Kitty's Mix-Tape by Carrie Vaughn 5 stars

It has been about five years since Kitty Saves the World, the last book in the Kitty Norville series. This book is a short story anthology that fills in the gaps between stories and provides some insight into other characters that populate Kitty's world. I loved all the Kitty stories, especially the "Kitty Walks On By, Calls Your Name". and "Kitty Busts the Feds". I have hopes that Ms. Vaughn will visit this world again, especially after she published "The Immortal Conquistador" about Rick, the Master of Denver earlier this year.

Thank you Netgalley and Tachyon Publications for this ARC.

I was quite pleased to see a Kitty Norville collection, as I've missed that series since it ended. Like most short story collections, this was a bit uneven. Some stories were quite good, while others seemed thrown together. I will say that I particularly enjoyed The Beaux Wilde and The Arcane Art of Misdirection, either of which was a Kitty Norville story! Hoping to see more from Ms. Vaughn in the near future,

Overall this was a fun little collection of shorts in the Kitty Universe, some with characters that predate Kitty by years - a few but not all are familiar. There were also a few little side stories for main and supporting characters from the series. Here's the list:

<u>Kitty walks on by, calls your name</u> Kitty and Ben go to her high school reunion. - 4stars

<u>It's Still the Same Old Story</u> A little Rick short - 3 stars

<u>Island of Beasts</u> 3.5stars -set in the past Lucy and the 'wild' wolves.

<u>The Beaux Wilde</u> 4.5 stars - Elizabeth meets an intriguing set of brothers at a Ball, so historically set in the same universe.

<u>Unternehmen Werwolf</u> 3 stars - this was set in the same universe but well before Kitty's time.

<u>Kitty and the Blood Moon Thingie</u> and <u>Kitty and the Super Blue Blood or Whatever Moon Thing</u> both of these were super short snippets, fine but not much substance

<u>Sealskin</u>4 stars - This was a meatier story, a SEAL after a mission gone bad goes on a vacation that's really a quest.

<u>The Arcane Art of Misdirection</u> 4 stars. I've read this one before - Odysseus Grant is a favorite reoccurring character, I always want more of him.

<u>What happened to Ben in vegas</u> 4stars It's been a long time since I read the Kitty books but this feels like a tie-in to one of the stories.

<u>Defining Shadows</u> 3.5 stars - Detective Hardin and a woo woo case with a brief Cormac appearance.

<u>Bellum Romanum</u> 3.5 stars - a Gauis back story.

<u>Kitty learns the Ropes</u> 3.5 stars

<u>Kitty Busts the Feds</u> 3.5stars

ARC via NetGalley courtesy of the publisher.

Kitty's Mix Tape by Carrie Vaughn was a delightful mix of short stories. Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book early. The stories bounced around the timeline of the Kitty books. There were Kitty stories, like how the blood moon and blue moon might affect the wolves. There was a nice backstory about Rick and one of his human friendships that lasted decades. We get to meet other wolves and how they came to be in Scotland and Germany. A selkie traced his heritage in Ireland and tried to figure out his path in life. We even got short stories with Odysseus Grant and Detective Hardin.. I enjoyed this book and glimpses into characters in the Kitty books. This was a fun read and makes me want to go back and reread the series.

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S KITTY'S MIX-TAPE?
That's an easy question: this is the second collection of short stories (previously published) set in the world of Kitty Norville, the werewolf turned talk radio star. We get a lot of stories featuring Kitty and/or her friends and allies (and one foe), and we get some stories that just happen to take place in the same reality even if they really don't have any cross-over with the series.

There's an introduction by Emma Bull that by itself would make a great review of this book (and maybe the series). Really, writing anything else after reading Bull seems superfluous.
Kitty & the Gang
I'm going to have a hard time keeping myself from talking too much about the stories featuring Kitty and her friends—Kitty and Ben going to her 10-year high school reunion was the perfect way to start off this book. Quick, fun, and a great way back into this world.

"It's Still the Same Old Story," could've fit into The Immortal Conquistador that I talked about a few months back—except it didn't fit into the story arc of that one. But for those who wonder what Rick was up to in the early part of the twentieth century, this will give you a good idea. This is possibly my favorite thing focusing on Rick to date.

