This was a collection of smart, efficient stories. As I read these crime/mystery/supernatural entries, the projector in my head played them in a smoky, black and white reminiscent of Sunset Boulevard, Dial M For Murder, Laura, Double Indemnity -- I could keep that list going on and on.

I had a hard time with this collection and it took me much longer to read it than it should have. Now you may think, uh oh, it was bad. Nope. Just the opposite. When I get anxious while reading a book, I have to put it down and walk away. That surge of anxiety is not enjoyable. Yet, for a story to elicit that intense response from me means the author is doing his job. He fulfilled his objective of ratcheting up the tension and suspense to the point I had to distance myself from them, while skillfully manipulating me to maintain that equilibrium between anxiety and curiosity so I would keep coming back.

Some of you may think starting and stopping and starting again ruins the story -- interrups the flow and tension. For some, that could be the kiss of death for the book. For me? No.

Maybe if I put it to you in these terms, you will understand me. I guess it could weirdly be compared to sex. Getting right there and then backing off before the payoff. Yeah, that's right. I went there. So, reading a book where I do this little dance makes the payoff -- sweeter.

Yes Pete Crowther, you can thank me for that comparison. At least I hope if you happen to see this someday, you will take that as a compliment.

A story in the collection, Tomorrow Eyes, reminded me very much of one of my favorite books: Bradbury's, The Illustrated Man. This is a very different story, but similar. And I bonded immediately with the author when he mentioned in his short, Keepsakes, Vivaldi, The Four Seasons and Alan Alda -- one of my most beloved, unsung ensemble movies.

So, good collection. Sharp writing. Interesting concepts. I would recommend it. ( )