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Like a Charm
Desire leaves a man destroyed – a young girl's curiosity reveals secrets better left hidden – an accidental encounter on a train ends violently – ambition leads to a curious exchange – an uncanny likeness changes two lives forever.
A novel in sixteen chilling parts, linked by a glittering charm bracelet which brings misfortune to everyone who handles it. In Like A Charm, the cream of British and American crime writers combine for a must-have collection. From nineteenth-century Georgia, where the bracelet is forged in fire, to wartime Leeds, a steam train across Europe, the violent backstreets of 1980s Scotland, present-day London, a Manhattan taxi, the Mojave desert and back to Georgia, each writer weaves a gripping story of murder, betrayal and intrigue.
A novel in sixteen chilling parts, linked by a glittering charm bracelet which brings misfortune to everyone who handles it. In Like A Charm, the cream of British and American crime writers combine for a must-have collection. From nineteenth-century Georgia, where the bracelet is forged in fire, to wartime Leeds, a steam train across Europe, the violent backstreets of 1980s Scotland, present-day London, a Manhattan taxi, the Mojave desert and back to Georgia, each writer weaves a gripping story of murder, betrayal and intrigue.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
254 people are currently reading
6154 people want to read
About the author
Karin Slaughter
128 books85.4k followersKarin Slaughter is one of the world’s most popular storytellers. She is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty- five novels, including the Edgar nominated COP TOWN and standalone novels PRETTY GIRLS and FALSE WITNESS. An international bestseller, Slaughter is published in 120 countries with more than 40 million copies sold across the globe. PIECES OF HER, based on her novel, debuted at #1 worldwide on Netflix as an original series in 2022. Her bestselling thriller series, Will Trent, is now a television and streaming sensation in its 4th season. THE GOOD DAUGHTER will soon be a limited series starring Rose Byrne and Meghann Fahy, and further projects are currently in development for film/TV. Karin Slaughter is the founder of the Save the Libraries project—a nonprofit organization established to support libraries and library programming. A native of Georgia, she lives in Atlanta.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
March 10, 2019
I don't normally enjoy anthologies, but I really liked this! This follows a charm bracelet that travels within each story. I found that set up to be incredibly creative and was always interested hear how it ended up with each new character. I will admit that although Kain Slaughter edited this, it doesn't read like one of her normal books. Her short story at the beginning was actually one of my least favorite. I highly recommend listening to this on audio because the stories occur in many different countries and time periods and the narrator does an amazing job voicing all the accents.
September 7, 2009
This is why I read so much so often and include audiobooks (unabridged, always unabridged) in my literary diet. This is really a collection of short stories from a variety of authors who have used a common thematic device—a charm bracelet—to weave all the stories together.
Each of these stories is a charm (I couldn’t help myself). Each picks up where the other left off, yet they could all stand alone. For instance: at the end of one story, a girl tosses the charm into the Mississippi and at the beginning of the next, a man claims to have found it while fishing in New Orleans.
I enjoyed each story. But to have this many good short stories woven together with a common element that span two centuries and many continents is a great treat I will not soon forget.
Good stories with plenty of intrigue, murder, sex, and plot twists — all presented with first class narration.
Each of these stories is a charm (I couldn’t help myself). Each picks up where the other left off, yet they could all stand alone. For instance: at the end of one story, a girl tosses the charm into the Mississippi and at the beginning of the next, a man claims to have found it while fishing in New Orleans.
I enjoyed each story. But to have this many good short stories woven together with a common element that span two centuries and many continents is a great treat I will not soon forget.
Good stories with plenty of intrigue, murder, sex, and plot twists — all presented with first class narration.
February 3, 2017
I tend to stay away from short story collections. When a story is too short, I find the meaning to be lost and the story feels pointless. This was the case with a couple of stories, however, some gems shined through.
I have read Karin Slaughter for many years and am a huge fan of her Grant County/Atlanta series. It was for this reason I picked up Like A Charm. Her stories 'Rootbound' and 'The Blessing of Brokenness' were great little reads and highlights of the book. Honorable mention to Fidelis Morgan for 'Down and Dirty' as well. The continuing thread of bracelets connecting the stories together was a nice touch. This book wasn't fantastic but lets face it, I'll pick up anything even remotely related to Karin Slaughter.
