Death & Honey

In this blood-soaked collection of fantasy novellas tied to larger series, three otherwise unconnected tales are linked by the thematic inclusion of murder and bees. Kevin Hearne’s “The Buzz Kill” returns to the Iron Druid Chronicles after the events of 2018’s Scourged. As narrated by the faithful sausage-loving wolfhound Oberon, druid Atticus O’ Sullivan investigates the mysterious death of a man deep in the wilds of Tasmania. In the weird west story “Grist of Bees” by Lila Bowen, retired monster-hunter Rhett Walker (last seen in 2018’s Treason of Hawks) is tempted back into service to rescue a kidnapped girl from a malevolent oracle on a mountain, a quest that leads the reluctant hero to face elements of his checkered past. Meanwhile, Chuck Wendig checks in on the world of Miriam Black in “Interlude: Tanager,” which features Wren, a psychic teenager unable to escape her life as a hunter of serial killers. While all three stories rely heavily upon previous knowledge of their respective series, they’re still accessible for newcomers. Established fans and completionists will undoubtedly enjoy seeing what these characters are up to now. (Mar.)