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Archive for 'Novella'

Damaged Goods

Damaged Goods (2018) Talia Hibbert (Ravenswood) The worst thing about Samir’s parents—worse than the cruelty, the manipulation, the toxicity—was the fact that Samir had loved them. You would think, with the number of awful things she’d done in her life, that they’d all blur together. But she remembered every desperate, acidic moment. Those two words […]

Winter’s Gifts, Audio Book

Winter’s Gifts, Audio Book (2023) Ben Aaronovitch narrated by Penelope Rawlins (Rivers of London) I actually listened to this in February, but missed logging it somehow. This is Kimberly Reynold’s story, and as such, we get Penelope Rawlins instead of Kobna Holdbrook-Smith. She does an good job of Kimberly Reynolds voice, but less so of […]

The Christmas Appeal

The Christmas Appeal (2023) Janice Hallett This story is written as a series of electronic messages and recordings and evidence. A retired DI has sent these bits of evidence to his former detectives to get their opinion and see what conclusions they come up with. In Lower Lockwood the Fairway Players have a yearly Christmas […]

The Mistletoe Motive

The Mistletoe Motive (2021) Chloe Liese Gabriella Di Natale love Christmas. She also loves working in Bailey’s Bookshop, where she can recommend books (especially her favorite romances) to customers. But the store is in trouble. A chain is trying to put them out of business, so the Bailey’s hired another manager–one focused on business–to try […]

Stubbed Toes and Dating Woes

Stubbed Toes and Dating Woes (2023) Dahlia Donovan Niclas Ruiz loves his archeological work. He also has a huge crush on his brother’s best friend. Falk “Grizz” Evensen is content with his life. He has his own business (which he runs with the help of his best friend) and is successful. But his life is […]

Shelter in Garnet Run

Shelter in Garnet Run (2023) Roan Parrish (Garnet Run) We met River Mills in Best Laid Plans as one of the teens who hangs out in Rye’s derelict house, and again in Adam’s younger sibling in The Lights on Knockbridge Lane. Cassidy is an ethical taxidermist, often working with animals who were hit by cars. […]

A Holiday By Gaslight

A Holiday By Gaslight (2018) Mimi Matthews Set in England in 1861 Sophie’s father keeps improving their country estate–whether they have the funds to do so or not–so when wealthy manufacturer asks permission to court her, the family agrees. But despite wanting to help her family, Sophie also wants to be happy. Is it so […]

A Kiss for Midwinter

A Kiss for Midwinter (2012) Courtney Milan (Brothers Sinister) Set in England in 1862 He hadn’t chosen to become a doctor so that he could foretell the death of children. He’d been seduced by the stories—the stories of John Snow saving hundreds of lives by careful observation, of men who noticed the world around them […]

A Christmas Dance

A Christmas Dance (2014) Alissa Johnson Miss Byerly did not feature in his matrimonial plans. Pity, really, that she wasn’t a bit softer. He’d spoken to her once or twice before and she seemed an intelligent sort, with an efficiency of speech and manner he appreciated. But he wasn’t in need of additional efficiency in […]

The Furthest Station, Audio Book

The Furthest Station, Audio Book (2017) Ben Aaronovitch narrated by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Rivers of London) Don’t get me wrong, I like the countryside. In fact, some of my best friends are geographical features. It’s just a tricky place to operate in. Boudicca’s burial site at Kings Cross—remember that?” We’d done it as a field trip—Platform […]

What Abigail Did That Summer, Audio Book

What Abigail Did That Summer, Audio Book (2021) Ben Aaronovitch narrated by Shvorne Marks & Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Rivers of London) “Are you wearing a collar?” “Good, isn’t it?” says Indigo. “I’m undercover as a dog. Lets me move about in the Brick in daylight.” What she looks like is a big fox wearing a collar. […]

Mrs. Holloway’s Christmas Pudding

Mrs. Holloway’s Christmas Pudding (2023) Jennifer Ashley (Kat Holloway Mysteries) Set in London in 1882 There have been two Mrs. Holloway novellas this year, and this one is focused more on Mrs. Holloway. It’s almost Christmas and everyone is getting ready for the holiday. We’d had an excess of the fruit, which Mrs. Bywater had […]