On the eve of their wedding in Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand Ben disappears off on his own for a while, Vaughn finally lets us know what he was up to at the time. I'd forgotten all about that until I read this story, but I remember wondering then (as I was supposed to) what he'd been up to—it's nice to have that answered.

There was a dynamite story about Detective Jessi Harden of Denver PD investigating a murder with a supernatural angle that doesn't involve any of the series regulars. This would be the basis of a great follow-up series if Vaughn was in the mood for something. Hardin tackling "woo woo" crimes (I think that's what the New Orleans PD calls them in the Yellowrock books) would be compelling as all get out.

One more that I want to mention is called "Kitty Learns the Ropes." In this story, Kitty meets a professional athlete who happens to be a werewolf. Does that give him an unfair advantage? Should he disclose his situation to the world? Can't this guy who never asked to be supernatural just live is life?

I'm going on too long, so I'll summarize a few other standouts: there's a fun little story with Odysseus Grant, and some cute bits with Kitty and her pack dealing with the Super Blood Moon and the like, and a showdown with some Federal Agents.

OTHER STORIES
There are some stories that aren't about Kitty or her friends, too, but just take place in her universe. There are two that take place in Regency England, "The Island of Beasts" and "The Beaux Wilde." I enjoyed them both, and it is interesting to see Vaughn try to put her werewolves in that world. I would eagerly read more stories or a novel about the characters in "The Beaux Wilde."

There's also a sequel to a story from her previous short story collection, Kitty's Greatest Hits about a child of a selkie who grows up to be a Navy SEAL (what else could such a son be)? I liked that one, too, but it seemed to be missing a little something from the end. But I'm pretty sure it was supposed to feel that way.

The tale about Nazis attempting to use werewolves in the war didn't do much for me—but I think that's mostly a me thing. It was a good story, just not the sort of thing I think I'd seek out.

THE SONGS
Vaughn includes a list of songs that embody the various stories for her, which she did for the novels, too. I think if you consider this list as a track list for a mixtape, you'd end up with something that Rob Fleming (in any incarnation) would look upon with scorn. If you take them as pieces to go with the stories, it's a lot of fun, and adds a nice little dimension to them.

I will admit that I didn't listen to them as I read—I think it would work though. They're also a good tool to use to ruminate on the stories a bit.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT KITTY'S MIX-TAPE?
There wasn't a dud in the bunch, which is rare for a short story compilation—sure, I liked the ones about Kitty and her friends best, because that's what I came to the collection for. But I liked them all.

The back cover promises that this is "the final installment" of the series, but Vaugn talks about staying tuned because it's great to have a pre-existing world to write stories in. If the blurb is right, I'm glad I got a little more time in this world, but I'm hoping that staying tuned will pay off.

This may not be a great introduction to the werewolf DJ named Kitty, but it might work as one just fine, it's certainly a good tour of the world. But it's definitely the kind of thing that Kitty's readers should come for. It's one of the best collections I've read this year—and maybe for a good chunk of last year, too. Give it a whirl.

Man, what a WONDERFUL return to Kitty's world and SO many amazing stories I've wondered about for YEARS! I hope we have more returns!

Kitty’s Mix-Tape by Carrie Vaughn was a fabulous way to end the Kitty Norville series! This book is a series of short stories that checks in with beloved characters and expands your knowledge of the supernatural world that Kitty lives in.

I love that this book made it so easy to picture Kitty continuing with The Midnight Hour and learning more about the supernatural world. This book also answered some questions that you (and Kitty) probably wondered about throughout the series. Like what happens during a blood moon? Or what happened to Ben when he was kidnapped?

I am so sad that this series is now over! I have throughly enjoyed reading about Kitty, Ben, Cormac and the rest of their friends and pack. Please make sure you read this book when it comes out in October! It is sooo worth it!

I received a NetGalley copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I love all of the Kitty Norville books. I have all of the mass market paperbacks as well. So I was excited to see this new book after all of these years. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the five star book I figured it would be. Don’t get me wrong, I still liked it but didn’t love it and that’s okay.

I love the title and that’s exactly what the book is, random stories about Kitty or her world or other worlds.

Kitty and Ben will always have a special place in my heart

*Thank you to Netgalley and Tachyon Publications for a digital copy of this book.

Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾

I just love all the Kitty books. The world is so well rounded and fleshed out. this series of short stories was tight and well written, but still very readable and enjoyable. I liked all the stories as they are, complete, bit would definitely read each as a novel or novella, because they are so interesting.. thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC before publication.

This series is one of my favorites and I was sad when it was done. I like that the author still gives us new stories with other characters as the main narrator. I was excited to read this book too, even as I knew some of the stories I had read before. It was funny how some of them instantly clicked in my head and I knew what was coming, while others not so much until I read at the end where the author talked about them and I know I read them. Either way I enjoyed reading all of them, the new, the not so new and the ones I had forgotten about and now I want to do a re-read of the series.

I love Kitty. She is amazing. The other characters are well developed and complex. It is action packed and original. I cannot get enough of Kitty. I love to read about the werewolves. I get so excited when a new book comes out. I look forward to reading another one. I definitely recommend this book. The series is quite realistic.

This is a fun collection of short stories set in the fabulous world of Kitty Neville, werewolf extraordinaire. Readers will enjoy stories of established characters like Rick, Kitty, and Ben, as well as stories involving new characters and settings. The stories are delicious small bites.

Starting off I haven't read anything by Carrie Vaughn and I didn't know this was book 16 in a series of novellas.
I highly recommend as a reader if this sounds interesting to read than go back and read the other books first because I can promise you no matter how hard the author tries to update new readers you will get lost.

The author has written many different series that are brought together in this short story that if you are a fan will love to reconnect with the many different characters in her Urban, supernatural, paranormal world she has created.
Kitty is likable and is a quick read for those who love these type of stories.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Carrie Vaughn Kitty's Mix-Tape

If we have to say goodbye to a literacy friend, this is a good way to do it. Another run ride through Kitty's world, in this case, in a selection of stories (some new, some old). Thank you for the opportunity to preview this ARC. There are several of my customers that are excited to hear there's another book coming!

It's so nice to return to this world! I really enjoyed the Kitty Norville series, so naturally, I had to pick this up. I do recommend reading the series first before jumping into this collection in order to get the full impact (and avoid spoilers). I had read only 3 of the stories here in previous anthologies, so it was nice to have more that I hadn't already read! I also enjoyed how the stories were framed around different songs. The writing style is easy to read and often quite entertaining.

In terms of the stories themselves, there were a couple that were only a handful of pages. While I don't think these really added a ton, I thought they were pretty entertaining and just fun tidbits about the world. I particularly enjoyed the boxing story, as well as the one about Rick. We do get some hints that perhaps the Long Game isn't quite finished and there's maybe more to be told. I certainly hope that's the case as I'd love to read more!

I'd definitely recommend this to fans of the Kitty Norville series (and if you haven't already read them, you should!).

I received a copy of this for review from the publisher via NetGalley - thank you! All opinions are my own.

My video review can be seen on my channel (around minutes 10:49-13:15 of this video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5fzUIsFj-8

A random collection of stores from various worlds include Kitty’s world of vampires and werewolves. ARC from NetGalley.

This is a collection of short stories set in the world of Kitty Norville, radio DJ and werewolf extraordinaire. As with all short story anthologies there is something for everyone. For me, this anthology shone when it gave me extra insights to the characters I know and love (Rick and Cormac especially) and was otherwise good.
Where Kitty is a part of the story we jump around from the early days to after the series ended with only small clues as to where they are set unless you flick to the back and read the story notes, not something I’d advise till you had have read the story. Otherwise, we are relying on social structures and clues ot place the time period. As with all Kitty books this comes with a play list, this time a mix tape of songs at a rate of one per story making up part of the notes at the end.
The mix opens with an introduction from Emma Bull who has become a fan after failing to take up the offer to blurb the first book. She feels authentic and mirrors some of my fan girl feels.
Now to the stories & my thoughts on each…
#1 Kitty walks on by, calls your name
Kitty and Ben attend her 10 year high school reunion where she feels out of place, especially as she has not been in touch with the friend who invited her since she became a wolf. Is this a trap or just a chance to finally catch up? What could old friends have to say to each other now their lives have changed? What exactly happened with Kitty and her ex?
I really enjoyed this, as someone who had a small group of friends at school that I didn’t see for years, I really understood Kitty’s worries and enjoyed the journey as she finally recognised a couple of her gang. A 10/10 strong opener of a story that reminded me excactly what I love about this series.
#2 It’s still the same old story
Ahhhh Rick!! We meet Rick and Hardin after Rick has discovered the body of an old friend, one he is certain was murdered. This story skilfully weaves between Rick’s first meeting with Helen post WWII and the investigation to her death. It highlights the disconnect that vampires might feel as the world passes them by, who can they trust to know them without wanting anything in return?
I love Rick but was a bit disappointed by how the ending to this left me feeling unsatisfied. I think there is great potential here to have added to Hardin & develop her character as well as give me closure but it wasn’t quite reached. This may just have been a reaction to seeing my favourite character and wanting it to keep going on forever. 7/10

