I didn't realize this graphic short story collection was inspired by a book I also happen to own. This collection was a mixed bag for me. I liked the stories very much and there were a wide variety of artists, which is great, but some of the art styles were not to my taste. In addition, some of the font choices were difficult to read on a screen since I had borrowed the ebook version from my library. Given the graphic novel format, art style and legibility tends to make a big impact on my enjoyment overall. Glad to have read this and glad it exists, but I'm left feeling a bit mid.

I received an electronic ARC through Gay Romanxe Reviews.

SH Azanon turns his attention to modern paranormal noir with Drop Dead Gorgeous, the first book in the proposed Theatre of Shadows series. Readers follow homicide detective Rick Slade who would be your typical grumpy, chain-smoking gumshoe if he weren't also hiding his lycanthropy. When beautiful young men start showing up dead and missing their faces, Rick is assigned the case tracking down the ritualistic serial killer known as the Sculptor. When a stunning exotic dancer is found kneeling by the body at the most recent scene, he is obviously the prime suspect. Ashton Hunter can't help that people want him or that people want to do what he asks. But he didn't kill anyone. As much as he hates cops, he knew the most recent victim. And there's something inexplicable pulling Rick and Ash together. Ash is willing to help, but he doesn't know why he's getting dreams of the murders.

At first I hesitated to call this a noir story, but I'm calling it like I see it. Gritty, dark, and murky this story has layers of mess upon mess mixed with an inherent sultry flair. There are threads of light woven through which add a nice balance and the story seems to only be touching the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the paranormal components. This could easily become a serial- type storyline following Detective Rick Slade on his various cases. Based on this book, I'm here for it. I always love crime and detective stories in theory, but Azanon delivers. These characters are incredibly flawed, absolutely fail at communication, and you cannot help but root for them every step of the way.

I would recommend this story more readily to fans of paranormal romance than to true mystery fans since the content leans a bit sexier rather than strictly investigative. I'm looking forward to where this series goes and am now curious to explore Azanon's backlist.

While this is marketed as a thriller, it does lean a bit literary. I still enjoyed my time with it and am glad I read it. Weiden's background as a professor in political science and Native American studies shines in his representation of the justice system and its many failures surrounding Native people and tribal land.