A Kiss for Midwinter

A Kiss for Midwinter (2012) Courtney Milan (Brothers Sinister) Set in England in 1864 Jonas Grantham worked hard to rise above his beginnings and to become a doctor. He’d been seduced by the stories—the stories of John Snow saving hundreds of lives by careful observation, of men who noticed the world around them and cared […]

Served Hot

Served Hot (2015) Annabeth Albert (Portland Heat) I thought I was in the mood for this. I was looking for stories with complicated grief, and this story has that. “You feel what you need to feel.” What did I know about grief? I would be pissed, but I wasn’t David. And if David’s sadness made […]

The Rise: A Short Story

The Rise: A Short Story (2023) Ian Rankin I keep moving a reread of the Inspector Rebus series up my TBR pile, but never quite actually start rereading. Possibly because the first book is one of my least favorites, and partially because the stories tend to be somewhat dark. This story was not dark. There […]

Winter’s Gifts

Winter’s Gifts (2023) Ben Aaronovitch (Rivers of London) Kimberly Reynold’s met Peter Grant during Whispers Underground, and they have kept in touch since. Probably because Kimberly is now stuck dealing with all the Weird Stuff. I wasn’t sure how I felt about a whole book with Kimberly. Mama is not a fan of the federal […]

The Price of Lemon Cake

The Price of Lemon Cake (2023) Jennifer Ashley (Below Stairs Mysteries Novella / Kat Holloway) Set in London in 1882. Although Kat Holloway makes an appearance in this story, it is about Lady Bobby Perry and told from her point of view. Bobby is in love with Judith, and in this story we learn more […]

Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure

Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure (2019) Courtney Milan (The Worth Saga) Set in England in 1867. She was sixty-nine and unmarried—one of the so-called surplus women who choked up the attics and rooming houses of London. Never mind her experience, her meticulous calculational capabilities, her voluminous memory. She was old and unpretty. “I was polite and […]

Four Walls and a Heart

Four Walls and a Heart (2023) Celia Lake (Charms of Albion) Set in the hidden magical part of England in 1884 Magni has served in the Guard for several years, and is told he is about to have changes in his job–including a promotion. Gil left the Guard to join the army, against the wishes […]

His Grandfather’s Watch

His Grandfather’s Watch (2012) N.R. Walker I’m having trouble focusing, so I’m reaching for short stories and novellas. My other option would be graphic novels, but then I’d have to find my reading glasses. I knew from experience when things weren’t great, there was something about the human connection of being hugged. It had healing […]

A Queer Trade

A Queer Trade (2016) K.J. Charles (Rag and Bone) “It’s the way of things. Burn your love letters, or have ’em put in the ground with you, or they’ll be tomorrow’s packing paper.” Hall gave a slightly rueful smile. “I put ’em aside for packing, when I notice, rather than foul use.” Publisher: KJ Charles […]

The Pride of Garnet Run

The Pride of Garnet Run (2022) Roan Parrish (Garnet Run) (H)is brain was very loud, and he needed to put thoughts into music to quiet them down. “This place was built in 1927. This all used to be bigger, but they turned it from one screen to three in the fifties.” Published by Monster Press […]

Kneading You

Kneading You (2016) C.S. Poe (A Lancaster Story) He opened to the front page, where there was an old-fashioned library card in the pocket glued to the cover, with handwritten names and dates going as far back as 1947. No one deserved to lose access to books simply because of where they lived. “Someone who […]

Joy

Joy (2017) C.S. Poe (A Lancaster Story) “It’s all the mountains,” said a booming voice ahead of me. I looked up quickly and found a huge guy grinning down at me. “S-sorry?” “You ain’t got no signal out here because of all the mountains. Folks got satellite for home Internet service.” “What happens if there’s […]

