Three short stories that take place leading up to the events in Dorthy Must Die. Overall I really liked them. While giving some insight into characters and situations I don't feel it spoiled anything. in fact it sometimes added more questions to my arsenal.

NO PLACE LIKE OZ

-Wow. I felt this ties in nicely to the original story. The main differences is that I felt Oz is a bit more fantastical here (flaming toast, prebuttered, cooked corn still on the stalks, etc) and that Dorothy seems a bit conceited and selfish even from the beginning. The setting when she was in Kansas did feel a bit modern though.

Danielle Paige does a great job with references from the original book. She bases is more on the books than the movies since the ending is fairly different. Going from the original story to this is a fairly smooth transaction.

The questioning of Ozma and missing Glinda was a great idea and the way it plays out is interesting. You really get a glimpse of how Dorothy changes from the sweet girl who first journeyed the Yellow Brick Road to go home, the the wretched brat she is in Dorothy Must Die. Eager to read the next step in the prequel series!

THE WITCH MUST BURN

-This is Jellia's tale. Friend of Ozma, head servant for Dorothy. If you have not read Dorothy Must Die, I highly suggest reading that before this book. Spoilers ahead if you have not read the first book yet. You have been warned....


This book has me realing really bad for Jellia, especially after what happens to her in Dorothy Must Die. Although this story dies give us greater insight into who what role she really plays in the story.

Glinda sees something special about Jellia so takes her for a short time to help in her palace. And to that I just want to say "EWW!" Apparently Glinda does not understand that there is a concept for too much pink. On the surface, Glinda just wants a maid but her intentions are much darker in how to use Jellia.

One of the servants working for Glinda shocked me. Yet also confused me on the timelines a bit. Overall an interesting side is shown of certain characters. And we get a better sample of Jellia's ability with Nail Art. I would love it if she would do my nails! Serceta are unveiled and I wonder what part might take in the main storyline.

THE WIZARD RETURNS

- Are you ready to learn the truth behind the wizard? It's not pretty. We all though he was just a phony but he was also a jerk (to put it kindly)! Now with no memory he has the chance to set things right. He is given three trials to determine his true character.

This is one of those stories I can't say too much without giving things away. It does answer some things from Dorothy Must Die but also raises others. I am very curious to see how it all ties into the next couple books.

This is an interesting set of stories, a good addition to her other stories and would also be a good introduction to the type of story that she writes. Divided into three parts, the first a set of Lord Peter Wimsey stories, the second a set of Montague Egg (a working-class salesman-sleuth) and the third a set of unaligned stores which range from cosy to almost horror. These stories are very evocative of their time and great fun read.

Scalpel sharp character studies that need to be taken in intermediate doses, otherwise all faith in humanity would be lost. It does make one wonder whether Ms. Parker ever met any decent people.

I read the portuguese translation of this book, but loved it anyway.
I had only read "the phonecall" which I enjoyed even more now.
Delightful, "too bad" is one of my favorite stories.