I was given a copy of [Wild Cards: Deuces Down](http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/0743445058) recently as a gift. I don't think the person who gave it to me realized it was book 16 of a series (according to [WildCards Online](http://www.wildcardsonline.com/books16.html)).

My question is this: Does the Wild Cards series need to be read in order? I was under the impression that it was more of a shared universe, with little connection between books.

Is this the case, or will reading this book before any of the others spoil other books for me? Will I find myself missing important plot points or not understanding what's going on?

In short, is there a suggested or recommended order for reading these, or can they be read (and fully comprehended/understood) in any order?