Everyone needs a vacation, even the undead and especially the immortal wouldn’t you say? With Death’s Excellent Vacation, editors Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner have presented readers with thirteen out of this world stories from some of today’s best-known and beloved paranormal writers including the editors themselves. Authors such as Jeff Abbott, L.A. Banks, Sarah Smith and Daniel Stashower all contribute stories to the collection including many others of paranormal notoriety. Ranging from eerie to intellectual and down right hilarious the anthology has something for everyone and a little bit of everything included.
Vampires, ghouls, ghosts and demons all make appearances in this collection of stories about what the supernatural do when they’re off the clock. This newest compilation proves to be a wild ride on the supernatural side ranging from a brand new sexy Sookie Stackhouse story to the out of this world tale of one demon dog’s unique European tour. Each story while not involving what one may consider a typical vacation does ring true to the theme “because everyone-and-everything needs a break from the routine”, whatever said routine might be.
Lovers of the genre will enjoy the uniqueness of each story and the variations in writing style and characterization woven into one book. However those not familiar with paranormal literature and its peculiarities may find themselves confused by the changing personas created by each writer. Vampires for instance take on different characteristics and weaknesses depending on their creator in each story. Some writers allow their vampires the joy of the sun during their vacas while others keep them far away within the confines of darkness for fear of absolute death. While sometimes difficult to follow this varying outlook is one of the things that makes this work a interesting resource for seeking out new paranormal writers and helping reader’s find their own niche and personal favorites.
