I found this good-condition softcover at the Used Book Superstore during their Columbus Day sale, and thought I'd give it a try. It's an anthology series themed on dolls - will have to see if it's sweet or scary or both...

Later: Both, though with an emphasis on "creepy". In several ways it reminded me of Pet Shop of Horrors, what with the Very Beautiful Man who runs a strange shop selling exotic creatures that push the boundaries of what it means to be human, and the stories about different customers who may find their heart's desire - or may lose everything, depending on what they choose from the shop and how they care for it.

This volume introduces the concept of "plant dolls", the exquisite toddler-sized dolls sold in the shop. They're living creatures, though their precise nature is more magical than anything else; still, they have specific requirements for nourishment and care, and if the rules aren't followed, the dolls might wither and die - or might "mature" and become adult humans, something that could work out well in some situations but which really messes up the lives of people who wanted a pretty little dolly to dress up and admire {wry grin}.

There's a running joke involving the cost of the dolls, as well as of the accessories; the shop owner seems to delight in gently encouraging customers to buy more and more side items. But while this seems amusing at first, some customers become so attached to - or infatuated by - the dolls that they'll ruin themselves to own one.

Some of the stories have twists strongly reminiscent of the best "Twilight Zone" episodes - "Potpourri Doll" is one of those. And some plots are clearly bound for disaster and/or heartbreak, such as the one in which a wealthy man seeks the "Tears of Heaven" - plant-doll tears that turn to jewels. Seems this can only happen when the doll's been raised with perfect love - and then has cause to weep... There are two different stories on this same theme, with very different resolutions, both of them suggesting just how intoxicating and hazardous plant dolls can be.

The "Rainy Moon" story introduces an artist with a commission to paint a plant doll's image into a portrait for an elderly client; this causes complications, and the store owner and the artist have some interesting discussions about it. (I admit I was hoping that the artist would become a regular visitor, along the lines of Leon in "Pet Shop", but that was not to be.)

There are a couple of bonus stories that don't concern plant dolls; they're equally mysterious and lyrical. I really like these stories.

I left several books, including this one, on the book-swap shelf inside the Park and Ride building at around 5 or so. Hope the finder enjoys it!

*** Released as part of the 2013 One Word Title release challenge. ***