This collection of short stories was deliciously deviant, with a level of violence that reminded me of J.A. Konrath writing as Jack Kilborn. It’s a pull-no-punches, brain-splattering level of violence that may seem extreme to some, but that I think fits perfectly with the fantastical nature of the stories. You won’t agree with each protagonist’s reason for the violence, but I think that makes it more interesting. I was especially intrigued by the final story, Nemcoff’s Nemesis, which has appeared before in an audio anthology about a terrorist attack on the U.S. It’s a story that made me think after I was finished, and I actually went back and re-read a few sections to make sure I understood what happened.

This collection is perfect for anyone who has just wanted to go home and scream after a long day at work. Just don’t let your boss catch you reading it at your desk. ( )