Issue of July 23, 2012

The Absolutist: Book Review by Wendy Robards — Book review "The Absolutist"

Set against the backdrop of World War I, John Boyle's novel "The Absolutist" explores the morality of war and the lives of two men who fought.

When Eurogeddon Comes by Anna Sykora — Cover story short fiction garden

Tomatoes for the summer, potatoes for the winter ... the neighbors may laugh now, but the financial crisis is peeking over the horizon, and Mary Lou sees a lot less of it behind the hedge of her plants.

Summer Time Snacks: Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms by Lydia Manx — Food recipes "shrimp stuffed mushrooms"

Here's an easy, tasty appetizer sure to please at the next get-together: shrimp-stuffed mushrooms.

The Dark Knight Rises: Movie Review by Bernie and Sand Pilarski — Movie review "The Dark Knight Rises"

We've been waiting for this movie since 2008 -- how many years is that in bat years?

Peek of the Week 358 by Sand Pilarski — Photo art

Behold the destructive power of this garden monster!

Cappuccino Is the Answer for Job Dissatisfaction 11 by Hillary E. Peak — Serial fiction employment

Simply the perfect job -- interesting work, wonderful co-workers, fun times ... wait, is that something on the horizon, or a trick of the eye?

Dinner With Henry 71: The Huddle by Bruce Memblatt — Serial fiction fantasy humor

Remembering Maria's implacable wrath the day before, what will the kitchen staff do to cope? Even their giant bug employer isn't as scary!

The Complex 33 by Lydia Manx — Serial fiction horror vampires mature content

Is a hurricane really this destructive, or has Jerry inadvertently set loose some elemental magic? His fledgling, Julia, seems to think the storm might be a problem ...