I have read Karin Slaughter for many years and am a huge fan of her Grant County/Atlanta series. It was for this reason I picked up Like A Charm. Her stories 'Rootbound' and 'The Blessing of Brokenness' were great little reads and highlights of the book. Honorable mention to Fidelis Morgan for 'Down and Dirty' as well. The continuing thread of bracelets connecting the stories together was a nice touch. This book wasn't fantastic but lets face it, I'll pick up anything even remotely related to Karin Slaughter.
July 18, 2024
2.5 stars
1. Rootbound - Karin Slaughter ⭐️⭐️
More a horror than a thriller and though I like horror, this was not my kind of story.
2. Vanitas - Emma Donoghue ⭐️⭐️.5
Liked this one a bit better. The bracelet returns though no clear connection was made. It brings bad luck? Contains the curse from the first story?
3. Cornelius Jubb - Peter Robinson ⭐️⭐️.5
Horrible story. The bracelet is definitely a bad luck charm. Just too bad it doesn’t look for bad people…
4. Down and Dirty - Fidelis Morgan ⭐️⭐️.5
Ok, these are some strange stories…
5. The Goblin - Lynda La Plante ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
A crazy MC again but at least this time we got a “fun murder”, less fantastical or weird…
6. The Snake Eater by The Numbers - Lee Child ⭐️⭐️.5
Not much thrilling going on.
7. Stroke of Luck - Mark Billingham ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Too sudden an end, but I did like the luck that befell Rachel…
8. Two Deaths and a Mouthful of Worms - Denise Mina ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Liked how it was all connected, with Anya stealing Helena’s identity. Also in this story we really got to see how the bracelet got to the new owner.
9. Favour - John Harvey ⭐️⭐️.5
It’s starting to feel like more of the same thing to me. People beating each other up, the bracelet continues to a new owner…
10. Plan B - Kelley Armstrong ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Liked the revenge on the revenge on the revenge lol
11. The Inkpot Monkey - John Connolly ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Fun(ny) story!
12. Acts of Corporal Charity - Jane Haddam ⭐️⭐️
Too weird for my taste…
13. Not Quite U. - Laura Lippmann ⭐️⭐️
Not my kind of story, no men beating each other up or killing each other but nothing special either.
14. The Things We Did to Lamar - Peter Moore Smith ⭐️⭐️
Pointless story.
15. The Eastlake School - Jerrilyn Farmer ⭐️⭐️.5
16. The Blessing of Brokenness - Karin Slaughter ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well, not the end I was expecting.
1. Rootbound - Karin Slaughter ⭐️⭐️
More a horror than a thriller and though I like horror, this was not my kind of story.
2. Vanitas - Emma Donoghue ⭐️⭐️.5
Liked this one a bit better. The bracelet returns though no clear connection was made. It brings bad luck? Contains the curse from the first story?
3. Cornelius Jubb - Peter Robinson ⭐️⭐️.5
Horrible story. The bracelet is definitely a bad luck charm. Just too bad it doesn’t look for bad people…
4. Down and Dirty - Fidelis Morgan ⭐️⭐️.5
Ok, these are some strange stories…
5. The Goblin - Lynda La Plante ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
A crazy MC again but at least this time we got a “fun murder”, less fantastical or weird…
6. The Snake Eater by The Numbers - Lee Child ⭐️⭐️.5
Not much thrilling going on.
7. Stroke of Luck - Mark Billingham ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Too sudden an end, but I did like the luck that befell Rachel…
8. Two Deaths and a Mouthful of Worms - Denise Mina ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Liked how it was all connected, with Anya stealing Helena’s identity. Also in this story we really got to see how the bracelet got to the new owner.
9. Favour - John Harvey ⭐️⭐️.5
It’s starting to feel like more of the same thing to me. People beating each other up, the bracelet continues to a new owner…
10. Plan B - Kelley Armstrong ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Liked the revenge on the revenge on the revenge lol
11. The Inkpot Monkey - John Connolly ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Fun(ny) story!
12. Acts of Corporal Charity - Jane Haddam ⭐️⭐️
Too weird for my taste…
13. Not Quite U. - Laura Lippmann ⭐️⭐️
Not my kind of story, no men beating each other up or killing each other but nothing special either.
14. The Things We Did to Lamar - Peter Moore Smith ⭐️⭐️
Pointless story.
15. The Eastlake School - Jerrilyn Farmer ⭐️⭐️.5
16. The Blessing of Brokenness - Karin Slaughter ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well, not the end I was expecting.
