A stunning, compelling, expertly written collection of mysteries from a modern master.

What do you do when you have a nice orderly tall pile of books TBR, and you receive an early copy of the new Laura Lippman collection of short stories? Place it neatly on the bottom of the pile? Hahaha, NO. It’s Laura Lippman. You tear into it immediately. And I’m so glad I did, because this book of short stories far exceeded my highest expectations.

The first thing that impressed me about this collection is that, unlike most short story collections, there is no weak link or filler. Some of the stories are very good, others are great, and still others are excellent. That’s the range you’re afforded here. I also loved the way this collection was organized - the first section, a set of stories with a Baltimore theme; the second, with a focus on deadly women; the third, about little girls, and the fourth focused on the bonds of marriage. Each section of the book introduces each topic with a perfect quote.

The book is replete with the beautiful writing and sly sense of humor for which Lippman is well-known. I had already read and loved “Slow Burner” on Amazon, but it was a pleasure to read again - a story about a wife discovering her husband’s affair through a series of messages on an unfamiliar flip phone. I also really enjoyed the humorous “Snowflake Time,” a politically flavored story about a cantankerous news anchor turned cozy mystery writer that also features the Mysterious Bookshop and makes fun of Goodreads reviewers. (I am interested to read what other Goodreads reviewers think of this story. I took it in good fun.) The titular story, “Seasonal Work,” is best to go into blind and is a reading experience that is both tragic and funny. Readers who love Lippmann will also enjoy Tess Monaghan’s appearance in that story.

But I think my favorite story of the bunch was “Five Fires.” Not unlike its subject, it begins with a slow burning ember, lulling you along, and then all of a sudden, with a single shocking sentence, the whole thing sets ablaze. This is one of those stories that starts off a little slow because you don’t know all the facts. But suddenly something happens and you realize you’re reading a totally different story then you thought. After the shocking end to this story I went back and reread it a second time, knowing what I now knew, and it was an absolutely fantastic and totally different second read. These are some of my favorite kinds of stories - the ones you can read again in a while new light. This story really demonstrated what a limber and compelling writer Laura Lippman is.

So, to sum up, I’ve found my favorite short story collection of the year. This will definitely be on my list of best reads of 2021. If you love mysteries and great writing, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this book. 5+ stars and my highest recommendation.

Thanks to William Morrow, NetGalley and Laura Lippman for the ARC of one of my favorite books of the year.

I cannot say enough positive things about this book of short stories. Each one takes you to a place where you’re dying to get out of it. The writer seems to know each character intimately and then unfold them to you in a timely planned manner.

One of my favorite collections of short stories I have read. I found the stories delightful individually, particularly those centered around books and reading. As a collection this is a quick read with a whimisical feel that pulled me right in. I’d recommend to anyone.

A very good writer. Enjoyed most of the short stories. ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.