by Jackie Houchin

I read a lot of print books and listen to a great many audiobooks each year. I do not read anthologies or collections of short stories unless they contain several stories by authors that have a track record I enjoy.

Recently, I have been “reading” (I will use that word whether I use my eyes or ears) a good many short prequels to book series. If the book turns out to be so-so, I haven’t wasted much time. If I like it, I’ll consider the series. Also, more authors are writing their stories as novellas, which I enjoy too. For me “shorter is better.”

Except!

Except when I read authors that I KNOW will come through with an outstanding story. Then I will read longer. Sometimes much longer. I’m currently reading CITY SPIES by James Ponti. It has 378 print pages and I LOVE it. I…