What about the were-goats? The were-crows and were-wasps? Here are seventeen stories of urban fantasy by today’s leading science fiction and fantasy authors that introduce you to some of those other were-creatures, the ones hiding in the dark background shadows, waiting to bite. Join Seanan McGuire, Ashley McConnell, Susan Jett, Eliora Smith, David B. Coe, April Steenburgh, Gini Koch, Mike Barretta, Elizabeth Kite, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Jean Marie Ward, Katharine Kerr, Sarah Brand, Anneliese Belmond, Faith Hunter, Patricia Bray, and Phyllis Ames as they take you into the hidden corners of our world to see some lesser known were-creatures. You may want to bring along some silver … just in case.Introduction copyright © 2016 by Joshua Palmatier“Best In Show” copyright © 2016 by Seanan McGuire“We Dig” copyright © 2016 by Ashley McConnell“Eyes Like Pearls” copyright © 2016 by Susan Jett“Among the Grapevines, Growing” copyright © 2016 by Eliora Smith“A Party For Bailey” copyright © 2016 by David B. Coe“Cry Murder” copyright © 2016 by April Steenburgh“Missy the Were-Pomeranian vs the Masters of Mediocre Doom” copyright © 2016 by Jeanne Cook (Gini Koch)“Paper Wasp” copyright © 2016 by Mike Barretta“Point Five” copyright © 2016 by Elizabeth Kite“The Promise of Death” copyright © 2016 by Danielle Ackley-McPhail“The Five Bean Solution” copyright © 2016 by Jean Marie Ward“Witness Report” copyright © 2016 by Katharine Kerr“Attack of the Were-Zombie Friendship With Benefits”copyright © 2016 by Sarah Brand“The Whale” copyright © 2016 by Anneliese Belmond“Anzu, Duba, Beast” copyright © 2016 by Faith Hunter“Shiftr” copyright © 2016 by Patricia Bray“Sniff For Your Life” copyright © 2016 by Phyllis Irene Radford

    On the deadly island of Patji, where predators can sense the thoughts of their prey, a lone trapper discovers that the island is not the only thing out to kill him.Mary Robinette Kowal’s “A Fire in the Heavens” is a powerful tale of a refugee seeking to the near-mythical homeland her oppressed people left centuries ago. When Katin discovers the role the “eternal moon” occupies in the Center Kingdom, and the nature of the society under its constant light, she may find enemies and friends in unexpected places.Dan Wells’s “I.E.Demon” features an Afghanistan field test of a piece of technology that is supposed to handle improvised explosive devices. Or so the engineers have told the EOD team that will be testing it; exactly what it does and how it does it are need-to-know, and the grunts don’t need to know. Until suddenly the need arises.Howard Tayler’s “An Honest Death” stars the security team for the CEO of a biotech firm about to release the cure for old age. When an intruder appears and then vanishes from the CEO’s office, the bodyguards must discover why he is lying to them about his reason for pressing the panic button.For years the hosts of Writing Excuses have been offering tips on brainstorming, drafting, workshopping, and revision, and now they offer an exhaustive look at the entire process. Not only does Shadows Beneath have four beautifully illustrated fantastic works of fiction, but it also includes transcripts of brainstorming and workshopping sessions, early drafts of the stories, essays about the stories’ creation, and details of all the edits made between the first and final drafts.Come for the stories by award-winning authors; stay for the peek behind the creative curtain.

