What constitutes a successful short story or poem is a subject of much dispute. They are also among the most difficult forms of literature.

Gary E. Smith appears to have followed the suggestion of Anton Chekov to provide a "slice of life" in this collection, which includes short stories, vignettes and sketches often built on the theme of romance or betrayal. European settings are also prominent.

One of the romantic stories I particularly liked was "Fifi," about a small dog that unites a couple in a surprising display of bravery.

As a lover of mysteries and thrillers, the story I found most successful in the collection is "No Remorse," a tale of an unusual serial killer annoyed by another intruding on her territory. Another that came close is "The Power of Grandmother Moon," which failed for me when Smith took the story out of the capable hands of the protagonist Diane and had her rescued by a male "hero."

Smith does have a good eye, which is apparent in the photos that illustrate his poetry.

Before he writes another book I'd suggest Smith find a good editor. There were numerous typos and misspellings in this volume and narrative slips that could have been avoided with the help of another pair of eyes.