This is a fantastic anthology consisting of seventeen new entries (at the time of publication that is), seven from previous works in the 1990s and two from other collections in this decade. The contributors are a Hall of fame group to include Williamson, Gaiman, Grant and de Lint, etc. Each tale is fun with some so superb, readers will want to return to the bar scene for another round or two. The compilation runs the gamut from dark suspense to fantasy to horror with the audience raising an elbow to toast each entry. Fans who appreciate sharing drinks with the demised and some weird supernatural fantasy essences will want to stop at TAVERNS OF THE DEAD for a terrific night chaser.

Harriet Klausner