The Lion’s Tusk by Robert Jackson Bennett

An eccentric detective turns to the fantastical to solve a cold case in this short story.

On a long carriage journey with her assistant Din, brilliant investigator Ana Dolabra ponders a solution to an impossible crime that has remained unsolved for centuries. A lavish wedding for two noble scions of the Empire descended into chaos when the newlyweds were found murdered in their marriage bed. But Ana—an expert in ancient myths, awakened beasts, and magic—knows that nothing is impossible, only unimaginable.

Robert Jackson Bennett’s The Lion’s Tusk is part of the Magic & Mystery collection, puzzle-box mysteries from top fantasy authors. They can be read or listened to in one enchanting sitting.

Kindle Edition, 38 pages

Published July 28, 2026

 by Amazon Original Stories

3/5 stars

This was my first time reading Robert Jackson Bennett, reading a short story is a great way to discover new authors. 

The Lion's Tusk is part of the Ana & Din Mysteries, this worked fine on its own.

On a long carriage journey, investigator Ana recounts an unsolved case to her assistant Din, a case that is tied to a wedding gone horribly wrong.

This was a weird one. Interesting enough to hold my attention, but definitely on the gory side, more than I was expecting going in. At only 38 pages it was enough to get the gist of what was going on without overstaying its welcome.

Since this was my introduction to the author and the series, I imagine longtime fans of Ana and Din would get more out of the references and dynamic between the characters than I did coming in cold. As a standalone taste of Bennett's style, it was a decent enough read, but not one that is pulling me to immediately continue with the series.

My thanks to Amazon Original for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

Heat Trap: A Short Story by Ellery Lloyd

A vacation in the French countryside turns sinister in a twisty short story of manipulation and revenge among friends.

Yet again, Lizzie has taken on the task of organising the annual summer getaway in France for her longtime friend group. After all, she’s got the time: The others are married, with families and high-powered jobs, while Lizzie is a perpetually single personal assistant. This year, though, she’s excited to show off her charming new boyfriend, Mal. While the holiday group chat buzzes with questions for Lizzie, Mal stays quiet, but once they gather at the château, he’s all charisma—even as dangerous mishaps begin to mount. The guests begin to realise that one of their number has his or her own sinister reasons for joining this year’s trip.

Kindle Edition, 96 pages

First published July 14, 2026

by Amazon Original Stories

3.5/5

Coming in at 96 pages, this is another quick read that packs a fair bit into a short space. Ellery Lloyd, the pen name for husband and wife duo Collette Lyons and Paul Vlitos, is a new to me author.  Which is why I grabbed this Read Now from netgalley.

As with anything this short, there usually isn't a lot of time to get to know each character in great depth. But in this case, I did get to know them fairly well and feel this could have made a great full length novel.  Told from a couple pov's there was secrets, suspense and twists I genuinely did not see coming. There is the mystery running throughout that built tension as this group dynamic starts to unravel.

The conclusion felt fitting, wrapping things up in a way that suited the length and tone of the story without feeling rushed. A solid pick if you want a quick, twisty read that delivers some good surprises along the way.

My thanks to Amazon Original for a digital ARC in exchange for a honest review.

The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman

In this star-crossed short story from New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman, timing is everything as two sisters learn to let love follow its own path.

Isabel, the long-lost Gibson sister, is finally back home on Brinkley’s Island, Maine. With Sophie and Violet, her sister and her niece, she’s got the family bookstore—and with Johnny Lenox, she’s got something even more special.

But even as life settles, not everything is falling into place. Isabel and Johnny have set the date three times, baked three wedding cakes, invited the whole island to three parties, only to have each attempt at matrimony fall apart at the last minute. Disasters seem to be conspiring against their happy ending, and Isabel is starting to wonder if their love is meant to be.

When family history comes back to haunt the Gibson sisters, Isabel knows that if she wants to make it down the aisle with Johnny, first she and Sophie will have to face the pain of their past and their present, and decide what it means for their future.

Kindle Edition, 39 pages

Published August 1, 2024

by Amazon Original Stories

4/5 stars

Book 2 in the Once Upon a Time Bookstore Series, this is a series of short stories about two sisters, Isabel and Sophie .

As the title reflects there is a wedding taking place within these 39 pages.  A lot transpires as some of the past comes back to hunt these women. Like I said in my review of The Bookstore Sisters I think these would make great full novels but alas I will enjoy these little versions.

What can I say that isn't mentioned in the blurb, other then this is a fun little series, can't wait to see what happens in The Bookstore Keepers which doesn't release till early 2025.

