Bio: Tamara is a self-employed computer programmer and (thus far unpublished) fiction writer. She's published several non-fiction articles in the Tri-Counties Business and Technology Review, a technology newsmonthly serving Santa Barbara, California, and the surrounding counties. When she's not working or writing, Tamara and her partner can be found in out-of-the-way little campgrounds with their Wilderness RV.

Schrodinger's Kitten is a spectacular dance with the question of how much can rest on one fateful decision in one moment of time. The choice the protagonist faces--whether or not to meet a potential rapist with dagger drawn--is at first glance a simple one. In Effinger's world, though, nothing is that simple. A dizzying series of visions highlight how much of her future--and the future of others--rests on her choice. I was spellbound watching her struggle with the knowledge of what was at stake, and then making her choice.

Though I don't often read science fiction, this story captivated me. Mike Resnick has taken a simple concept--that killing is part of human nature--and twisted it into a pretzel. The result is an amusing and though-provoking story, full of rich scenery and characters and elephants that become human. "The Elephants on Neptune" is an Asimov's Readers Choice award winner, and was nominated for both Hugo and Nebula awards.

What if an apocalypse had destroyed all life on earth, save for one man and one woman? What if the future of humankind rested on that man's ability to court that woman? These are the questions Damon Knight tackles in this story, and he does so in signature style. I could easily see the characters in my mind, and the surprise ending was both amusing and tragic. This was the first story of Knight's that I've read, and I enjoyed it immensely.

In "Sympathy For Zombies," John Gregory Betancourt shows his readers that sometimes the best laid plans can backfire in strange and unintended ways. A man's plan for revenge against the woman who dumped him blows up in his face--with chilling consequences. A short but suspenseful story, "Sympathy for Zombies" was a quick and enjoyable read for me.

In "Updates," Kristine Kathryn Rusch again weaves a rich backdrop to an action-packed mystery. The backdrop is a radio station, on election night. When old grudges come home to roost, the result is a thrilling, suspenseful mystery. If you've never read fiction by this author, "Updates" is a wonderful place to start.

"Models" was my introduction to the writing of Kristine Kathryn Rusch. Her mysteries are rich with suspense and drama and set amid vivid backdrops. "Models" sets a murder in the glamor and image world of fashion modelling, where nothing is ever as it seems. "Models" was an Ellery Queen Magazine Reader's Choice nominee.

Many of Kristine Kathryn Rusch's main characters are in some way "different". The protagonist in "Scars" bears the marks left by a fire which killed her husband and child. It is these scars, and their aftermath, that place her in the position to discover a murder victim--and to unmask the murderer. Like most of Rusch's work, "Scars" is fast-paced and exciting and full of suspense. If you're looking for an action-packed read and vivid, rich characters, "Scars" is an excellent choice.

A mystery novel full of twists and turns, Grave Secrets was a thoroughly enjoyable read. When Dr. Amy Prescott responds to a plea for help from a friend, she's plunged into a small town with too many secrets. It seems as though the people of Rock Springs are all too scared to talk, but the sudden appearance of an ally helps her get to the bottom of the town's dark secret--and save Simon in the process.

This story was an enjoyable twist on the old story of the princess and the pea. It's an uncomfortable story, with uncomfortable implications, but that is, after all, the point. Parts of the story are quite graphically explicit so this is not one for the faint of heart, but if you don't mind an exploration of the darker side of human nature, this is an excellent read.

I've not read the novels which are set in this universe, but I found "Destiny" to be an engaging and enjoyable fantasy. The story is set in a world of magic, where Shapeshifters serve as spies for the invading Fey army. But when the child in whose home Solanda is dwelling has an encounter with a Fey princess, Solanda decides to try to take the girl to a place where she can be a child. Ultimately, Solanda learns about destiny and choices, and the choice she must make is a difficult one indeed.

In a world where recycling has been taken to an extreme, a high-society lady makes a name for herself with a chef who can create--using the "duplicator"--amazing dishes that only she can serve. But when his "dishes" start turning up in other places besides her home, she must figure out who's stealing them. I found "Originals" to be a light-hearted and enjoyable mystery, full of humor and not a little suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

"Gather Blue Roses" portrays what it is to be an Empath--one able to experience, in a very real and direct way, the pain and anger and fear of others. When Sargent alludes to the horror of Nazi concentration camps, one can imagine only too well what it would be like for someone with the gift--or curse--of Empathy to be thrust into such a place. A poignant, powerful read from a very talented author.