Gaiman

Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders (2006) by Neil Gaiman

An odd collection of stories and poems, many of them not even close to clean.

I cannot relate to most of the poetry. My fault, I am sure.

A Study in Emerald - this is a twisted variation on the Sherlock Holmes story A Study in Scarlet with more than a nod to Lovecraft.

Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread Desire - an author has trouble when unwelcome humor creeps into his stories.

Closing Time - what are the chances that if you started telling a story from long ago, a character from that long ago story would randomly appear and make it even creepier than it already was?

Bitter Grounds - a drifter impersonates an academic with dire consequences

Other People - a demon tortures a man until the victim becomes the demon

Keepsakes and Treasures - the most beautiful boy in the world and revenge served cold

The Facts in the Case of the Departure of Miss Finch - Miss Finch finds her future past with smilodons

The Problem of Susan - a perverted retelling of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

How Do You Think It Feels - pornographic deja vu

Diseasemaker's Croup - inaccessible, and therefore incomprehensible

Goliath - another version of The Matrix

How to Talk to Girls at Parties - reminds me of a Storm Constantine story, another cautionary tale, that girl you are so attracted to might not be a real girl

Sunbird - an alternative version of the mythology of The Phoenix, who rises from its own ashes, with gourmands added for flavor

The Monarch of the Glen - novella sequel to American Gods, where Shadow once again proves that he can handle whatever trouble comes his way