t be trusted, and her loyalty, once given, is unquestionable. When a late-night visitor shows up needing her help, she agrees without hesitation.
It’s not long before a pounding at her door reminds her that nothing is ever as straightforward as it seems. Now, with her friend missing, Aileen realizes her simple favor leads to consequences she cannot avoid as she finds herself drawn further into a world she’s done everything to escape.
As loyalties are tested, Aileen will need to decide how far she will go in the name of friendship. Because bodies are dropping, and the trail leads right back to one she holds dear. Will she stand fast in her beliefs, or will she be forced to betray another?
One thing is clear – her choice may lead to her salvation or her doom.

After three books, I’m invested in Aileen Travers now. I’m fascinated by the supernatural world she’s involuntarily become a part of and I’m amused, in an admiring way, at her stubborn refusal to accept the demands it places on her. 

‘Moonlight’s Ambassador’ (2018) has a strong plot, driven mostly by Aileen’s struggle to prove that Caroline, her best friend since childhood, is not an out-of-control killer who needs to be put down. Her struggle is made more challenging both because Aileen already feels guilty because Caroline was turned into a werewolf only because Aileen put her at risk by dragging her into supernatural business and because all the evidence says that Caroline IS an out-of-control killer who needs to be put down. 

My review, including comments on each story, is HERE

---

Two of this week’s additions are novels I’ve had on preorder for weeks. One is a collection of five horror(ish) novellas that Audible Originals released in April which has aroused my curiosity.

In this chilling collection, five acclaimed authors invite you into a world where the supernatural hides in plain sight. Look closely, and you’ll find it: lurking within an ancient tree, stalking an idyllic beach, and whispering through a friend’s letter. Your curiosity is exactly what it’s been waiting for.

I saw these ‘Shiver Collection‘ stories first when they were published as individual ebooks. In that format, I’d probably only have picked up the ones by Joe Hill and Stephen Graham Jones. Audible has bundled the collection into a single audiobook with a different narrator for each story, so I bought the bundle. If I’m lucky, I’ll like all of them.

There will be no pussy-footing around. Not when Kit McCafferty is involved.
When Kit rescues a wealthy witch from the treacherous, monster-filled waters of the River Tweed, she reckons she’s completed her fair share of good deeds for the day. But when a second anonymous body is pulled from the same river, Kit is dragged into a mystery as murky as the water itself. The corpse has no identification, no personal possessions and no one who cares. Kit is determined to change that.
At least Thane Barrow, the copper-haired werewolf who sees the world in a similar way to Kit, is happy to also get involved. Together, they navigate Coldstream’s magical streets and mysterious secrets, determined to uncover the truth about John Doe. Alas, it soon becomes clear that his death was no accident. Kit finds herself investigating a complex crime with more than one victim. She will have her claws full if she’s going to get to the bottom of what’s happened.
One thing is for certain – when death threatens, Kit McCafferty doesn’t back down. She pounces.

I couldn’t resist a series called ‘The Cat Lady Chronicles‘ so I bought the first book ‘Waifs And Strays‘ (2025) as soon as it came out. It was good fun, It made me smile, surprised me once or twice and kept me interested all the way through. I pre-ordered the second book as soon as it was announced. It dropped into my library last week. It will be a great book to relax with on a long summer’s day in the garden.

Fran Donoghue has just killed her neighbour. Don’t worry, you’ll agree, he deserved it.
Detective Gareth Donoghue has a terrible feeling about his missing neighbour.
By the time this is over, that will be the least of his worries…
A dark, sharp and hilarious novel about love, marriage, and murder, with an ending you won’t see coming… Gareth certainly didn’t.

‘My Wife, The Serial Killer’ (2025) is a just-published debut novel that seems to be surfing the ‘Women Who Kill‘ wave of books I enjoy them when they work well, especially when there’s something darker and more feral beneath the humour. I’m hoping this will be a good addition to the sub-genre. 

---

I’ve been distracted lately. I have several books I’ve started and am enjoying but haven’t finished yet. I’m hoping that, once I get my personal admin work sorted out, I can read them all as a reward to myself. In the meantime, I’m adding three easy reads to the list. One is a set of short stories I can nibble at each day. One is a novel from a crime series that I find soothing to read and one is a spy novel that my wife and I will listen to during a couple of long drives next week.

From the fun of the fair to the depths of hell, experience sixteen more curses in this sequel to the bestselling Cursed: An Anthology. A blend of traditional and reimagined curses from fairy-tales to Snow White, from some of the best names in fantasy.
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
Take a trip to a terrifying carnival and uncover the secrets within, solve a mysterious puzzle box and await your reward, join a travelling circus and witness the strangest ventriloquist act you’ve ever seen.
In this follow-up to the bestselling Cursed: An Anthology, you’ll unearth curses old and new. From a very different take on Snow White, to a new interpretation of The Red Shoes, the best in fantasy spin straw into gold, and invite you into the labyrinth.
Just don’t forget to leave your trail of breadcrumbs…
Featuring stories from: Neil Gaiman, Joe Hill, Sarah Pinborough, Angela Slatter, M.R. Carey, Laura Purcell, Helen Grant, Mark Chadbourn, L.L. McKinney, A.K. Benedict, Christina Henry, A.C. Wise, Kelley Armstrong, Katherine Arden, Joanne Harris and Adam LG Nevill.

I’ve read the first two stories. They’re both dark fairy tales – or perhaps it’s more accurate to say that they’ve reverted to what fairy tales were like before we put child-safe corners on them. As I expected, Gaiman’s story is exceptionally creepy. I’m looking forward to the rest.

When Sheriff Bree Taggert discovers the body of a young woman floating near the bank of the Scarlet River, a note in her abandoned car suggests suicide. The autopsy reveals a different story. Holly Thorpe was dead long before she dropped off the bridge and hit the water.
As Bree and her investigator Matt Flynn delve into the case, secrets in Holly’s personal life complicate their efforts to solve the murder. Holly left behind a volatile marriage, an equally divisive relationship with her sister, and an employer whose intimate involvement with Holly was no secret. Each one has a motive for murder.
When Holly’s sister is terrorized by a stalker’s sick prank, and the prime suspect turns up dead, everything Bree was sure of is upended and her case goes off the rails. When the killer strikes close to home, Bree and Matt must race to solve the murders before one of their own becomes the next victim.

This will be my third book featuring Sheriff Bree Taggert. I find them soothing to read. They keep me engaged but never do anything too challenging. The plots are just complicated enough to snag my curiosity without having so many twists that I feel I’m on a fairground ride.

MOVE FAST. STAY DARK.
These are the instructions sent to new operative Emma Makepeace
She’s been assigned to track down a man wanted by the Russians and bring him into MI5.
It should be easy. But the Russians have eyes everywhere.
Emma knows that if spotted she and her target will be killed.
What follows is a perilous chase through London’s night-time streets.
But in a city full of cameras, where can you hide?

This is a roll of the dice. I’ve heard good things about this British spy series. If it works out, the next two books in the series are already available.

With this cover and this title I might well have passed over this book had it not been for hearing the author being interviewed on Woman’s Hour, about whether the next head of MI6 would, for the first time, be a woman. She seemed to have some insider knowledge. It’s since been announced that Blaise Metreweli will take over as ‘C’ , the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service. Follow THIS LINK to see what a classic background she has for the job.

I prefer the original title and artwork. When the book was first published, it was called ‘Alias Emma’ which is still the title of the series.