“Down These Strange Streets”
Edited by: George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois
Publisher: Ace Hardcover
ISBN-10: 0441020747
Hardcover: 496 pages
List Price: $26.95

Very often, when I read books of short stories, I skip past the introduction. Typically, they’re little more than name-dropping, self-promotional prattle that does little to entice me as a reader and, in fact, makes me a bit ashamed to be so easily swayed by a few big names.

This one, however, is worth reading in its own right, easily as compelling as some of the better book blogs out there. Have a taste, titled, interestingly enough, “The Bastard Stepchild” (rather than “Introduction”):

“The heroes of urban fantasy come out of the hard-boiled mystery, while the villains, monsters, and antagonists have their own roots in classic horror… but it is the combination that gives this subgenre its juice. For these are two genres that are at heart antagonistic. Horror fiction is a fiction steeped in darkness and fear, and set in a hostile Lovecraftian universe impossible for men to comprehend…”

There is a fair amount of name-dropping here, too. Notably, Jim Butcher and his champion Harry Dresden (the other wizard named Harry), are mentioned at least twice in the intro, and never appear in the collection itself (something of a let-down). Don’t let that discourage you from picking up this book: there’s plenty of gritty street grunge to keep you happy here.

Notably, Patricia Briggs makes an appearance with her short piece, “In Red, With Pearls,” in which a familiar werewolf marks his own debut as a detective. You’ll be disappointed when you remember, toward the end of it, that it’s only a short story.

Other welcome and familiar names include Diana Gabaldon, and, of course, Simon R. Green, whose numerous series keep me forever amazed at the depth of his nightmarish pool of wit and mystery.

Of course, Charlaine Harris’ character vampire, Dahlia Lynley-Chivers, enjoys a second life in this collection. You’ll enjoy her, too. Enchantingly vicious and smart, it doesn’t rest on Harris’ laurels—the story is one worth recommending.

There’s not a single weak piece in this collection. If you haven’t time to sink your teeth into a lengthy book, “Down These Strange Streets” provides substance with the added advantage of giving you room to breathe—even if many of the main players don’t (breathe, that is).

I’m glad I picked this one up… hoping that Ace Books has another collection of similar heft and quality available soon.

Let the kind reader note I was not compensated in any way for this review, nor did I receive “Down These Strange Streets” for the purpose of writing said review.
–Kim Morgan

This is some text prior to the author information. You can change this text from the admin section of WP-Gravatar  Clayton Bye is a long-time writer, editor and publisher. He has authored 8 books, published an anthology called Writers on the Wrong Side of the Road and reviewed many hundreds of other books. He offers a wide range of writing & editing services. Visit www.claytonbye.com. Read more from this author