It surprises many people to discover that, even as an adult, I still play hide and seek. My wife only has to say the special code words that start our game (“Let’s go shopping?” or “Could you help with this decorating?”) and I rush off to hide in places where she would never think to search. Of course, my wife plays the same game of hide and seek with me. I only have to say the words, “I’m feeling horny,” and she disappears as though someone pressed her delete button.

Which is one of the many reasons why I was thrilled when Hide and Seek arrived on my doormat. Hide and Seek is an anthology of stories that feature voyeurs and exhibitionists. I could wax lyrical here about the symbiotic relationship that coexists between the voyeur and the exhibitionist. I could say something pertinent about the genius in producing an anthology that caters to these mutually dependent drives.

But, I think it’s more pertinent if I simply talk about how much I enjoyed this fantastic book.

There are many reasons to adore this anthology. First and foremost it comes from those clever people at Cleis Press. Cleis are renowned for producing top quality anthologies from talented writers and respected editors. Hide and Seek is no exception.

Secondly, this book has been edited by Alison Tyler and Rachel Kramer Bussel. Regular readers of my reviews will know that I worship at the altars of Alison Tyler and Rachel Kramer Bussel. Having an anthology where their talents are combined is the sort of innovative genius that should change worlds, or at least make worshipping easier. This is akin to what happens when Superman and Batman combine their efforts, or when some culinary giant decides to blend chocolate ice cream with chocolate chips to make chocolate chip ice cream.

Thirdly, Alison and Rachel have collected stories from an ensemble of brilliant, respected and exceptionally talented authors. Some of the gods and goddesses in this anthology include: Gwen Masters, Thomas S Roche, Therese Noelle Roberts, Michelle Houston and Debra Hyde. The anthology also includes fiction from editors Alison and Rachel.

Saskia Walker begins the anthology with “Counting the Days.” This clever tale of a temp and a window cleaner is perfectly plotted and exceptionally arousing. Shanna Germain is equally exciting with “Red Light, Green Light,” an excursion to Amsterdam’s colourful red light district and the enactment of a delicious fantasy.

The wonderful Portia Da Costa always writes about characters who are quintessentially English and uncompromisingly realistic and “Glint” is no exception. This story of a young English couple, a quiet seaside beach and a daring, deviant escapade, shows that the typical British summer does have a lot to offer. Radclyffe’s “Interview with a Porn Star” is a shockingly exciting exposé of what goes on at the good side of the moviemaker’s camera. Radclyffe writes with knowledge and authority on the subject of sex and produces fiction that is invariably stimulating and thought provoking.

There is more, obviously. But to mention every story here would be to intrude on valuable time where readers could be exploring the delicious duality of voyeurism and exhibitionism. It’s enough to say this is an exceptional book, well worth the read, and well worth the re-read that anthologies deserve. I know the next time I’m playing a game of hide and seek with my wife, as soon as she says the words, “Let’s go shopping,” I shall spirit myself away and return to the many treasures contained within Hide and Seek.

Hide and Seek
(Cleis Press; September 28, 2007; ISBN-10: 1573442917)
Available at: Amazon.com / Amazon UK

© 2008 Ashley Lister. All rights reserved.