AN APPLE FOR THE CREATURE is an anthology comprised of thirteen bestselling authors in both the urban fantasy and mystery genre. The running theme within all stories is supernatural education. Editors, Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner have compiled a stellar list of authors including Ilona Andrews, Thomas E. Sniegoski, Faith Hunter, Nancy Holder and many more.

At the top of the list is Charlaine Harris' never-before- published Sookie Stackhouse short story called "Playing Possum". This story has quite a bit of action for its short length. It's Hunter Savoy's birthday and Aunt Sookie has made some cupcakes to deliver to his school so he can celebrate with his classmates. However, the school's secretary has her own personal problem that bleeds into work time. When Sherry Javitts' ex-boyfriend, Brady insists on holding on to their relationship and Sherry turns him down, their break-up soon becomes everyone's problem when Brady comes toting a gun to the school where Sherry works. The threat is high and Sookie has a group of innocents to protect from the line of fire.

New-to-me author, Faith Hunter has a short story in her Jane Yellowrock series entitled, "Golden Delicious". I love anthologies because they give me an opportunity to discover new authors. After reading this short story, I found myself enthralled by Hunter's writing and her world. I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series.

The clear standout of this anthology has to be Ilona Andrews' "Magic Tests". Set in Julie's POV, Kate and Julie find themselves waiting at the principal's office. Julie thinks she's in trouble once again, but soon finds out that they have been called in to find a missing student. Instead of Kate nosing her way through the school, Julie takes on the case and with the help of other students, she is able to put her training to the test. Andrews infuses mythology, humor and action, creating a fun-filled short story that is sure to be enjoyed by all.

Overall, AN APPLE FOR THE CREATURE is a great read. With such a vast array of authors from different genres, readers are sure to find at least one story that they can enjoy. The running theme of supernatural education and the presence of apples, as displayed nicely on the cover, ties in all the short stories together. I only wish some of the stories were longer!