Review: Fun reading and recommended!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 21, 2010
This is a short book (1700ish locations but the end of the Max Killian content is at around 1560) with 5 stories of varying quality.  I found the "Roadkill" story to be my favorite which featured the investigation as to why a 15 year dead ghost had started removing a class ring from his father's house and placing at the site of his demise.  Most of the stories have a funny twist or just funny details (which I enjoy) but oddly my favorite had the least amount of humor.I like the premise that the author has created--the post Oil apocalypse/financial meltdown where the world has returned to the gold standard, and the people of myth have returned (now that money is something real).  The main character is a human PI with the minor ability to smell magic and death.  Unfortunately in the new world order apparently anyone with an extra 'talent' gets taxed more, so Max has had to hide his 'edge' which, coupled with the Elven investigation agency across the street, has limited his ability to get new work.  I like how the main character has a small talent, but really is a regular joe who needs to get by.As each story is a short, only small aspects of the world can be introduced at a time.  Overall this is handled well, but at the individual story level l was left  wanting a little more, hence my 4 stars.  (The true 5 star shorter story or stories have to be a good read of course, but not leave me feeling like there is too much left out)On the other hand, a novella or even a novel in this world would be quite welcome (hint, hint to the author) and I enjoyed this collection enough I am going to download another by this author.Definitely worth the read, and handy for times when you need to sneak something quick in.JTG