In “The Shark Swimmers,” Fraterrigo entangles the reader in a state of suspense and naturalistic doom. She establishes and sustains the perfect balance between revealing and withholding information. Her prose is restrained, tasteful, never showy. Like Updike, she guides us swiftly, expertly, gracefully through a variety of human ecosystems, describing our habitats, mating rituals and predatory inclinations.

. . . .these stories are carefully written and periodically explode with beautiful writing. “The Attached Couple” begins: “After a night of lovemaking, skin thrives.” I can’t think of a more enigmatic, enticing come-on in short fiction.