Jericho Candelario’s Gay Debut

Jericho Candelario’s Gay Debut (2018) R. Cooper That was too much to ask of anyone. Jerry should have used his words. Not stupidly thought that doing something for Lincoln was the same as talking to him. “You brought your toolbox,” Lincoln informed him, as though Jerry didn’t know that, and then mumbled, “Coffee, he says,” […]

Fugitive Telemetry

Fugitive Telemetry (2021) Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries) The bag had lights but turning them on would just be stupid plus I didn’t really want to see what was happening. Targets Two and Four had been giving very convincing descriptions of their cargo route. Clearly they had taken some effort to get their stories straight. […]

Exit Strategy

Exit Strategy (2018) Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries) In the shows, I saw humans comfort each other all the time at moments like this. I had never wanted that and I still didn’t. (Touching while rendering assistance, shielding humans from explosions, etc., is different.) But I was the only one here, so I braced myself […]

Rogue Protocol

Rogue Protocol (2018) Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries) The core cutter had powered up and accessed my feed to deliver a canned warning and a handy set of directions. Why yes, I did want to disengage the safety protocols, thanks for asking. In another twenty seconds, they were all my new drone friends. I had […]

Artificial Condition

Artificial Condition (2018) Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries) Calm down, ART said, not helpfully. I closed the story by reflex, like that would make it not exist. After three seconds of shock, I made myself open it again. My human parts were experiencing a cold prickling that wasn’t comfortable. This place was creepy. I reminded […]

The Rat-Catcher’s Daughter

The Rat-Catcher’s Daughter (2019) K.J. Charles (Lilywhite Boys) Set in London in 1893 Another ace-ace romance! Set prior to the first Lilywhite Boys story, here we have Stan, Jerry and Templeton’s fence meeting his love, and arranging for her to be rescued from a wannabe crimelord. I’d forgotten for some reason why I enjoyed the […]

Three Stupid Weddings

Three Stupid Weddings (2018) Ann Gallagher Ace-ace romance! I met my reflection’s eyes and sighed. All the “you need to gain weight” crowd had backed off. The “oh my God, you’ve lost so much weight and you look fabulous” bunch had too. Maybe that meant I’d landed somewhere in the middle and could stop obsessing […]

Love, Marriage, and a Baby Carriage

Love, Marriage, and a Baby Carriage (2016) C.S. Poe Utterly ridiculous. I was attending a singles’ convention for special people like me to find their forever penguin partner. But after I paid the attendance fee, got a hotel room, and booked my flight, I found out it was specifically for guys and gals. Utterly silly. […]

Saying The Right Thing

Saying The Right Thing (2017) Aidan Wayne Baz is lovely,and a great father (and the kid was written like four-year-old–tantrums and all). Terry is kind and has plenty of reasons for not trusting those who want to date him. It wasn’t a bad story, but it didn’t hit any of the right notes for me, […]

Medium, Sweet, Extra Shot of Geek

Medium, Sweet, Extra Shot of Geek (2019) R. Cooper Tavio has been out of the army for a year, but still isn’t quite used to civilian life–and being able to be openly out. He’s also not sure about Tommy, a regular customer who seems to be interested in Tavio. I like Tommy, and how he […]

Bee Cave Magic

Bee Cave Magic (2020) Kelly Fox This is a fun story in the same way CS Poe‘s Marriage, Love and a Baby Carriage. It’s silly and outrageous, with all the ridiculous shifter tropes, but it adds in it’s own fun twists. Mrs. Hornblower, a pelican shifter transplant from Corpus. I love fantasy stories that give […]

Lessons for Suspicious Minds

Lessons for Suspicious Minds (2013) Charlie Cochrane (Cambridge Fellows) Set in England in 1909. NOTE: This story goes back in time, probably set after Lessons in Trust (book 7) and is set before the war–and all the changes that caused to the characters and the world. Jonty and Orlando go with Jonty’s parents to visit […]

An Island For Two

An Island For Two (2022) Ophelia Silk Dela is an elf influencer–living on the money inherited from her parents and hoping to share a bit of joy and fun with the world, which is why she wants to build an event center on the island she recently purchased. Unfortunately, that island is already inhabited. Dela […]

