The premise behind this short story collection is throw the words “Christmas” and “werewolves” at a bunch of authors and see what happens. The stories are as varied as the writers. Some use Christmas as a focus and others use it merely as a time frame for the story. All involve werewolves but only one or two actually use wolfsbane. It can be exciting or boring to see the variety of stories that result when a group of writers are given the same material but these are quite good.
Authors include: Charlaine Harris, Donna Andrews, Simon R. Green, Dana Cameron, Kat Richardson, Alan Gordon, Carrie Vaughn, Dana Stabenow, Keri Arthur, J.A. Konrath, Patricia Briggs, Nancy Pickard, Karen Chance, Rob Thurman and Toni L. P. Kelner. This is a good introduction to some of these authors.
One of the stand outs is “The Night Things Changed” by Dana Cameron. Gerry, a werewolf, and Claudia, his vampire sister, are Fangborn. They fight evil and this time it has shown up at Claudia’s job. Cameron has a lot figured out about the world they live in and their roles in it. It appears as though Cameron has a series planned for Gerry but no books have appeared at this time. I’ll be one of the first in line to get one.
“The Werewolf Before Christmas” is Kat Richardson’s first werewolf story. It’s Christmas Eve and Matthias Vulfkind has eaten Rudolph. Santa Claus insists Matthias assist with deliveries. This tale has moments of heartbreak and hope in it.
“Fresh Meat” by Alan Gordon features Sam Lehrmann, owner of Lehrmann’s Guard Dogs on Christmas Eve. The reader follows Sam through the last part of his work day and into the wee hours of the holiday. This is one tale in which man’s best friend can also be the werewolf’s best friend too.
“The Star of David” by Patricia Briggs made me think Hanukkah was going to be the featured holiday. Instead, the title is a very clever reference to Stella, a social worker who is concerned about one of her foster kids. Nothing is revealed too early and the pace is just right.
J. A. Konrath’s “SA” is laugh out loud hilarious. I’m afraid to say anything else as it might give something away. The surprise at what’s coming is part of the fun.
The stories have different moods and tones. Some feel short and others feel like they are a missing novel chapter. Short story collections like this one are great. It’s wonderful to see the variety that comes from the same elements.
I am generally a fan of Patricia Briggs’ work and would have picked this anthology up based solely on the fact her name is on the cover LOL However, it sounds really interesting so is now on my shopping list 🙂