Normal Rules Don't Apply: Stories by Kate Atkinson

 I like almost everything Kate Atkinson has written, and I especially like her books featuring the Jackson Brodie character. These eleven short stories are classic Kate Atkinson: light-hearted, engaging stories that captured my imagination.

These stories are interconnected, with the main characters being a queen in a fable, a man who works on a soap opera, and a recently deceased secretary, among others. Although they don't sound like they could work together, trust me, they do. Atkinson skillfully intertwines these lives interestingly and imaginatively to produce a satisfying read.

4/5 stars.

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Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang

I don't usually care for short stories, but a friend whose opinions I trust suggested this collection. I did like it, and although it didn't change my mind about short stories—they're too choppy; I like a continuous story—I was engaged with most of the stories.

These are stories previously published in magazines, mainly in the 90s, but they have held up well. All are character-driven and deal with various topics, including what it means to be human. Most stories have intriguing premises, are excellently written, and captured my imagination. The author delves heavily into math and physics in several stories that I found hard to comprehend. I admit to having to skim parts, but that didn't detract from the overall readability of the stories. All-in-all, this is an interesting read. 

3.5/5 stars.

For more information:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Rise by Ian Rankin

I have been a fan of Ian Rankin for many years, so I leaped to get this short story by him that was free for Amazon Prime members in October.

DI Jack Milton and DS Gillian Gish are on call when a murder occurs at an exclusive residential high-rise in London, aptly named The Rise. The highly wealthy inhabitants find themselves suspects, and some aren't very cooperative. The detectives must tread lightly to solve the murder.

This is a solid police procedural with a twist. Typical of Rankin, the murderer isn't apparent, and although a few clues are meted out, there aren't enough to figure out the whodunit in this intricate story—that part I didn't like. I felt like the author held back too much information--a fine line for a murder mystery, I admit, and one that often frustrates me. Overall, this is a good, solid read, and the price couldn't be beaten.

For more information:

Amazon