August 18, 2018
Öncelikle hangi akla hizmet üstüne polisiye/gerilim yazdınız a dostlar? Bu resmen fantastik bir kitaptı. Katil bir şans bileziği yüzyıllarca el değiştiriyor ve sahibinin başına türlü türlü kötülükler getiriyor. Kimisinde sahibi ölüyor. Kimisinde sahibini katil yapıyor. Hiç polisiye değildi. Neydi derseniz bilemiyorum. Ama zaten beğenmedim. 16 hikaye var. 2’sini Karin yazmış. Diğerleri farklı yazarların. Her seferinde konuya baştan başlayıp olayları, kişileri anlayana kadar aklınız karışıyor. Farklı yazarların müteakip hikaye yazma kısmı iyi fikir ama bu şans bileziği olmadı be. 👎🏻
August 7, 2013
The four stars are for the short stories OVERALL, but I have to say if I didn't start the book as a fan of Karin Slaughter, the first story would have put me off the book, because i had to read it twice to even follow what was happening. After that first story, though, most of the stories are very good. Only a few were very predictable and felt like the authors just jotted off a story to add to the book.
I could say something about each and every story but wouldn't dream of beating a dead horse like that, so just a couple:
"Down and Dirty" - I loved the simplicity of the main character, and the innocence with which he unknowingly meets, then kills, his father's mistress, a vicious woman who he never QUITE understands means to do real harm to his own life and wellbeing.
"The Goblin" - as I read Carol's story I gasped aloud at how psychotic she was at each turn, and how unapologetic she was for every evil thing she did. And I was rooting for her initially - until later when I remembered she had killed her own mother!
I could say something about each and every story but wouldn't dream of beating a dead horse like that, so just a couple:
"Down and Dirty" - I loved the simplicity of the main character, and the innocence with which he unknowingly meets, then kills, his father's mistress, a vicious woman who he never QUITE understands means to do real harm to his own life and wellbeing.
"The Goblin" - as I read Carol's story I gasped aloud at how psychotic she was at each turn, and how unapologetic she was for every evil thing she did. And I was rooting for her initially - until later when I remembered she had killed her own mother!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Currently reading
April 8, 2025I have very mixed feelings about stories that are told through a collection of interconnected short stories. As someone who is hard to please when it comes to short stories, it means my feelings are usually very mixed. However, as I am a fan of Karin Slaughter – and I have also enjoyed some of the authors who contributed to Like a Charm – I decided to give it a try.
Rootbound by Karin Slaughter was a three-star rating. I will be honest and say that this was a rounded up two-point-five-star rating. It did not wow me and was lacking the usual intensity of a Slaughter story, but it did leave me curious about where everything would head. The fact that it set up the rest of the novel in an interesting way was enough to have me rounding my rating up.
Vanitas by Emma Donoghue was a two-star rating. While I liked the idea of this story, I feel the connection to the prior story was not as strong as it could have been. There were some nice elements within, but they were not explored enough to allow me to feel the connection I had hoped to experience.
Cornelius Jubb by Peter Robinson was a three-star rating. This story had more depth to it and did a better job at cementing the storyline together. It was a bleak tale, highlighting the bleakness of the time it was set. While I did not particularly enjoy the story, I did appreciate the way it put a spotlight on the time. It was due to this aspect that I gave it a three-star rating.
Down and Dirty by Fidelis Morgan was a three-star rating. This was a story that grew on me. At first, I was a little uncertain. However, the way the pieces came together was super intriguing. Although it did not add as much to the overall storyline as the prior story, I appreciated the way this tale played out. It felt like a snippet of something much bigger that could be enjoyed without the bigger picture, and I appreciated that. It’s also a story that hit harder than anticipated, which also added to my enjoyment.
The Goblin by Lynda La Plante was a three-star rating. This was a story that packed plenty into the pages, ensuring I was hooked throughout. It pulled me in deeper than expected, and I enjoyed watching the pieces fall into place. I feel this worked well as a powerful standalone story, yet it continued with the theme of the overall storyline not feeling fully connected. In fact, this would work perfectly without the aid of the bracelet due to the main character of this tale.
The Snake Eater by the Numbers by Lee Child was a three-star rating. This was a story that hooked me with ease, pulling me in and leaving me eager for more. While I feel like it was a little too easy – it was clear where things were heading – it was not enough to take away from my enjoyment of the story. Although it linked well with following from where the last story ended, I feel like my understanding of the supernatural element has lessened. Nevertheless, it was an addictive addition to the overall story.
