Ellis's (What Curiosity Kills) darkly funny collection is a box of bonbons laced with absinthe. Many of the stories feature books to some degree—deep knowledge of commercial fiction helps a character succeed on the reality show Dumpster Diving with the Stars; corporations sponsor novels (and those authors who lightly skim their contracts may be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences for missed deadlines); and a very intense book club has unusual expectations for new members—while others skewer such topics as bra fitting, escalating disputes with neighbors, and parsing the difference between what Southern ladies say and what they mean. Kathleen McInerney, Rebecca Lowman, Lisa Cordileone, and Dorothy Dillingham Blue provide appropriately sweet readings with real bite underneath. VERDICT Recommended for fans of quirky humor. ["The hilarity of each premise will pull in readers, and the twists will keep them glued to the pages": LJ 12/15 starred review of the Doubleday hc.]—Stephanie Klose, Library Journal

Professional poker player and author (Eating the Cheshire Cat) Ellis's latest is a collection of delightful short stories that turn the stereotypical housewife ideal on its head. Each one centers on the trials and tribulations of a particular housewife, whether she is hunting for yard sale treasures on reality television, conversing with the dead in her haunted luxury apartment, or literally battling neighbors over the decor of a hallway common area. Many of the characters are writers launching comebacks, or those coming to peace with their lack of writing while embracing a twist on domesticity. VERDICT Each story is lively and active. The hilarity of each premise will pull in readers, and the twists will keep them glued to the pages. Anyone who has ever contemplated having a drawer specifically for glitter or has felt awkwardly settled into the domestic life will appreciate this not-to-be-missed collection.—Mara Dabrishus, Ursuline Coll. Lib., Pepper Pike, OH