Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror Reviews
Book Review: Home Improvement Undead Edition
By Sandy Amazeen Jun 28, 2011, 15:48 GMT
The editors of the New York Times bestselling Death\'s Excellent Vacation bring home a new collection...with a never-before- published Sookie Stackhouse story! There\'s nothing like home renovation for finding skeletons in the closet or otherwordly portals in the attic. Now, for any homeowner who\'s ever wondered, "What\'s that creaking sound?" or fans of "how to" television who\'d like a little unreality mixed in with their reality shows, editors Charlaine ...more
Most everyone knows how frustrating and nerve racking a home or office renovation can be, but what happens when you throw in a touch of the paranormal into that already stressful endeavor? That is the question editors Harris and Kelner presented to some of best selling authors in the paranormal genre and the result is this fun, different and often surprising compilation of short stories. The book opens with a new Sookie Stackhouse story involving a sensitive boy, bullying and an old unsolved murder that takes some witchy influence to set right in “If I Had a Hammer.”
“Gray” by Patricia Briggs tells the story of Elyna, a vampire returning to her old apartment in Chicago. During her first days as a fledgling, Elyna inadvertently killed Jack, the love of her very long life and renovating that apartment helped her cope and connect with the past. Elyna gains some ghostly assistance just when she needs it most. E. E. Knight serves up a twisted epicurean treat in “Woolsley’s Kitchen Nightmare” where a wantabe entrepreneur hoping to appeal to the more unusual palates manages to make a meal, but not quite the way he intended.
This collection is a treat; the stories are strong and most reward the reader with a pleasing plot twist. The paranormal element added to the mundane yet trying experience of home or business renovation was an inspired theme certain to strike a cord with anyone who has lived the experience. Just the thing to enjoy on a languid summer day with a tall glass of cold lemonade.