    These suspenseful stories all appeared in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, and in the words of Hitch himself, they "are guaranteed to chill and unnerve." Bill Pronzini contributes "The Arrowmont Prison Riddle," Margaret B. Maron has "A Very Special Talent," Barry M. Malzberg offers "A Home Away from Home," and Patricia Matthews chronicles "The Fall of Dr. Scourby." Meet a girl who stalks Jack the Ripper, a clairvoyant writer of newspaper obituaries, a homicidal partygoer in a sanatorium, and a police detective who lives vicariously through the exploits of one of his most notorious suspects: they all populate these frightening pages. Caution: not recommended for late-night reading--except for the very brave CONTENTSKilled by Kindness ..... Nedra TyreJust a Minor Offense ..... John F. SuterA Home Away From Home ..... Robert BlochDeath of a Derelict ..... Joseph Payne BrennanThe Arrowmont Prison Riddle ..... Bill PronziniThe Dettweiler Solution ..... Lawrence BlockThe Whitechapel Wantons ..... Vincent McConnorCora's Raid ..... Isak RomunLife or Breath ..... Nelson deMilleA Private Little War ..... William BrittainHave You Ever Seen This Woman? ..... John LutzJoe Cutter's Game ..... Brian GarfieldA Cabin in the Woods ..... John CoyneThe Long Arm of El Jefe ..... Edward WellenKid Cardula ..... Jack RitchieCareer Man ..... James HoldingThe Perfidy of Professor Blake ..... Libby MacCallSea Change ..... Henry SlesarThe Blue Tambourine ..... Donald OlsonGraveyard Shift ..... William P. McGivernA Bottle of Wine ..... Borden DealMan Bites Dog ..... Donald HonigNever Trust an Ancestor ..... Michael ZuroyAnother War ..... Edward D. HochSparrow on a String ..... Alice Scanlan ReachThe Missing Tattoo ..... Clayton MatthewsThe Fall of Dr. Scourby ..... Patricia MatthewsThe Loose End ..... Stephen WasylykThat So-called Laugh ..... Frank SiskA Very Special Talent ..... Margaret B. MaronThe Joker ..... Betty Ren WrightThe Very Hard Sell ..... Helen NielsenThe Tin Ear ..... Ron GoulartThe Time Before the Crime ..... Charlotte EdwardsAfter the Unfortunate Accident ..... Barry N. MalzbergThe Grateful Thief ..... Patrick O'KeeffeThe Inspiration ..... Talmage PowellDeath is a Lonely Lover ..... Robert ColbyThe Witness was a Lady ..... Fletcher FloraScheme for Destruction ..... Pauline C. SmithTo the Manner Born ..... Mary BraundBlack Disaster ..... Richard O. LewisThe Marrow of Justice ..... Hal EllsonInnocent Witness ..... Irving SchifferWe're Really Not That Kind of People ..... Samuel W. TaylorPocket Evidence ..... Harold Q. MasurThe Death Desk ..... S.S. RaffertyA Left-handed Profession ..... Al NussbaumSecond Spring ..... Theodore MathiesonBank Night ..... Arthur PorgesThe Contagious Killer ..... Bryce WaltonBad Actor ..... Gary BrandnerFree Advice, Incorporated ..... Michael BrettThe Real Criminal ..... James M. GilmoreThe Hard Sell ..... William DolanThe Prosperous Judds ..... Bob BristowThe Dead Indian ..... Robert W. AlexanderThe China Cottage ..... August Derleth

    But with the master storyteller Josh Malerman as your tour guide, you'll discover the secrets that hide behind its closed doors. These six novellas tell the story of a place where the rain is always falling, nighttime is always near, and your darkest fears and desires await. Welcome to Goblin. . . .A Man in Slices: A man proves his "legendary love" to his girlfriend with a sacrifice even more daring than Vincent van Gogh's--and sends her more than his heart.Kamp: Walter Kamp is afraid of everything, but most afraid of being scared to death. As he sets traps around his home to catch the ghosts that haunt him, he learns that nothing is more terrifying than fear itself.Happy Birthday, Hunter!: A famed big-game hunter is determined to capture--and kill--the ultimate prey: the mythic Great Owl who lives in Goblin's dark forests. But this mysterious creature is not the only secret the woods are keeping.Presto: All Peter wants is to be like his hero, Roman Emperor, the greatest magician in the world. When the famous magician comes to Goblin, Peter discovers that not all magic is just an illusion.A Mix-Up at the Zoo: The new zookeeper feels a mysterious kinship with the animals in his care . . . and finds that his work is freeing dark forces inside him.The Hedges: When his wife dies, a man builds a hedge maze so elaborate no one ever solves it--until a little girl resolves to be the first to find the mysteries that wait at its heart.