Stroke of Luck by Mark Billingham
Two Deaths and a Mouthful of Worms by Denise Mina
Favour by John Harvey
Plan B by Kelley Armstrong
The Inkpot Monkey by John Connolly
Acts of Corporal Charity by Jane Haddam
Not Quite U. by Laura Lippman
The Things We Did to Lamar by Petter Moore Smith
The Eastlake School by Jerrilyn Farmer
The Blessing of Brokenness by Karin Slaughter
Rootbound by Karin Slaughter was a three-star rating. I will be honest and say that this was a rounded up two-point-five-star rating. It did not wow me and was lacking the usual intensity of a Slaughter story, but it did leave me curious about where everything would head. The fact that it set up the rest of the novel in an interesting way was enough to have me rounding my rating up.
Vanitas by Emma Donoghue was a two-star rating. While I liked the idea of this story, I feel the connection to the prior story was not as strong as it could have been. There were some nice elements within, but they were not explored enough to allow me to feel the connection I had hoped to experience.
Cornelius Jubb by Peter Robinson was a three-star rating. This story had more depth to it and did a better job at cementing the storyline together. It was a bleak tale, highlighting the bleakness of the time it was set. While I did not particularly enjoy the story, I did appreciate the way it put a spotlight on the time. It was due to this aspect that I gave it a three-star rating.
Down and Dirty by Fidelis Morgan was a three-star rating. This was a story that grew on me. At first, I was a little uncertain. However, the way the pieces came together was super intriguing. Although it did not add as much to the overall storyline as the prior story, I appreciated the way this tale played out. It felt like a snippet of something much bigger that could be enjoyed without the bigger picture, and I appreciated that. It’s also a story that hit harder than anticipated, which also added to my enjoyment.
The Goblin by Lynda La Plante was a three-star rating. This was a story that packed plenty into the pages, ensuring I was hooked throughout. It pulled me in deeper than expected, and I enjoyed watching the pieces fall into place. I feel this worked well as a powerful standalone story, yet it continued with the theme of the overall storyline not feeling fully connected. In fact, this would work perfectly without the aid of the bracelet due to the main character of this tale.
The Snake Eater by the Numbers by Lee Child was a three-star rating. This was a story that hooked me with ease, pulling me in and leaving me eager for more. While I feel like it was a little too easy – it was clear where things were heading – it was not enough to take away from my enjoyment of the story. Although it linked well with following from where the last story ended, I feel like my understanding of the supernatural element has lessened. Nevertheless, it was an addictive addition to the overall story.
Stroke of Luck by Mark Billingham
Two Deaths and a Mouthful of Worms by Denise Mina
Favour by John Harvey
Plan B by Kelley Armstrong
The Inkpot Monkey by John Connolly
Acts of Corporal Charity by Jane Haddam
Not Quite U. by Laura Lippman
The Things We Did to Lamar by Petter Moore Smith
The Eastlake School by Jerrilyn Farmer
The Blessing of Brokenness by Karin Slaughter
August 11, 2021
An intriguing book. Sixteen short stories by some of the top thriller writers, including Karin Slaughter, Lee Child, Mark Billingham. These are all linked with a common thread, or rather a gold charm bracelet. Each story has the bracelet at its core, featuring the individual charms it carries. There's no apparent chronological link or always an explanation as to how the bracelet changed hands, but all the stories are well written and interesting. Overall, a good book.
November 9, 2015
Het idee achter het boek is erg leuk, maar in de uitvoering laat het te wensen over. Het boek draait om een bedelarmband. In elk kort verhaal komt dit aan bod aan de hand van een bedeltje. Zo komt elk bedeltje aan bod. Elk kort verhaal is geschreven door een andere auteur. Het eerste en laatste hoofdstuk is geschreven door Karin Slaughter, die het boek heeft samengesteld. Normaal ben ik gek op haar boeken, maar haar eerste verhaal vond ik erg slecht. Het is echt een vaag verhaal over een man die in de ban raakt van een Indiaanse vrouw. Het is maar goed dat dit niet het eerste boek van Karin Slaughter is dat ik gelezen heb, anders had ik vast nooit meer wat van haar gelezen. Sommige verhalen zijn wel leuk, maar andere zijn saai of vreemd. Daarom heb ik het boek in zijn totaal maar twee sterren gegeven. Ik vind het boek niet echt een aanrader, maar anderen zijn er helemaal weg van, gezien sommige reviews, dus als je twijfelt: lees het boek en oordeel zelf.
