Published in 2020, this anthology serves as the first dedicated short story collection in the popular Rivers of London (Peter Grant) urban fantasy series by Ben Aaronovitch. 

In some ways, the short stories are better than the novels because they stick to one story line.

Ben Aaronovitch includes a new, personal introduction for each tale, providing unique behind-the-scenes anecdotes that fans thoroughly enjoy.

Of course, you need to know the Rivers of London universe before diving into short stories.

The Lesser Devil is a science fantasy spin-off novel by Christopher Ruocchio, officially designated as Book 1.5 in his acclaimed Sun Eater space opera series.

First published on April 14, 2020, the book shifts focus away from the main series protagonist, Hadrian Marlowe, to tell a self-contained story from the perspective of his younger brother.

I actually liked this novella better than the original book.

Shorter. Simpler. Fast paced.

The Protagonist: Crispin Marlowe, House Marlowe’s least famous son, who has lived long in his brother’s shadow. 

The Plot: Crispin answers a deathbed summons from his grandmother, the Duchess of Delos, only to fly directly into a political trap orchestrated by rivals and family factions. 

The Conflict: Stranded with only his sister, Sabine, and a few injured guards, Crispin must defend a remote town and battle a mysterious pagan cult dwelling in the mountains. 

The Themes: The narrative heavily explores legacy, leadership, class systems, and the friction between the state’s Chantry religion and a surviving enclave of Old Earth Catholicism.

Strangers in the Villa (2026) is recommended.

Twist and turns.

The story follows Sydney and Curtis Lowe, a New York couple whose lives unravel after Curtis confesses to an affair.

Desperate to repair their fractured marriage, they move to a remote, crumbling 1963 hilltop villa in Costa Brava, Spain.

Their isolated fresh start takes a tense turn when an attractive pair of Australian travelers arrives at their doorstep after a van breakdown. Craving companionship and free renovation help, Sydney and Curtis invite them to stay.

However, as shifting loyalties and deep secrets emerge, it becomes clear the strangers’ arrival may not be accidental, and survival at the villa is no longer guaranteed

A very poor novella. But fascinating, original format for a book.

Ratings frequently range from 3 to 5 stars, depending on whether the reader embraced the campy humour.

The Dinner Party: A Pick Your Poison Adventure (2026) is an interactive thriller by Freida McFadden with 22 possible endings.

Facing eviction, the broke protagonist takes a waitressing job at an isolated mansion on Peyton’s Peak. The reader controls the narrative by choosing the character’s actions at various turning points. 

The book features a distinct “choose-your-own-adventure” style, departing from her standard linear psychological thrillers. You can explore the various formats