12 Days eduted by Shelley Silas, (Virago Press, £10)
THERE aren't very many books that you find yourself humming along to.
There also aren't many books where you'll find Marx and Engels playing at being Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, sandwiched between fairies and crack cocaine addicts.
But that is what you get with 12 Days, a collection of stories inspired by that age-old classic The Twelve Days of Christmas.
It's a simple enough idea. Find 12 popular contemporary writers, get them to pick a number and then write a short story based on the day they choose.
The result is a lucky dip of diverse and surprising tales.
Some stories are more serious in their message, while others may leave you slightly perplexed.
But everyone will find their own personal favourite in this festive mini-buffet bite-size collection.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article