    Things they preferred to keep in the past. Things that bring painful memories and nightmares. But the past won't stay there. It never does. Having been through hell and back, all survivors, they come together in Riverton to open a new rape crisis center. But little do they know that the grand opening will bring danger to their door. The past will come hurtling back with a vengeance. With their women in horrible trouble, will Victor, Patrick, and Hunter be able to save them? Or this time, will they be able to save themselves before it's too late? Only one thing is for certain . . . danger lurks when you try to protect your secrets.

    Most often the realm of male authors writing about male vampires, over the last century the genre has seen a refreshing swing toward authors of both sexes exploring the other side of the vampiric gender—the women of the night.The sixteen stories collected within these pages are among the very best of their kind, from many of the best fantasy and horror authors writing today. From an encounter with a predatory spouse in a New England storm to a continuation of the Dracula story featuring a completely different tale of love, longing and loss, these stories explore both what it is to be female, human—and vampire, and often all at the same time.The selected stories include: "One for the Road" by Stephen King. The regulars at Tookey’s Bar know better than to wander around Jerusalem’s Lot—especially at night. But when a husband needs help during a snowstorm, they travel into the heart of the blizzard ... and an encounter with pure evil. <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /> "Sister Death" by Jane Yolen. Even the heart of a millennia-old vampire who accompanies the Angel of Death on his appointed rounds can be swayed by the yearning look of a young child. "Queen of the Night" by Gene Wolfe. The lady in white came for the boy in the dead of night, spiriting him away to her dark castle, wherehe would experience such things that would change his life forever... "Do Not Hasten to Bid Me Adieu" by Norman Partridge. The real story of what happened after the events of Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula is told against the vast, wild Texas frontier, as one of Dracula’s hunters returns home to claim everything that is his ... including his one true love.  With stories by:Stephen King    *      Neil Gaiman    *     Eric Van Lustbader    *     Philip K. Dick    *   Nina Kiriki Hoffman    *     Kristine Kathryn Rusch     *     Nancy Holder    *    Tanith Lee    *    Gene Wolfe    *    P. D. Cacek    *    Jane Yolen    *    Susan Shwartz    *   Tanya Huff    *    Esther M. Friesner    *    Roxanne Longstreet    *    Norman Partridge

    Like a slow, insidious virus they spread from house to house, building to building, from graveyard to bedroom and cellar to boardroom. They are ancient and deathless, sun-shy and bloodthirsty. For millennia their vile compulsion kept them in the darkest corners of the human imagination. But the dark-hearted hoardes are conquerers now, and those who survive are forced to liveUNDER THE FANGIn this unparalleled feast for the imagination, America's premier horror writers have created a world of vampirism run amok. From Moscow to Tokyo, New York to Los Angeles, vampire kingdoms rise and fall; their unholy religions, fiendish science and depraved entertainments hold ghastly sway. Come share this terrifying vision of a future...Their time never passes. Their time is now...Contains:The Miracle Mile - Robert R. McCammonDancing Nitely - Nancy A. CollinsStoker's Mistress - Clint CollinsDoes the Blood Line Run on Time? - Sidney Williams and Robert PetittRed Eve - Al SarrantonioWe are Dead Together - Charles de LintCalm Sea and Prosperous Voyage - Chet WilliamsonAdvocates - Suzy McKee Charnas and Chelsea Quinn YarbroSpecial - Richard LaymonHerrenrasse - J.N. WilliamsonDuty - Ed GormanMidnight Sun - Brian HodgeA Bloodsucker - David N. Meyer IIIProdigal Sun - Thomas F. MonteleoneThere are No Nightclubs in East Palo Alto - Clifford V. BrooksJuice - Lisa W. CantrellBehind Enemy Lines - Dan Perez

    In this volume are: RICK THE BRAVE (from HOME IMPROVEMENT: UNDEAD EDITION) HOME (originally published on Heroes & Heartbreakers) CLOSE TO YOU (originally published on Heroes & Heartbreakers) KEEPING IT CLOSE (web original) PLAYING WITH FIRE (New!) Each story is presented in its entirety, with a note on its conception and writing. If you're a Downside fan, this is a must-have for your collection. Recommended for mature readers.