#3The Island of the beasts
Now we hit the experimental what if? Stories. Start with a what if? For wolves through time. How do you manage as a wolf if you don’t have a pack or refuse to bow to the local Alpha? This story takes us to the islands off Scotland where wolves deemed too uncivilised for society (read unwilling to bow to the Lord of Wolves and the Master of Blood) end up being isolated. Will our woman who has been dumped there give into her wolf or stay civilised? What about the other wolves who have been dumped there, how will they react to a woman arriving on their territory?
This shows the first historic inkling that wolves and vampires were working together, possibly in conjunction with the government, to prepare for war. I found this interesting but so apart from the stories I was enjoying that linked to the series it was a bit jarring.
I did like the resolution but do wonder why only one female werewolf had shown alpha tendencies at this period? 5/10
#4 The Beaux Wilde
Jumping further back in time we reach the what if a wolf pack has to be civilised to avoid this fate? How would they survive in England & high society? I love our main focus hear, a gentle miss who has passable embroidery but loves to curl up and read. She avoids people as most of them are confusing to her with the feelings and words differing, as she reflects ‘What Amy said and the feelings behind the words were the same’ this explains why she avoids people and feels the difference in the new members of society. Perhaps she is a psychic or has some fae heritage?
An enjoyable look at a maiden who falls for a wolf and how this might be dealt with in the days of supervision and cordial distances. 7/10.
#5 Unternehmen werewolf
When Kitty goes to Washington and ventures out to play with the lycanthropes in the area she meets Fritz, AKA the Nazi and asks for his story. He calls the show one night and gives her the bones but now we get to see how he was at 17, during the war. This helps ask the question can you escape from the evil when your wolf knows what you do is wrong but your society has you thinking it is right?
A great short piece to add to the backstory of a character from one book. 7/10.
#6 Kitty and the Full Super Blood Moon thing
A one shot with the pack on the night of the once in a century super blood moon. How will it affect the wolves on their pack run out?
Just a little bit of fun
#7 Kitty and Cormac’s excellent adventure
Cormac needs Rick’s help so goes through Kitty to get in touch, he’s agreed to take a job that just isn’t as easy as he thought it would be. Now he’s asked for one favour he’s also stuck with Kitty till it’s done, she loves a mystery but will this one be easy to solve?
What follows is a treasure hunt through the area where clues have been left possibly in time and in a strange order. I was struck by how this could easily have led to a crossover with Patricia Briggs and her Mercyverse as Kitty meets a descendant of Coyote
This was brilliant and just what the collection needed at this point to pick up the pace and bring us back to the present. 8/10 for the ending as, like Kitty, I hate an unsolved mystery and there was definitely room for explanations here. On reflection I think the explanation may not have been as interesting as the story but it didn’t stop me going what? Why? How? Tell me more?
#8 Sealskin
A special ops soldier takes a trip to Ireland following his mother’s death. He never knew his father but his feet and hands are webbed and he has always loved the water. Feeling lost and unsure of himself he travels the coast and finds some locals who point him in the right direction to find his roots, roots he didn’t know he had among the waters off Ireland.
Anyone who loves mythical creatures can recognise where this story is going, what surprised me was how it ended. A gentle roam around Ireland and an interesting look at what makes us feel whole. Is it family or is it just the knowing? 4/10
#9 The arcane art of misdirection
Vegas and a casino know they are being tricked but don’t know how. Who do you get on the case? Odysseus Grant of course! Teaming up with Julie, a casino worker who spots the game but can’t work out how it is being played we follow them as they investigate a case of ‘luck’ or is it magic?
A fun romp through Vegas as we search for who is behind the illusions. I really enjoyed seeing what a magician might do for the casinos and the idea that some employees could see it and do nothing whilst Julie takes a step into his world. What will happen next? This story gave me a lot to work with in imagining what came next and filled me with hope for Odysseus and more of his story in the future. 9/10
#10 What happened to Ben in Vegas