February 26, 2020
A collection of stories assembled by Karin Slaughter. I’m glad there were other authors because, after reading her first story, I just about quit the book. I was intrigued by what the charm bracelet was about and found the rest of the stories were interesting. I really liked the story about the vet assistant who killed the vet and I also enjoyed the story about Gregory, Abby and Deanna. My favorite story was the one about the monkey that was drinking from the inkwell.
August 15, 2023
Finally finished this anthology more than a year later. The blurb was a bit misleading as these are short stories all incorporating the charm bracelet that brings bad luck to wherever it is found. Anyway, the stories were just ok. I liked one or two, but most made me a bit squeamish. I am not a big fan of blood and gore, so maybe that was the issue.
There are two Karin Slaughter short stories here and both were too graphic for my taste. I am wondering if I should attempt to read one of her full length novels I already own or just give them away.
The ones that I liked are:
1) The Goblin by
2) the story by Lee Child
3) Summer of '66 by
4) The inkpot monkey by
There are two Karin Slaughter short stories here and both were too graphic for my taste. I am wondering if I should attempt to read one of her full length novels I already own or just give them away.
The ones that I liked are:
1) The Goblin by
2) the story by Lee Child
3) Summer of '66 by
4) The inkpot monkey by
January 26, 2024
This was ok...I was shocked by the amount of violence and hate that could be crammed into each short story, that was rather impressive. Not my favorite Karin Slaughter probs since she didn't actually write them all.
September 16, 2025
Perfect for the start of spooky season! (I will never wear a charm bracelet after reading this tho..)
December 5, 2024
Adding a ⭐️ & Table of Contents
As my review title suggests I came back to change my rating, write a review, and provide a Table of Contents. Originally this was a 4 ⭐️ read for me, but after finishing the book nearly a month ago I keep finding myself thinking about these stories regularly. For me, that's what makes a book 5 ⭐️s.
The stories in this book are 20+ years old and sometimes they do read as such - not a complaint but just an observation of the language/tone used. I really enjoyed the audiobook, but I would like to revisit this one as a physical book rather than audiobook next time and see how the delivery changes.
I was unable to find a list of the stories and their respective authors online so I typed one up myself. I'm sure this exists somewhere on the internet, or perhaps in the (physical) book itself, but I was having no luck finding it.
Like A Charm
Root Bound by Karin Slaughter
Vanitas by Emma Donoghue
Cornelius Jubb by Peter Robinson
Down and Dirty by Fidelis Morgan
The Goblin by Lynda La Plante
The Snake Eater by The Numbers by Lee Child
Stroke of Luck by Mark Billingham
Two Deaths and a Mouthful of Worms by Lee Child
Favor by John Harvey
Plan B by Kelley Armstrong
The Inkpot Monkey by John Connolly
Acts of Corporal Charity by Jane Haddam
Not Quite You by Laura Lippman
The Things We Did to Lamar by Peter Moore Smith
The Eastlake School by Jerrilyn Farmer
The Blessing of Brokenness by Karin Slaughter
As my review title suggests I came back to change my rating, write a review, and provide a Table of Contents. Originally this was a 4 ⭐️ read for me, but after finishing the book nearly a month ago I keep finding myself thinking about these stories regularly. For me, that's what makes a book 5 ⭐️s.
The stories in this book are 20+ years old and sometimes they do read as such - not a complaint but just an observation of the language/tone used. I really enjoyed the audiobook, but I would like to revisit this one as a physical book rather than audiobook next time and see how the delivery changes.
I was unable to find a list of the stories and their respective authors online so I typed one up myself. I'm sure this exists somewhere on the internet, or perhaps in the (physical) book itself, but I was having no luck finding it.
Like A Charm
Root Bound by Karin Slaughter
Vanitas by Emma Donoghue
Cornelius Jubb by Peter Robinson
Down and Dirty by Fidelis Morgan
The Goblin by Lynda La Plante
The Snake Eater by The Numbers by Lee Child
Stroke of Luck by Mark Billingham
Two Deaths and a Mouthful of Worms by Lee Child
Favor by John Harvey
Plan B by Kelley Armstrong
The Inkpot Monkey by John Connolly
Acts of Corporal Charity by Jane Haddam
Not Quite You by Laura Lippman
The Things We Did to Lamar by Peter Moore Smith
The Eastlake School by Jerrilyn Farmer
The Blessing of Brokenness by Karin Slaughter
June 24, 2011
I was looking forward to reading this book because of the style of writing. It is a novel with different authors writing different chapters, and I was interested in seeing how this worked. Karin Slaughter edited the book and also wrote the first and last chapters.