My copy obtained through Kindle Unlimited

The Bookstore Sisters by Alice Hoffman

From New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman comes a heartfelt short story about family, independence, and finding your place in the world.

Isabel Gibson has all but perfected the art of forgetting. She’s a New Yorker now, with nothing left to tie her to Brinkley’s Island, Maine. Her parents are gone, the family bookstore is all but bankrupt, and her sister, Sophie, will probably never speak to her again.

But when a mysterious letter arrives in her mailbox, Isabel feels herself drawn to the past. After years of fighting for her independence, she dreads the thought of going back to the island. What she finds there may forever alter her path—and change everything she thought she knew about her family, her home, and herself.

Kindle Edition, 36 pages

Published November 1, 2022

 by Amazon Original Stories

4/5 stars

A series of short stories, this being the 1st in the series  (the 3rd coming in the new year). My first thought is that this would make a nice full length novel. 

The Booksellers Sisters is the story of 2 sisters, a quick version of their separation and what brought them back together. It’s a story of grief, family and relationships. Figuring out what’s important with a sassy 12 year old and the dog - it’s always fun having a dog on scene.

I’m not sure how long this series will last, but I will be there for the ride.

My copy obtained through Kindle Unlimited

Good Intentions Collection #4 The Road Home by Kristin Harmel

A mother makes a heartbreaking choice in this unforgettable story about devotion and sacrifice in World War II–era France by the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names . 

Marie Vachon experiences firsthand the devastation of the German invasion when she takes in a Jewish refugee named Josiane. A loving, if temporary, home for the displaced child. A second chance at motherhood for Marie. After three years, an inseparable bond is created. It’s one that leads Marie and Josiane to an inevitable but surprising reckoning that calls into question what motherhood means—and where it ends. Kristin Harmel’s The Road Home is part of Good Intentions , a riveting collection of stories about the instincts, fears, and fierce love inherent in motherhood from award-winning, bestselling authors. Read or listen to each in a single sitting.

Kindle Edition, 42 pages

Published April 27, 2023

 by Amazon Original Stories

4.5/5 stars

The Road Home is a short story that is part of the Good Intentions Collection (#4). I don’t believe these need to be read in order. I’m not usually a short story fan, but lately I have been. 

This is the story of Marie Vachon during World War II in France. Three years ago she took in a homeless two year old girl. A Jewish girl whose mother was taken by the Germans.  The bond between these two is extremely strong. But the war has ended and the child’s mother has survived and wants her daughter.

What follows is an emotional story about a mom, who was given a second chance of motherhood.  You see years ago her son was killed in the early parts of the war.

The Road Home is a well written story about motherhood, grief and second chances.  It is available on Kindle Unlimited.  I plan on continuing with these stories, to date there are 7 stories from different authors in different time periods and locations.  Am I a fan of the covers?  Not really, it was the author that drew my attention.

Ghost 19 by Simone St. James

A woman moves to a town where she becomes obsessed with watching the lives of her neighbors while stuck in a house that refuses to let her leave in this first ever short story from the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Cold Cases.

Is there something wrong with Ginette Cox? It’s what everyone seems to think. When a doctor suggests that what she might need is less excitement, she packs up and moves from New York City to a house in suburban NY: 19 Howard Ave.

The town offers Ginette little in the way of entertainment in 1959, but at least she has interesting neighbors. Whether it’s the little girl with her doll or the couple and their mother-in-law, Ginette watches them from her window and makes up names and stories for them.

But it’s not all peaceful in suburbia. Ginette finds it hard to sleep in her new house. There are strange and scary noises coming from the basement, and she is trapped, either by a ghost or her own madness.

But when Ginette starts to think a murder has taken place and a mysterious man starts making terrifying appearances outside her window, it’s clear she must deal with whatever isn’t allowing her to escape this house…

Kindle Edition, 80 pages

Published January 3, 2023

 by Berkley

3.5/5 stars

This is a short story by Simone St James, one of my favourite authors.

It follows Ginette, a woman who never leaves her home but instead spends her time observing her neighbours. She also hears strange noises and speculates about the goings-on in her neighbourhood, one can't help but wonder if she is being visited by ghosts or if she is going a little mad. 

Although this is a trope that I have read too much about, I was still intrigued and entertained by this story. It packs a lot of unexplainable happenings and wild imagination into a short story. While I don't read a lot of short stories this was a fun one

I purchased the Kindle version when it became available on January 3, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and entertaining read.