Loud and Clear

Loud and Clear (2016) Aidan Wayne He turned on the light in his car and squinted. Those were letters, all right. Probably there was even a sentence. Caleb had written something on the receipt. Huh. Curious, Jaxon bent over the words, trying to sound them out. Caleb’s handwriting wasn’t messy or anything, but Jaxon had […]

Team Phison

Team Phison (2017) Chace Verity It’s necessary to be good at hiding the truth when you work in sales and customer service. Operation: Win Tyson Over hasn’t been going well. Mostly because I haven’t actually done anything. Rating: 7/10

And Everything Nice

And Everything Nice (2016) Ada Maria Soto Angelo is a coder who has terrible luck with getting a date unless baked goods are involved. So when the company hires a new tech writer, Angelo tries to discover the way to Simon’s heart through his stomach. I love the tech related bits of the story that […]

Not So Cookie Cutter

Not So Cookie Cutter (2019) Aidan Wayne He clasped his hands behind his back, at-ease stance so he wouldn’t cross his arms. He’d been told enough times that it made him look like a thug, so he tried to avoid doing it. He tended to hyper focus when it came to certain subjects, and to […]

Agents of Winter

Agents of Winter (2022) Ada Maria Soto (The Agency) Martin’s dietitian would be glad as well. Evidently, his comment at his last appointment of ‘I currently weigh more than I did prior to the incident’ did not paint a good picture of Martin’s long-term health management skills. Martin was sent home with an entirely new […]

Color of You

Color of You (2017) C.S. Poe (A Lancaster Story) “His voice was just so flippin’ gorgeous,” I said, sighing a little. “I’ve never heard an amber voice. It was smooth and flowed like blues music.” Sound-to-color synesthesia. When you look a certain way, a lot of men expect you to behave the part. Society had […]

His Quiet Agent

His Quiet Agent (2017) Ada Maria Soto (The Agency) Comfort reread. His supervisor sighed. “Agent Drams, no one knows who you are.” “We’re a black budget government agency. No one is supposed to know who we are.” Arthur looked over at The Alien. It was a Go Away sign, but it was a very specific […]

Dead in the Shop

Dead in the Shop (2018) Dahlia Donovan (Grasmere Cottage Mystery) Pudding crawls had become one of their traditions after one of their many Olivers had given up drinking. They’d supported him through Alcoholics Anonymous, and decided to create a way to celebrate without alcohol. Instead of reunions spent in one pub after the other, they […]

Dead in the Pond

Dead in the Pond (2018) Dahlia Donovan (Grasmere Cottage Mystery) Bishan found it very difficult to force himself to do anything without understanding the reason. “Would you rather stay?” Yes. “Yes, but if I do it’ll make leaving harder the next time.” They hadn’t restocked his cereal yet. Bishan didn’t feel up to making something […]

Dead in the Garden

Dead in the Garden (2018) Dahlia Donovan (Grasmere Cottage Mystery) Cinnamon. What did I just read? No matter how many times Valor read it, the cause of death didn’t change. His old schoolmate had been killed by inhaling cinnamon. It had been good for him. Valor didn’t know if he’d have grown into the same […]

Joy

Joy (2017) C.S. Poe (A Lancaster Story) “Are there, like… street signs or—” “He’s not from around here,” Nancy said to a guy at the counter who started laughing. “No, honey, just drive. The roads around here will bring you right through into the next town.” I put down the bin of dishes I’d been […]

Jericho Candelario’s Gay Debut

Jericho Candelario’s Gay Debut (2018) R. Cooper He and Jerry had argued once, in their way, about the difference between Lincoln working for his dream and doing what he loved, and why Jerry might be tired at the end of each day. Mostly, Lincoln had gotten loud, Jerry had gotten quiet, then said, “I love […]

There Will Be Phlogiston

There Will Be Phlogiston (2014) Alexis Hall (Prosperity) Anstruther Jones is the Phlogiston Baron. Wealth beyond imagine from ignominious beginnings, he wants to be accepted not because he admires society, but because he wants to find companionship. Lady Rosamond Wolfram is on the marriage mart because it is expected of her. She will catch a […]