The title, Like a Charm, should have been a hint. It turns out that the tying thread throughout the book and chapters is a charm bracelet. Each chapter relates in some way to a charm found on the same bracelet. The novel spans a period of time in which the bracelet is lost in a cab, found in building rubble, found on the shore, etc.
I thoroughly enjoyed each chapter's story except for the one written by Peter Smith, which seemed less inspired and less of a story. I wonder why it was included in this book which otherwise was really great and creative. An interesting read somewhere between a collection of stories and a true novel.
The title, Like a Charm, should have been a hint. It turns out that the tying thread throughout the book and chapters is a charm bracelet. Each chapter relates in some way to a charm found on the same bracelet. The novel spans a period of time in which the bracelet is lost in a cab, found in building rubble, found on the shore, etc.
I thoroughly enjoyed each chapter's story except for the one written by Peter Smith, which seemed less inspired and less of a story. I wonder why it was included in this book which otherwise was really great and creative. An interesting read somewhere between a collection of stories and a true novel.
April 8, 2015
Belangrijk om te weten voordat je dit boek gaat lezen: het is niet geschreven door Karin Slaughter maar wel samengesteld door haar. Ok, ze schreef wel 2 van de 17 verhalen in dit boek maar volgens mij zijn dit niet haar beste verhalen.
Ik houd normaal gezien niet van kortverhalen maar ik wou het een kans geven en dacht vooral dat het misschien wel leuk is om nieuwe, andere auteurs te leren kennen en misschien krijg ik wel zin om meer van die auteurs te lezen. Dat is tot op bepaalde hoogte ook wel gelukt.
Het leuke vond ik de rode draad, of liever de gouden bedelarmband, die doorheen alle verhalen liep. In elk verhaal speelt deze armband een rol, soms wat kleiner of groter dan anders. Ook de verschillende bedeltjes die aan de armband hangen spelen doorheen het boek een rol.
Ik houd normaal gezien niet van kortverhalen maar ik wou het een kans geven en dacht vooral dat het misschien wel leuk is om nieuwe, andere auteurs te leren kennen en misschien krijg ik wel zin om meer van die auteurs te lezen. Dat is tot op bepaalde hoogte ook wel gelukt.
Het leuke vond ik de rode draad, of liever de gouden bedelarmband, die doorheen alle verhalen liep. In elk verhaal speelt deze armband een rol, soms wat kleiner of groter dan anders. Ook de verschillende bedeltjes die aan de armband hangen spelen doorheen het boek een rol.
April 2, 2020
A collection of 16 stories, authored by men and women, all British, some humorous, some sexual, some violent in a sudden, unexpected way that occurs in good short stories. One minute the characters are having sex and the next minute one partner has turned into a bear and is ripping the other's heart out. Either you find it appealing and entertaining or you don't. I found all of the stories above average and some of them very good. The stories had imagination. A trip in a train between two mismatched people (in age and intent), turns into a sexual assault and then a death and it was humorous.
I listened to the audio book. The readings are well performed. Karin Slaughter has two stories in the book. After listening to them, I'm likely to pursue her other work.
I listened to the audio book. The readings are well performed. Karin Slaughter has two stories in the book. After listening to them, I'm likely to pursue her other work.
July 30, 2018
I love short story anthologies, but this was not at all what I was expecting. This book makes me think of a text version of the Saw movie franchise. I thought most of the stories were unnecessarily over-sexualized, violent and gory. In fact, the first story in this book was so far beyond what I was prepared for I almost didn’t read any further. I’m also appalled by the amount of domestic abuse that’s portrayed within the pages of this book. The individual stories are very well-written, which is simply the least a reader would expect from such big-name authors. I just didn’t enjoy most of them because of the crass and gory nature of the material.
February 20, 2021
Struggled to finish this
Even though it's an anthology of short stories and features two of my favourite authors, Karin Slaughter and Mark Billingham, I had to force myself to get through each story. I can't think of a particular stand-out or favourite story. They're all loosely (sometimes very loisely) linked together by a charm bracelet which is passed down over time and comes into the possession of a character in each story. Sometimes the bracelet is hardly mentioned, other times it's the driving force of the narrative. I guess maybe all the different writing styles and changing time periods didn't do it for me. Still, that's one more book ticked off the list :)
Even though it's an anthology of short stories and features two of my favourite authors, Karin Slaughter and Mark Billingham, I had to force myself to get through each story. I can't think of a particular stand-out or favourite story. They're all loosely (sometimes very loisely) linked together by a charm bracelet which is passed down over time and comes into the possession of a character in each story. Sometimes the bracelet is hardly mentioned, other times it's the driving force of the narrative. I guess maybe all the different writing styles and changing time periods didn't do it for me. Still, that's one more book ticked off the list :)
February 19, 2013
Ik had recensies vantevoren gelezen waarin duidelijk staat dat je geen 'Karin Slaughter boek' moet verwachten. Dat was erg belangrijk om te weten.