    Tolkien's least-known and hardest-to-find works in one volume. These include "Smith of Wootton Major (story of a magical gift concealed in the most amazing cake), "Farmer Giles of Ham" (a dragon terrorizing the English village of Ham and the townspeople only hope is a local farmer with an inflated reputation of chasing away giants), "Tree and Leaf" (a work consisting of Tolkien's groundbreaking essay "On Fairy-stores" - a most readable examination of the meaning of fantasy), "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil" (sixten poems from the Red Book) and "Sir Gawain and teh Green Knight" (Tolkien's first career translation of medieval poetry).

    But when a panicked phone call from her youngest sister sends her racing home to save Jess’s dream of renovating the charming Inn at Eagle Point, Abby finds herself face-to-face with Trace Riley, the man she left behind ten years ago. Flowers on Main When Bree O’Brien’s screenwriting career falls apart, she flees Chicago and heads home to Chesapeake Showers. Opening Flowers on Main promises to bring her a new kind of fulfillment, but not all is peaceful and serene when Jake Collins, Bree’s ex-lover, is there waiting for her. Harbor Lights Former army medic Kevin O’Brien has come home to Chesapeake Shores, in search of a haven for himself and his toddler son and a future that’s nothing like his past. But Kevin is suddenly facing a risk he hadn’t anticipated?in the form of Main Street bookseller Shanna Carlyle. A Chesapeake Shores Christmas After years apart, Mick and Megan O’Brien are finally ready to make it official...again. But when an unexpected delivery causes chaos, it seems only a miracle can reunite this family.

    He never thought he'd see brash, beautiful ADA Tara Kingston again. But now they must catch a brutal killer before it's too late. SCOUT by Janie Crouch Linear Tactical’s Wyatt Highfield is running for his life with intel that will break up a human trafficking ring. The last thing he wants is to bring danger to Nadine Macfarlane’s door. The gentle beauty has been through enough, and has the scars—physical and emotional—to prove it. But she’s his only option. Night Owl by Rachel GrantJenna O’Donnell wants only three things: to live in Tamarack, Alaska for the rest of her life; for Ted Godfrey to fall into a glacial crevasse; and Brad Fraser.Brad Fraser wants only three things: to leave Tamarack, Alaska and never return; for his coworker, Ted Godfrey, to be fired; and to never, ever fall in love.But Brad tempts fate when he takes Jenna out for a night of owl watching, and once he spends time alone with her, his carefully planned escape from both frigid north and fiery waitress is no longer simple. The Guardian by Cristin HarberAfter a rollercoaster of headline-grabbing family tragedies, Roxana Carter couldn’t have said yes any faster when her perfectly predictable boyfriend proposed marriage. But the arrival of a mysterious gun-wielding couple reveals that Roxana’s steadfast man isn’t who he seems. BREAKING AWAY by Elle JamesDelta Force Operative navigates dangerous territory when he’s assigned to protect a hotshot war correspondent with a price on her head, who also happens to be the girl who got away. Levi: A Lighthouse Investigations Novella by Maryann JordanHeading from Wyoming to Maine to take on his new position with Lighthouse Security Investigations, Levi was ready to get off the highway and take the backroads. Offering to help a stranded woman seemed like a good idea until he discovered the secrets she was hiding. With the help of the LSI Keepers, can Levi untangle Claire's problems in time to save her life? Desire in DC: A Hot SEALs Origin Story by Cat JohnsonThey couldn't be more different, but sometimes opposites attract so strongly, there's nothing that can keep two people apart. Not even a deadly terrorist hijacking. LAWSON AND JILL by Caitlyn O’LearyWhen Marine Raider, Lawson Thorne is goaded into grief counseling by his Navy SEAL brother, he never expected to meet the woman of his dreams. When he and Jill decide to ditch the group and form a group of their own, sparks fly. But what happens when Lawson realizes Jill has been targeted by a madman?

    "The Poodle in the Microwave", "The Mouse in the Coke Bottle", and "The Accidental Cannibals" are just a few of the legends presented in this volume. Illustrated by artists from DC Comics. Mature readers.

