"Kitty's Greatest Hits" not only gives readers some of Kitty's further adventures, it offers longtime fans a window into the origins of some of their favorite characters. This is the first-ever story collection from the bestselling author, including two new works! 320 pp.

Reviews

The latest addition to Vaughn's popular series, which features radio talk-show host and werewolf Kitty Norville, is a collection of short stories. The tales are wide-ranging in theme and tone, and not all are directly related to Kitty's universe, but each contains a paranormal influence (or interference) in the daily lives of mortals. High points include "The Temptation of Robin Green," in which an employee of a government lab falls in love with a selkie (a shape-shifting creature) under her care, and the poignant "Il Est Ne," in which Kitty teams up with a newly transformed werewolf to help solve a series of grisly murders. Vaughn's trademark sense of humor continues to distinguish this urban fantasy series, and the seamless integration of a variety of paranormal creatures (including vampires, werewolves, and shape-shifters) in the everyday world is entertaining. Several of the stories were previously published, most in urban fantasy short story anthologies and fantasy magazines. VERDICT This collection should please fans of the series, especially those who want to know more about the side characters, but readers new to the Kittyverse will also find a fine introduction to this richly populated, fascinating paranormal world.-Nanette Donohue, Champaign P.L., IL (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

These side stories set in the world of Vaughn's paranormal novels are all well written and tightly plotted, though Kitty Norville fans may be disappointed that the werewolf radio personality appears only in about a third of them. Various historical tales are interesting, but could be set in any werewolf/vampire universe. The highlights of the collection are the stories from the perspective of Kitty's strong, silent cousin-in-law, Cormac. As he fills in backstory, such as the explanation of how he became haunted, he also becomes a more nuanced and sympathetic character, with guilt, love, and resignation to a half-full glass balancing his considerable willpower and dedication. The crowning novella, "Long Time Waiting," will leave readers hoping for Cormac to get a full novel of his own. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.