This is a book of short stories edited by Charlaine Harris (the author of the Sookie Stackhouse series which became True Blood on HBO), in which all the stories are about werewolves at Christmas time. The first two stories were surprisingly mundane (surprising because I really like Charlaine Harris and Sookie.) However, the next four stories are pretty great:
"Lucy at Christmastime" is by Simon R. Green who writes the Nightside books. I am not a fan and remain the same (the 'verse is just too weird), but I rather liked this short "reminiscing about an old girlfriend" theme.
"The Night Things Changed" is by Dana Cameron and is described as the first story set in her "Fangborn" world. I will have to read more. The 'verse is just contrary! Everything you have ever learned about vampires and werewolves is exactly the opposite in this world and I found myself intrigued. I also loved the characters--the brother and sister who serve as main characters and even Weems--the police officer that the brother seriously dislikes.
"The Werewolf Before Christmas" by Kat Richardson is a dark but whimsical story about a werewolf taking Rudolf's place leading Santa's sleigh one year. It is a whole new slant on Santa and I found myself intrigued and wanting more. The problem here is I don't think there will be any more. This is described as Kat Richardson's first werewolf story.
I also liked "Fresh Meat" by Alan Gordon. This is about a man who raises and trains guard dogs who is being stalked by a highly innovative and serious serial killer. I may check into the "jester" series by this same author, but it looks to be nothing like this wonderful story.
"Il Est Ne" by Carrie Vaughn is about one of her recurring characters, Kitty, a werewolf who runs a radio talk show for the "supernaturally disadvantaged. Right now in the story, Kitty and another werewolf she has just met are trying to solve a crime and I find it surprisingly tense for a short story. I will have to check out more of this series.
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