This is a beautifully arranged collection of short stories and a sister book to TO LIVE OR NOT TO LIVE. The approach to the subject `crime and murder' is very unique and lighter than one might suspect. The fictional stories are peppered with a bit of everyday philosophy and discuss the actual importance and consequence of death in life. The subjects are tough at times, but the approach to them is light and optimistic! Each one of them narrates curious events, but "The Able Strain" and "Fear" are my favorites. Generally, I enjoyed the singularity of the characters (even if dislikeable), their complexity and sometimes their extraordinary depth.