Peculiar pet shops.Troublesome dream homes.And robot vacuums that just want to be free. Looking for a captivating (and quick) escape from reality? These fifteen tales of myth, magic, and whimsy provide just that. Amongst the award-winning words are stories of vacations gone enchantingly wrong, questionable business practices, worrying parental habits, misbehaving reptiles, and Norse gods in a bit of a bind. This second short story collection by Tammie Painter (author of the humor-filled Cassie Black Trilogy and The Circus of Unusual Creatures Mysteries) begins with a brief introduction telling how these stories led to the creation of those fan favorite series. The author then launches each tale with a few words to share the twists and turns of inspiration. The fifteen stories range from dark (but not too dark) fantasy to beguiling magical realism to laugh-out-loud silliness. Some stories have a little violence (nothing gruesome) and mild cursing, but no "on-screen" hanky panky (a giant does have some off-screen fun, but I'll leave you to discover that one). The stories inside….The Great Escape Grave Bargains Buttercup: Queen of Death The Drive-Thru Window Testing the Waters The Back Room The Liar of Lilløya Space Walk Moonlight Cruise The Ghost of Arlen Hall A Case of Mamma's Love Dragon Trouble The Secret Eater A Feast for Sight Champ
