A. K. Benedict

4.5 rounded up.
Although I've read several of the New Who Adventure novels, this is the first work by Big Finish Productions that I've ever read and I'm hooked! These take audiodrama to a whole new level - the story and sound are so immersive and just throw you right into the thick of things. And the stories (while not like, Russell T. Davies level of storytelling) are fun and feel true to the Whoniverse. I'm really enjoying this particular arc that fills in some of the gaps in Rose's timeline after the events of "Doomsday" and before "Turn Left"/"The Stolen Earth". It helps flesh out relationships and even problems that we may have encountered in the show (like Rose being so chummy with Pete-who-isn't-her-Pete) while giving fresh adventures and giving us the chance to see Rose grow without the Doctor being by her side.
Although I'm a sucker for a happy ending, I was appreciative of the fact that "The Dimension Cannon" didn't try to force feed readers a neatly tied-up pleasant story, and instead took the chance to focus on other what-if style worlds that prompted reflection and some heavier themes. I can already tell that this is definitely a series where all three books will have to be read to get a conclusion, but I'm totally looking forwards to that process!… (mais)

Best British Horror 2018 is a wonderful anthology of horror that is both creepy and well-written. It's an eclectic collection with everything from haunted houses to Lovecraftian horrors. Many of the tales are influenced by the great Victorian tales, such as "Love and Death," which puts a spin on Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray.

I enjoyed all the tales, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be "Ting-a-ling-a-ling," a story inspired by that master of the ghost story, M. R. James. But really, there isn't a clunker in the bunch. If you're looking for a few chills, then this book is for you!… (mais)

It’s been a while since I read a collection of short stories. I’m glad I picked up, Exit Wounds, published by Titan Books. The nineteen mystery stories collected here offer a wide range of entertainment. From just creepy to outright scary, from classy to raunchy, all these stories are well told. This obviously is due to the editors, Paul B. Kane and Marie O. Regan, selection of modern crime writers including, Jeffery Deaver, Lee Child, Val McDermid, Dean Koontz, and James Oswald among others. We sometimes forget it doesn’t take 300 to 400 pages to create a good mystery story. Thanks, Mr. Poe.… (mais)