    Valente, John Scalzi, Jo Walton, Charles Stross, Elizabeth Bear, and Peter Watts, and the stories selected include winners and nominees of all of the science fiction field's major awards.One of Publishers Weekly's Best Science Fiction Books of 2013

    It wouldn’t be a problem for an ordinary person, but being a Navy Consultant working on the Amphibious Base as well as being engaged to a SWCC man make the situation very sticky. Night with a SEAL by New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Cat Johnson — When navigating military red tape begins to present more challenges than the enemy, it makes SEAL Jon Rudnick question his future. So does Alison Cressly, the one woman he can’t get out of his head. HOT BAYOU SEAL by Award-winning author Cindy Dees — SEAL Ford Alambeaux is a busted up SEAL on his way out of the teams. Trina Zarkos is being tossed out of SEAL training like every other female candidate…until they’re thrown together on a way off-book mission to see if she can play with the big boys or not. Retribution by USA Today bestselling author Cristin Harber — Fallen Navy SEAL and Titan Group’s Delta recruit Trace Reeves wants nothing more than a one-night stand to forget that his twin brother was killed-in-action. But when his one-time fling becomes his high value target, the lines blur between her rescue mission and saving himself. Watch Over Me: A Military Romance (An Uncharted SEAL story) by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Delilah Devlin — Deke Warrick’s unsanctioned detail is to keep tabs on a congressman’s niece while she vacations in the Caribbean. He’s determined to keep his distance, from the beautiful Nicky Martir—until she’s snatched from their hotel room. SEAL's Obsession (A Take No Prisoners story) by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Elle James — Mission: Halt pirate activities off the coast of Honduras. SEAL TEAM 10's Jack Fischer goes undercover as a deck hand on a medical boat where he finds himself falling for the dedicated Dr. Natalie Rhoades. The SEAL, Part 1 (a Sex, Lies & Spies novella) by USA Today bestselling author Gennita Low — Mari Lords is tasked by her father to steal the seal that is an important clue in a round-the-world treasure hunt called The Game. When her opportunity comes during a party, she finds another kind of SEAL, Angel Marcello. Unbreakable SEAL by USA Today bestselling author J.M. Madden — Maxwell Tate fights against a psychotic dream world, until he no longer knows what’s real. Lacey Adams knows she can’t save all of her cases, but can she salvage the unbreakable SEAL? Mister Black: A Billionaire SEAL Story, Part 1 by Award-winning author P.T. Michelle — He is Black: a deadly enforcer and masterful seducer. I am Red: a justice bleeder and willing participant. When our secrets converge in a passionate encounter, stepping out of the shadows just might be worth the risk. Stone Hard SEALs by Award-winning author Sabrina York — When Ryder “Stone” Maddox’s meets Lily Wilson—a senator’s daughter who is definitely off-limits—he’s determined to keep his distance, despite her irresistible allure. But Lily has plans of her own…to put his heart of stone to the test. SEAL's Promise: Bad Boys of Team 3 by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Hamilton — Navy SEAL T.J. Talbot, SEAL Team 3's bad boy, makes a deathbed promise to protect and care for his fallen buddy's wife and child. The only problem is, she hates him. Breaking Ties (a SEAL Team Heartbreakers story) by bestselling author Teresa Reasor — Navy SEAL Oliver Shaker is blindsided when he learns that not only does his wife, Selena, have a life-threatening illness, but she’s also pregnant, stretching their marriage to the breaking point.

    Tales of humanity pushed to its limits, of striving, ingenuity, brilliance, desperate action, violence, and resolution, . Eighteen tales of Conflict, of Science Fiction at its absolute best.Contents:1.Introduction – Ian Whates2.The Wake – Dan Abnett3.Psi.Copath – Andy Remic4.Unaccounted – Lauren Beukes 5.The New Ships – Gareth L Powell6.The Harvest – Kim Lakin-Smith7.The War Artist – Tony Ballantyne8.Proper Little Soldier – Martin McGrath9.The Maker’s Mark – Michael Cobley10.Brwydr Am Ryddid – Stephen Palmer11.Occupation – Colin Harvey12.Sussed – Keith Brooke13.The Soul of the Machine – Eric Brown14.Extraordinary Rendition – Steve Longworth15.The Legend of Sharrock – Philip Palmer16.The Cuisinart Effect – Neal Asher17.The Ice Submarine – Adam Roberts18.War Without End – Una McCormack19.Welcome Home, Janissary – Tim C Taylor