Book Review: The Big Book of Victorian Mysteries

Book Review: The Big Book of Victorian Mysteries edited by Otto Penzler While stories that could be considered “mysteries” in some sense have existed as long as writing, and perhaps a bit before, the short story mystery came into its own during the lifetime of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). This volume collects forty-nine notable stories from… Continue reading Book Review: The Big Book of Victorian Mysteries

Manga Review: Magical Angel Creamy Mami and the Spoiled Princess 1

Manga Review: Magical Angel Creamy Mami and the Spoiled Princess 1 by Emi Mitsuki A few years ago, when small talent agency Parthenon Productions was just starting out, Megumi Ayase was their breakout star. Company manager Shingo Tachibana led her to believe that they’d work together to make Parthenon a success. And they did. But… Continue reading Manga Review: Magical Angel Creamy Mami and the Spoiled Princess 1

Book Review: The Butchering Art

Book Review: The Butchering Art by Lindsey Fitzharris It was not that long ago that surgeons and surgery were to be feared. Without anesthetics, the pain and shock of having your body cut into would often kill the patient. And if they survived that, the chances were good that infection would set in. A combination… Continue reading Book Review: The Butchering Art

Manga Review: Comic Party Vol. 5

Manga Review: Comic Party Vol. 5 by Sekihiko Inui Note:  This review contains SPOILERS for earlier volumes and the video game. Kazuki Sendō is a mediocre college student who is somewhat adrift in life as his talent was deemed insufficient to qualify for art school.  His buddy Taishi Kuhonbutsu invites Kazuki to come along to… Continue reading Manga Review: Comic Party Vol. 5

Book Review: The Book of Cthulhu

Book Review: The Book of Cthulhu edited by Ross E Lockhart Fantasy and horror author H.P. Lovecraft wasn’t a big seller during his lifetime, but the loose setting he created of the Cthulhu Mythos, where humans are only the most recent inhabitants of a cold and chaotic universe, and many of the previous inhabitants are… Continue reading Book Review: The Book of Cthulhu