Professor Gottesman and the Indian Rhinoceros by Peter S. Beagle

A charming story is a difficult quality to articulate, as is the definition of ‘magical’ that leaves the reader feeling Continue reading →

Too Many Crooks by Donald E. Westlake

Although no prior knowledge is needed, this is part of the John Dortmunder series about the titular thief. He’s the Continue reading →

Writ in Water, or the Gingerbread Man by Avram Davidson

Davidson’s later work has a unique style that is a joy to behold, dancing through half a dozen different lines Continue reading →

Isabella of Castile Answers her Mail by James Morrow

I’m not sure what to make of the title. I want to say it’s non-indicative of the story, but it’s Continue reading →

The Standard of Living by Dorothy Parker

This is about, as they call it, “the ancient sport of what-would-you-do-if-you-had-a-million dollars?” (I personally like to play the variant Continue reading →

The Adder by Fred Chappell

In most Lovecraftian fiction the cosmic horror is either played straight – and therefore horrific – or played for laughs, Continue reading →

26 Monkeys, Also the Abyss by Kij Johnson

Aimee has a circus trick. A bathtub is hoisted ten feet above the stage, 26 monkeys climb into it via Continue reading →

Let’s Play King by Sinclair Lewis

Terry Tait is a famous child actor in Hollywood. His overbearing mother will do anything to improve his career, and Continue reading →