Format: 352 pages, Paperback
Release Date: April 14, 2026
Publisher: Ace
Source: Publisher
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Novella
Publisher: Ace
Source: Publisher
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Novella
A superstar lineup is included in this urban fantasy collection featuring short stories from New York Times bestselling authors Jim Butcher, Holly Black, Kim Harrison, Faith Hunter, and more …
In this short story collection, our heroes get what’s due to them—with a supernatural flair.
But the injustices that have been holding them back might cost them more than they realized. . . .
In “Mister Petty,” a brand-new Dresden Files story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher, a woman hires Goodman Grey to get back at her cheating husband. She’s about to find out that Grey isn’t your ordinary detective—he’s a professional monster. And he’s going to balance the scales.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black, “Dying Isn’t Just for the Young” follows an elderly widow reckoning with family scheming to take away her independence in a world infected by a disease of vampirism.
New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter’s “Razors and Revenge” finds the vampire bounty hunter Shiloh awaiting her judgement at the hands of the Dark Queen, fresh off a brutal werewolf attack and the loss of a dear friend. But Shiloh’s not just a vampire anymore—and the wolfish instincts growing inside her are howling for blood.
And Kim Harrison takes us to the #1 New York Times bestselling series of the Hollows in her story “Dog-eared.” The demon Algaliarept makes a bargain with the dangerously insane Newt, the last female demon, to punish an arrogant wizard for abusing his precious magical texts—but how ruthless is Al willing to be to get his petty vengeance?
In this short story collection, our heroes get what’s due to them—with a supernatural flair.
But the injustices that have been holding them back might cost them more than they realized. . . .
In “Mister Petty,” a brand-new Dresden Files story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher, a woman hires Goodman Grey to get back at her cheating husband. She’s about to find out that Grey isn’t your ordinary detective—he’s a professional monster. And he’s going to balance the scales.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black, “Dying Isn’t Just for the Young” follows an elderly widow reckoning with family scheming to take away her independence in a world infected by a disease of vampirism.
New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter’s “Razors and Revenge” finds the vampire bounty hunter Shiloh awaiting her judgement at the hands of the Dark Queen, fresh off a brutal werewolf attack and the loss of a dear friend. But Shiloh’s not just a vampire anymore—and the wolfish instincts growing inside her are howling for blood.
And Kim Harrison takes us to the #1 New York Times bestselling series of the Hollows in her story “Dog-eared.” The demon Algaliarept makes a bargain with the dangerously insane Newt, the last female demon, to punish an arrogant wizard for abusing his precious magical texts—but how ruthless is Al willing to be to get his petty vengeance?
Paranormal Payback is a 2026 urban fantasy anthology edited by Jim Butcher and Kerrie L. Hughes. It features twelve short stories centered on the theme of revenge with a supernatural twist—where witches, vampires, ghosts, demons, and other beings deliver (or seek) payback, often with messy, morally complex, or darkly humorous results. The collection includes a mix of brand-new tales and stories set in established series universes. It stands out for its strong lineup of authors and the way it explores the blurred line between justice and vengeance.
"Mister Petty" by Jim Butcher (Dresden Files universe, featuring Goodman Grey): Goodman Grey, a "professional monster" and shapeshifter PI in Chicago, takes a case from a woman seeking revenge on her cheating husband. It's noir-infused, fun, and lighter on the heavy guilt that often weighs down Harry Dresden himself. Overall Rating: A-
"Dog-Eared" by Kim Harrison (The Hollows): Involves the demon Algaliarept bargaining with Newt for revenge against a wizard who mistreated magical texts. Al is always trying to find a way to get Rachel Morgan (the witch/bounty hunter) from The Hollows series as his newest familiar. It delivers classic Hollows wit, demonic pettiness, and ruthless flair that fans love. Overall: A
"Razors and Revenge" by Faith Hunter (Jane Yellowrock world): Follows Shiloh, a witch turned vampire who has recently survived being bitten by a werewolf. vampire bounty hunter Shiloh post-werewolf attack, blending vampire lore with emerging wolf instincts in a high-stakes judgment scene. It's intense and action-packed. Overall: A0
Holly Black’s “Dying Isn’t Just for the Young” (Coldtown universe) — an elderly widow named Beryl navigating vampirism and family betrayal. It became an even better short story by being set in the same world as Holly Black’s ‘The Coldest Girl In Coldtown', giving the widow intriguing options for how to live the rest of her life. I still want a sequel to the original story!!!
Kevin Hearne’s “The Underground Goddess” (Iron Druid adjacent) — Ana is a witch with the Sisters of the Three Auroras, a coven based in Poland and featured in Hearne’s Iron Druid Chronicles. The Sisters take on an otherworldly phone scam operation and save Ana’s grandmother from losing her savings. The Warsaw location and the mix of Polish and Greek myths were refreshing. "There is no such life. That is not immortal. For at least a moment."
R.R. Virdi’s “Grave Payback” — paranormal investigator Vincent Graves (body-hopping ghost-like figure) delivering justice for the dead.
R.L. King’s “A Clean Break” (Alastair Stone Chronicles) — a mage and a ghost teaming up. Alastair Stone is a magic wielder. Due to a reservation mistake, he is in a cheap motel where he sees the ghost of a maid who was murdered by men using a room for drug deals.
A Midsummer Night's Scheming by Delilah S. Dawson/Isla Jewell - This is set in the world of Arcadia Falls. This was a weird tale about a magical woman coming into her powers, getting a donkey familiar named Gary, who was hilariously weird, and helping get some revenge on the awful people who hurt her sister.
Contained by Tanya Huff - This is set in the world of vampire Henry Fitzroy. Definitely made me interested in looking into this series. Henry was a cool character who has been around for 500 years.
Dirt by Jennifer Blackstream - This is set in the world of Shade Renard/Blood Trails. Shade is a witch PI that deals with “other-world” problems. Her client, Alex, balances the scales by granting vengeance to those who have been wronged, but now someone is after him. The story has a good twist.
Black Bond by Maurice Broaddus - Told with a mix of suspense, tension, and recollection, all heightened by the addition of supernatural elements, this story confronts not just the terrible history that it's based on but how things have changed a hundred years later.
The Broom by Kerrie L. Hughes - This is set in the world of Great Lakes Grimoire. Two siblings are looking to buy a property that is haunted by a woman who was killed by a serial killer. I would have loved to know more about the siblings before this story. Seems like something I would enjoy.
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