Of Claws and Fangs

These 18 shorts return to the shared setting of bestseller Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood series and add richness and depth to their world. Many of the tales unfold the fascinating hidden histories of the vampires, witches, and humans that make up heroine Jane’s found family. In “Candy from a Vampire,” Leo Pellisier, “the vampire Master of the City of New Orleans,” learns to consider the happiness of his primo subordinate for the first time. Fan favorite supporting character Beast’s deeply buried memories of coming of age are revealed in “Life’s a Bitch and Then You Die.” Jane’s best friend, Molly, is targeted for her death magic powers in “Death and the Fashionista” while Molly’s children discover the range of their own extraordinary powers in “My Dark Knight.” The collection ends on a sour note; the final two stories, “Bound into Darkness” and “The Ties That Bind,” move surprising slowly and offer no big reveals or juicy tidbits. Still, most entries have enough going on to keep readers hooked. Hunter’s fans won’t want to miss this. Agent: Lucienne Diver, Knight Agency. (May)