(Original review: http://hill-kleerup.org/blog/2009/04/...)

I hate it when I’m successfully manipulated by Big Business. Or Big Publishing.

And, of course, that’s what’s happened with Mean Streets, a collection of four novellas by different fantasy writers about their urban fantasy noir detectives. All of whom, coincidentally, happen to have book series that Roc (Penguin) would just love me to buy.

Which, of course, I now need to.

*sigh*

“The Warrior” by Jim Butcher ****

Butcher’s highly successful Harry Dresden, seedy PI wizard of Chicago, is a natural to lead off the collection. The tale fits quite neatly into current continuity, but it’s still a bit odd to see Harry only facing a couple of Dire Menaces, rather than the usual dozen or so. Still, there’s the usual humor, pathos, philosophy, angst, and, of course, magic. Harry’s dealing with guilt over his friend Michael’s injuries — even as it looks like someone is gunning for him. Good stuff, if not quite as good as a full-length novel. It’s no surprise that it’s the headliner of the book.

“The Difference a Day Makes” by Simon R. Green **

This stars John Taylor, a PI in London’s Nightside, a dark magical realm of sin and excess. It’s Gaiman by way of Warren Ellis, with perhaps a bit of Moorcock and a very grumpy (and half-drunk) Zelazny. In this tale, Taylor decides to help a woman who’s found her way into the Nightside find the missing day from her memory, even though every indication is that it will Not End Well. Not quite my unremittingly-dark cuppa, but I don’t regret having read it, and it might be something I come back to.

“The Third Death of the Little Clay Dog” by Kat Richardson ****

Part of Richardson’s “Graywalker” series, the best analog I can think of is Mercedes Lackey’s old Diana Tregarde novels, only with a bit lower magic level and focusing more on ghosts than witchcraft. Good, entertaining stuff, and some nice use (in this issue) of Mexican folk magic and holidays. I’ve ordered the first of the series (which is going to be reissued soon).

“Noah’s Orphans” by Thomas E. Sniegoski ****

Remy Chandler is one of the Seraphim, who quit his job after the Great War in Heaven and has decided that being a Boston-based private detective is the best way to learn about (and join) humanity. Here Chandler combats (im)mortal grief while trying to find out who’s murdered Noah — and why. And, yes, I’ve ordered the first of this series, too.

I hate being manipulated — but I guess I’m being manipulated in a pleasant way (so to speak). Good stuff. All recommended.