De kwaliteit van de verschillende verhaaltjes was erg wisselend, sommigen waren erg leuk, van andere was ik blij dat het uit was. Het was dus een voordeel en een nadeel dat de verhaaltjes kort waren, zo'n 15-20 bladzijdes. Sommige verhalen hadden van mij (veel) langer mogen zijn!
De verhalen zijn prima los te lezen, ik heb ze dus per 2 of 3 tussen andere boeken door gelezen.
De kwaliteit van de verschillende verhaaltjes was erg wisselend, sommigen waren erg leuk, van andere was ik blij dat het uit was. Het was dus een voordeel en een nadeel dat de verhaaltjes kort waren, zo'n 15-20 bladzijdes. Sommige verhalen hadden van mij (veel) langer mogen zijn!
De verhalen zijn prima los te lezen, ik heb ze dus per 2 of 3 tussen andere boeken door gelezen.
May 13, 2017
DNF. I had high hopes for this book. It's made up of short stories written by several different authors. The stories are separate but are supposed to come together in the end. Unfortunately I only made it through the first two stories and gave up because to me, the stories didn't make any sense. I have too many books that I want to read to bother with this one.
January 6, 2019
Read this a while back, like all collections of stories can be hit and miss. Sixteen stories linked by the thread of a charm bracelet.
February 2, 2020
I hated this book. Too much gruesomeness and brutality. I am *not* a fan of cozy mysteries, but this was too much ick.
June 21, 2020
Some chapters were great, leaving me wishing for more but some chapters just left me scratching my head wondering what in the world I had just read!
June 5, 2021
Overall I give this book 3.5 ⭐️ .. A couple of the short stories were quite good. All the stories I thought were very creative how they worked in the charm bracelet.
October 17, 2021
Short stories centering around a charm or charm bracelet. Read first two and part of third before quitting the book. Too many good books out there to continue with this one.
July 12, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️
“The many charms would forever tell their stories: the key to vanity, the gluttony of the monkey, the greed of the dollar sign, the envious ballerina, the angry goblin, the lustful tiger and even the cross…”
ꔛ Like a Charm is one of those rare anthologies that creeps under your skin without you realizing it. Each short story is unique, yet there's this haunting thread that ties them all together—a strange, cursed book that passes through different hands, places, and eras.
ꔛ Some stories are genuinely chilling. They're not in-your-face horror, but that quiet, unsettling kind. The kind that lingers. There's something incredibly atmospheric about this collection. You can almost hear the creak of old floorboards or feel a cold draft brush past your neck while reading. It really makes you think—What if? And to achieve that in short story format? That’s talent.
ꔛ What amazed me most was how well-written the stories were. Despite being penned by different authors, the quality remained consistently strong. Each piece stood on its own, but together they formed something even more powerful. It’s proof that you're in the hands of skilled storytellers who know how to work with mood, tension, and human emotion.
ꔛ Highly recommended if you’re in the mood for something mysterious, eerie, and thought-provoking—something that’ll make you pause and look over your shoulder once in a while. 😉
“The many charms would forever tell their stories: the key to vanity, the gluttony of the monkey, the greed of the dollar sign, the envious ballerina, the angry goblin, the lustful tiger and even the cross…”
ꔛ Like a Charm is one of those rare anthologies that creeps under your skin without you realizing it. Each short story is unique, yet there's this haunting thread that ties them all together—a strange, cursed book that passes through different hands, places, and eras.
ꔛ Some stories are genuinely chilling. They're not in-your-face horror, but that quiet, unsettling kind. The kind that lingers. There's something incredibly atmospheric about this collection. You can almost hear the creak of old floorboards or feel a cold draft brush past your neck while reading. It really makes you think—What if? And to achieve that in short story format? That’s talent.
ꔛ What amazed me most was how well-written the stories were. Despite being penned by different authors, the quality remained consistently strong. Each piece stood on its own, but together they formed something even more powerful. It’s proof that you're in the hands of skilled storytellers who know how to work with mood, tension, and human emotion.
