"Across a dizzying number of subgenres, this collection delights by prizing quality over name recognition. There's something here for every mystery fan."
Description
From a pool of over 3,000 considered stories published last year—anything that touched on crime, mystery, and suspense, from venues as disparate as The Strand Magazine, Dark Yonder, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, The Bellevue Literary Review, and more—these are the very best, selected by series editor Otto Penzler and guest editor Anthony Horowitz.
The tales included cover a range of styles, highlighting the diversity of subjects and forms comprising the genre we call mystery fiction. Featuring a mixture of household names, masters of the short form, and newcomers to the field, the collection offers a variety that promises something for every reader. And it's all capped off by a vintage story from the first half of the previous century, sourced directly from the rare book room at the Mysterious Bookshop, the oldest mystery fiction specialty store in the world.
Authors include:
- Ace Atkins
- Michael Bracken
- Fleur Bradley
- Shelley Costa
- Doug Crandell
- Jeffery Deaver
- John Floyd
- Nils Gilbertson
- Peter Hayes
- Shells Legoullon
- Victor Methos
- Leonardo Padura
- Dan Pope
- Annie Reed
- Cameron Sanders
- Anna Scotti
- Archer Sullivan
- Andrew Welsh-Huggins
- Stacy Woodson
Reviews
"Thrilling . . . The wealth of talent on display here augurs well for the future of intelligent, character-driven crime fiction. This is a must for mystery fans."
"The stories cover a satisfying range of styles and themes, embellished with notes from their authors. . . . A must-read for short story aficionados."
"The year's best stories highlight the healing power of crime fiction. . . . Fans tired of meaningless violence should welcome this showcase of the redemptive side of the genre."