Finally some resolution for those of us who wondered what on earth Ben was up to whilst Kitty was saving the world, or at least part of it in Vegas. Turns out he had been ‘escorted’ by two men in suits to a secret location. Ben goes along as they threaten Kitty but where is he and can he make it out in time for the wedding? The city has it in for him in this well paced examination as to why Ben has been taken along with another idea for how casinos could use the paranormal to help with security.
I really enjoyed this view of how Ben can take care of himself and the insight into how he feels about Kitty. It almost made me feel ok about her beign with him instead of Cormac. 8/10
#11 Kitty and the super blue blood or whatever moon thing
How many once in 100 year moons can there be? How will this one affect the wolves and should we really care? Again another fun one shot on another special night.
#12 Defining Shadows
Somehow Hardin has become the cop that Denver PD go to when things look a little quirky in a case. This time there is a pair of legs standing in a shed but how did the body die and where is the top half?
Hardin has made use of her connections to Kitty to style herself the ‘expert’ even though she knows she is making it up as she goes along. Give it a few years and she will be writing the book for all departments across the country on this type of investigation.
I really enjoyed this view into Hardin and her thoughts as she tries to deal with things that go bump in the night. I also was pleased to see a different culture used as the basis for the paranormal culprit, one I hadn’t heard of and the myth was provided without being in your face so it felt a natural part of the story and put me in Hardin’s shoes. Excellent overall, 10/10
#13 Bellum Romanum
Now to a vampire who goes to find out if his tools of power are still where he left them as he planned to destroy the world. Gaius Albinus is off to a small Croatian town to find an old palace. What has he hidden in the walls and how will he use it?
Another story that shows us in short inserts what it might be like to live for so long that all your world has moved on. Nothing like forward planning as you play the Long Game!
This story left me divided, I feel like I would appreciate this more if I could place the main focus in context of the Kitty verse but it was still good even without that. I feel a reread of the series coming on! 7/10
#14 Kitty Learns the Ropes
A journalist has found Kitty and wants her to help with a story. Showing Kitty a video where a boxer comes back from an injury that should have kept him down, she pledges her case for the need to know if a particular fighter is a werewolf or something else?
Kitty goes along with her and we follow them as Kitty faces the choice: follow the story or protect others from the experience she had when she was outed both by Cormac and then in Washington. Which will she choose?
I found this an interesting look at the ethical dilemma you might face if you know something about another person that could give them an advantage in their chosen field. Should you break the story or trust that the person is ethical? 6/10
#15 Kitty Busts the Feds
And we are back where we started! One night Kitty is on the air discussing the effects of pot on supernatural beings when she is cornered in the studio by the Men In Black. Has it something to do with her broadcast or something much more sinister?
I loved this story, from its references to Nazisim, McCarthyism and beyond to the appearance of Ben & Cormac in response to what they decided was a call for help it was the perfect way to end the collection. 10/10

it has been five years since kitty norville ended. five long years. after The Immortal Conquistador gave us the back story for Rick i needed more stories. these short stories were a nice addition and tide over. however they gave me the same problem that The Immortal Conquistador cause. I need more

If this has to be Kitty’s farewell it was a fun way to do it. I’m sad it has come to an end but it was an entertaining way to go. I enjoyed Kitty’s journey along with the friends (and enemies) she made along the way! Thanks to NetGalley the author and her publisher for letting me read an advanced copy of Kitty’s Mixed-Tape.

I love how this short story collection has tie in songs for each story. It adds another layer to the story especially with the author’s notes included.

The collection is the final installment in the Kitty Norville series though each story doesn’t follow Kitty, some are even historical but they are all supernatural, set in this universe and mostly feature characters from the series.

It’s kind of a look around the world at what else was going on since the main series is told from Kitty’s perspective the view is limited to what she experiences. With this collection we get to see a little more and discover things she doesn’t know as well as some new experiences for her since Kitty Saves the World.

*review posted to blog www.elainehowlin.com on release date