ꔛ Highly recommended if you’re in the mood for something mysterious, eerie, and thought-provoking—something that’ll make you pause and look over your shoulder once in a while. 😉
April 18, 2022
Like a charm
Edited by karin Slaughter
Sixteen stories by 15 well known Authors..
⭐⭐⭐/5
One Bracelet 16 Charms.
Desire leaves a man destroyed... a young girl's curiosity reveals secrets better left hidden.....jealousy drives a women insane... ambition leads to a curious exchange.... an uncanny likeness changes two lives forever.... the hand of fate lies buried in the past.
My thoughts....
The reason I've only given this 3 stars?
As you all know I'm a massive Karin Slaughter fan and the stories she wrote in this book I really enjoyed, the problem was I didn't love all the stories, there was a couple that to be honest bored me and I had to fight to keep reading.
The talent within the book from Mark Billingham, Lee Child, John Connolly, Lynda La Plante and more is massive so please don't be put off reading this.
Edited by karin Slaughter
Sixteen stories by 15 well known Authors..
⭐⭐⭐/5
One Bracelet 16 Charms.
Desire leaves a man destroyed... a young girl's curiosity reveals secrets better left hidden.....jealousy drives a women insane... ambition leads to a curious exchange.... an uncanny likeness changes two lives forever.... the hand of fate lies buried in the past.
My thoughts....
The reason I've only given this 3 stars?
As you all know I'm a massive Karin Slaughter fan and the stories she wrote in this book I really enjoyed, the problem was I didn't love all the stories, there was a couple that to be honest bored me and I had to fight to keep reading.
The talent within the book from Mark Billingham, Lee Child, John Connolly, Lynda La Plante and more is massive so please don't be put off reading this.
November 4, 2023
Some unevenness, but the overall concept here is solid, and the execution is for the most part good. For some reason, on Hoopla, this audiobook is entered as one by Mark Billingham, who contributes a single and rather forgettable story. (To be honest, it's so elliptical that I didn't understand what happened in it...) The rest of the stories are better, and if you don't like one, it's usually over pretty quickly.
My favorite is The Inkpot Monkey. Yes, we've all seen that Cursed Curiosity Shop Object trope before, but it is done very well. It made me want to read more by the author, John Connolly. I didn't really like either of Karin Slaughter's contributions. I didn't even notice the charm bracelet in the first one--was it there? It is salient in Vanitas, and you know to look out for it in the subsequent stories, but somehow it slipped by me in the first one.
My favorite is The Inkpot Monkey. Yes, we've all seen that Cursed Curiosity Shop Object trope before, but it is done very well. It made me want to read more by the author, John Connolly. I didn't really like either of Karin Slaughter's contributions. I didn't even notice the charm bracelet in the first one--was it there? It is salient in Vanitas, and you know to look out for it in the subsequent stories, but somehow it slipped by me in the first one.
January 28, 2019
Bundel met kortverhalen rond een bedelarmband die in elk verhaal een prominente rol speelt.
Het eerste en laatste verhaal zijn geschreven door Karin Slaughter, de overige door andere gekende schrijvers, zoals Denise Mina, John Harvey, Kelley Armstrong, John Connolly, Emma Donoghue, Jane Haddam, Laura Lippman, Peter Robinson, Fidelis Morgan, Peter Moore Smith, Lynda La Plante, Jerrilyn Farmer, Lee Child en Mark Billingham.
Het ene verhaal is al beter dan het andere, maar allen hebben ze een sinistere en duistere ondertoon. Leuk om op deze manier andere schrijvers te leren kennen en om van schrijvers die ik reeds kende zoals Lee Child en Peter Robinson eens iets anders te lezen.
Het eerste en laatste verhaal zijn geschreven door Karin Slaughter, de overige door andere gekende schrijvers, zoals Denise Mina, John Harvey, Kelley Armstrong, John Connolly, Emma Donoghue, Jane Haddam, Laura Lippman, Peter Robinson, Fidelis Morgan, Peter Moore Smith, Lynda La Plante, Jerrilyn Farmer, Lee Child en Mark Billingham.
Het ene verhaal is al beter dan het andere, maar allen hebben ze een sinistere en duistere ondertoon. Leuk om op deze manier andere schrijvers te leren kennen en om van schrijvers die ik reeds kende zoals Lee Child en Peter Robinson eens iets anders te lezen.
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