By Brian Abbott
Contributing Writer
Pressed for time? The holiday season can be hectic for all of us and setting aside time for a good read may prove a challenge. Surely there’s a few moments to grab and read a story or two from one of these collections of stories and novellas.
The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine
By Kate Angell, Jennifer Dawson and Sharla Lovelace
Kensington, 2016.
A trio of stories beckons readers to Moonbright, Maine “where the scents of donuts and cider waft through the crisp night air … with just a hint of magic.” It’s a celebration of Halloween for three unsuspecting revelers in this collection of romantic encounters.
In Angell’s “Charmed by You,” a young woman discovers joy in getting to know a small town man at a Halloween party. A librarian and her best friend, Jack, get stranded at a B&B in Dawson’s “Mesmerized by You.” And in Lovelace’s “Enchanted by You,” two South Carolinians rediscover each other after 12 years apart. Three contemporary romance stories to sweep away readers to a magical B&B.
The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories
By P. D. James
Knopf Doubleday, 2016.
If mysteries are more to your liking, be sure to pick up this collection of stories by the late mystery maven P. D. James. Four previously uncollected stories, two of which feature James’ intrepid Adam Dalgliesh, are packaged here for easy consumption.
In one case, Dalgliesh’s godfather implores him to reinvestigate a murder that may impact an inheritance. In another, Dalgliesh remarks the case is “pure Agatha Christie” with a puzzle to match. The quartet is rounded out by a tale of a reluctant witness to murder and a best-selling crime novelist’s account of a 50-year-old murder case. This may be the last taste of works by P. D. James who passed away in November 2014.
Chance Developments
By Alexander McCall Smith
Knopf Doubleday, 2016.
The bestselling author of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series spins five lyrical stories inspired by vintage photographs in this collection. Each black-and-white photo appears alongside the story of love and friendship it inspires.
A girl on a pony and a boy on a tricycle, a roguish man perched on a lady’s knee, and a woman “haloed by light in a train station” are just a few of the images that spark sentimental stories with the humor and gentle satire that McCall Smith is known for.
The Corn Maiden and Other Nightmares
By Joyce Carol Oates
Simon Pulse, 2016.
Oates includes seven short nightmares in this latest collection. The featured story, “The Corn Maiden,” revolves around an 11-year-old girl “with hair the color of corn silk.” She’s abducted by an older girl at her school who is obsessed with a legend about sacrificing a girl to ensure a good crop. In another story, “Helping Hands,” a fatalistic and lonely woman meets a man in a charity shop.
These stories of disassociation and dysfunction may creep out some readers, but they make for “edge of your seat” reading.
These books and more by these authors are available through the DeWitt Community Library’s catalog in either print or ebook format. Stop by the Library to reserve a copy or discover other reading suggestions. Books may be reserved by phone (446-3578) or by visiting the library’s website: dewlib.org.
