Pay particular attention to "Releve", the story contributed by Patricia Wallace and her daughter. This story introduces us to Sydney Bryant, the private eye that Pat Wallace has featured in a terrific series for adults. The titles in the series include "Deadly Devotion" and "Blood Lies".

Other outstanding stories include those by Wendy Hornsby, Scott Turow, Stuart Kaminsky, and Sharyn McCrumb (and their collaborators). This is a book that parents can read and enjoy with their children. It might inspire them to collaborate on some mystery stories of their own!

I look forward to reading the companion volume, "Great Writers and Kids Write Spooky Stories". I

"When you think of a mystery, what comes to mind? A dark secret? An unsolved crime? A curious detective hunting for clues?"

The only mystery, the only secret, the only crime is how this anthology could be so easily overlooked. "Great Writers and Kids Write Mystery Stories" (1996) is a collection of stories written by some of today's greatest mystery authors in collaboration with their children and grandchildren. Jonathan Kellerman, Sharyn McCrumb, and Scott Turow are three of the thirteen award-winning writers that create wonderous whodunits with their offspring, ages 6 to adult.

While written at about the junior high/ middle school level, this complilation is enjoyable to all. The stories are five to several pages. Some are written with the child as the amateur detective, some are written as a type of psychological thriller.

The introduction serves as a "mini-lesson" on mystery writing. And, each story features a short personal introduction by the adult and child writing team on what it was like to collaborate on their included story. Other contributors include Barbara D'Amato, Ed Gorman, Stuart Kaminsky, Elizabeth Engstrom, and many others.

This book has the unique ability to be educational as well as entertaining. Those that enjoy this book may also enjoy the first volume as well: "Great Writers and Kids Write Spooky Stories" (1995).

In this second of what would be a series of novels, Crane is hired by a millionaire on death row to try to prove his innocence. The only problem is that there are only six days left till convicted wife murderer Robert Westland is scheduled to go to the chair, along with two very different men in the cells adjoining his. The case seems open and shut, involving as it does evidence proving that Westland was at his wife's apartment (they were separated and in the process of divorcing) around the time of her murder, a weapon just like one he owns was the murder weapon, and the body was found in a locked room and he's the only person other than his wife known to own a key!

Latimer had great fun with Crane and the host of suspects and characters involved in this almost week long excursion of broads, booze, smart aleck comments, and sleuthing in the bars and mean streets of Chicago. I guarantee that you the reader will have fun too. The only drawback is that the book was written in the non politically correct 30's and contains some racial epithets and stereotypes. If you can get past that then I strongly suggest getting a copy and making the acquaintance of Bill Crane.

Five stars for humor, well drawn out mystery, and all around fun.

A great book for fantasy lovers to curl up with and enjoy.

The first story in the collection seems tailor-made for Tales From The Darkside or Amazing Stories. Laurence, a young man with too much time on his hands and far more money than he needs, and his best friend, Miranda, give magic a try and find themselves in over their heads. Miranda is a feisty woman who thinks on her feet, and is an extremely appealing character. Picture "Her Likeness" on the screen and see what I mean.

For a truly chilling villain, turn to "Mud Puppies." Herman Underwood is one of the most disturbing sociopaths to come along in quite awhile, and he just gets more horrifying as the story progresses. As much as I loathe pit bulls, I wouldn't wish Herman on a dog. Come to think of it, maybe they are perfect for each other.

"The Missing Half Of Irian" introduces Fesmire's intriguing concept of "duals." Irian and Oanya, you'll find, have a lot in common, especially when you consider the fact that they inhabit a single body. Of course, you wouldn't know it was the same body, unless they let the secret slip. This one body shape-shifts from a male to a female, depending on which person is in control. Oanya is the one in the dress and the missing half. Both are in danger.

If you're experiencing vampire deficiency, "Heather's Family" is there for you. This is not your average, glamourous undead story; this is more like the sobering reality of what would really happen to an average family with such a problem. No castles, no raven-haired temptresses in this picture, just a bare-roots existence and some difficult choices.

Of course, not all is intrigue and a war of powers. Seeds Of Vision offers plenty of comedy relief. Just looking at the title "Free-Loki.com," it's obvious that this is a naughtily playful look at a meeting of legend and life today. "Chasing Down Charlie" is a charming fantasy that will entertain plus is perfect to read to children. In fact, put Fesmire together with a talented artist, and there is a children's book in the making.

Comedy, action, sorcery -- it's a taste of everything fantasy can be. And it features characters that feel real, not perfect or all-powerful; people with talents and weakness -- just like us. The very best part may well be Fesmire's voice. He tells a story in a way that is so accessible, it feels as if he were there, telling you the story face-to-face.

He's waiting to tell you a story. Take a seat and listen.

Copyright © 2000 Lisa DuMond

In between reviews and interviews, Lisa DuMond writes science fiction and humour. DARKERS, her latest novel, will be published in early 2000 by Hard Shell Word Factory. She has also written for BOOKPAGE and PUBLISHERS WEEKLY. Her articles and short stories are all over the map. You can check out Lisa and her work at her website hikeeba!.