Both series are well received and are looked forward to as each new book is released.

Strange Candy is a bit of a departure from these characters; Ms. Hamilton has chosen to release 14 of her short stories. This is the first short story collection she has released, although some of these have been published elsewhere. Included in the mix is an Anita Blake, vampire hunter, story that was never released and takes place early in the character's lifetime.

Included in the collection are a wide range of stories varying from science fiction to horror to fantasy, and even a hint of comedy.

I must say one of my favorites was the story "Selling Houses." I work part time at a real estate office, so I could just see one of our agents dealing with the problems of selling a home where a gruesome mass murder has occurred.

Some of the stories border on the dark for which Ms. Hamilton is well known. At times this reader felt almost a sense of the old gothic novels of which I was once so fond.

But then there are the funny ones like "A Lust of Cupids," where a young woman and man who are determine to live a life alone are pursued by a whole band of cupids determined to pair them up.

I must say that Strange Candy was a fun read. I love an occasional short story compilation and this book far exceeded my expectations as a quick read to take me away from my everyday life. This book took me far, far away.