Mean streets: Jim Butcher, Simon R. Green, Kat Richardson, Thomas E. Sniegoski

Review: Mean Streets. Short stories by Jim Butcher, Simon R. Green, Kat Richardson, and Thomas E. Sniegoski.

I am a huge fan of Jim Butcher's the Dresden files series, so when I heard there was a new Dresden story, I couldn't wait to read it. Mean Streets collects stories from four ongoing urban fantasy series. All of the main characters are private investigators who deal with the paranormal - ghosts, vampires, and other supernatural beasties.

I have mixed emotions about an anthology collecting stories of existing series. The fan in me doesn't care that the story's only 50 pages - if it's out there, I want to read it. But part of me would rather wait for the story to be developed into a full novel, so that I can enjoy it for a a few days, rather than a few hours (or minutes).

I was surprised that the stories refer to events and supporting characters from prior novels in the series (I can only say this for Butcher and Richardson as I haven't read the other two before). While I wouldn't dissuade a first time reader from the anthology, it is written for fans of the series. Speaking of, don't forget April 7, 2009: Turn Coat, the eleventh book in the Dresden files series will be released. (Place your holds now!)

Final judgement: READ IT!