I have read several collections of Oates' stories before, so I knew what to expect. I have liked her other books but this has been my least favorite. The longest story (The Rescuer) dragged on too long. If you haven't read any of her books before, don't start here... ( )

Fun tales of darkness. I enjoyed some stories more than other ones, but overall it was entertaining and fast-paced. ( )

The stories in High Crime Area focus on people in dangerous, or potentially dangerous, situations. In some the danger is present and immediate, but in most, it's there in the sense of foreboding and dread, or growing panic, felt by the characters and the reader. In all of the stories, the characters have gotten themselves into the dangerous situations, but in completely believable ways. Their thoughts and emotions, as described by the author, make their actions understandable, though often regrettable.
Narrators Julia Whelan, Ray Chase, Donna Postel, Luci Christian, Tamara Marston, and Chris Patton are all excellent. (Chris Patton is a new favorite narrator of mine!) Without any overacting or dramatization, each narrator brings out the gradual, subtle horror of each of these stories. Recommended for readers of psychological suspense or literary fiction tinged with horror.
For complete review, please visit the Bay State Reader's Advisoryblog. ( )

You can't go wrong with Oates. I'm not usually a short story reader but these kept my interest. ( )

Rating: 2.5 of 5

This collection (once again) featured Oates' eerie ability to explore the depths of those minds many would rather ignore or deny altogether. However, High Crime Area was just too ... bleak and hopeless - for me, right now. It took nearly a month to read all eight stories, and it was work, every single one. ( )