Sunday, April 28, 2019

A Short Walk Down A Dark Street: Issue 50

As posted by Peter DiChellis to our list…

This week’s blog unleashes a gusher with links to reviews, releases, free reads, and more.
Includes a list of the best Sherlock Holmes stories, according to Arthur Conan Doyle.
Plus, a devotee of “rejectomancy” (the arcane practice divining hidden meaning from rejection letters) breaks down the numbers after rejection #300 and explains why five different types of form rejections are all actually the same.
A short walk down a dark street (#50): celebrating short mystery and crime fiction.
Best wishes,
Peter

Saturday, April 27, 2019

SMFS Short Story Saturdays: Margaret Mendel


Back in May SMFS celebrated, as we do each year, International Short Story Month. The celebration led to the creation of the weekly short story segment SMFS Short Story Saturdays. Each Saturday we feature a SMFS list member whose work can be read online for free. These short stories are at least a year old and were not previously linked to during the May 2018 Short Story Month event.


For SMFS Short Story Saturdays today, list member Margaret Mendel shares the short story, Dunbar Hollow: A True Scary Story For Halloween archived at Kings River Life Magazine where it originally appeared in October 2013. 



If you would like to be included and are a member of the SMFS list at yahoo groups, email the link to your story to KevinRTipple at Verizon dot net. If you are not a member, this would be a good time to check us out at Yahoo Groups.

Friday, April 26, 2019

2019 Edgar Award Best Short Story Winner: Art Taylor


SMFS member Art Taylor has won a 2019 Edgar Award for his short story, “English 398: Fiction Workshop” published in the Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine: July/August 2018 issue. The Edgars were presented to the winners yesterday evening during the 73rd gala of the Mystery Writers of America at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. The full list of winners can be found on the MWA website.

Mr Taylor has written extensively on how the story came to be. He has done so in his post on the Sluethsayers Blog last June which can be read here as well as on his “First Two Pages” post last June which can be read here.  As noted in the post here last February which provided a link to read the story, Mr. Taylor is also up for an Agatha Award.



Thursday, April 25, 2019

SMFS Members Published In Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine: May/June 2019


Several SMFS members are published in the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine: May/June 2019 issue. The issue is available from Dell Magazines as well as at Amazon and newsstands and bookstores. The SMFS members published in this issue are:

Catherine Dilts with “Real Cowgirls Don’t Cry.”

Terrie Moran with “Flamingo Bingo.”

Mark Thielman with “Blind Spot.”

Gigi Vernon with “Thick As Thieves.”

Joseph S. Walker with “Bonus Round.”

Elizabeth Zelvin with “A Work In Progress.”
  

Website Synopsis:
May/June 2019
FICTION
BONUS ROUND by Joseph S. Walker
FINITE JEST by Chris Muessig
PRIVATE JUSTICE by Steven Gore
REAL COWGIRLS DON’T CRY by Catherine Dilts
BUCK AND WILEY MAKE THEIR OWN LUCK by Parker Littlewood
FLAMINGO BINGO by Terrie Farley Moran
BONDED by Mark Joslyn
THE CASE OF THE THIRTEENTH BEARD by Joe Helgerson
PHOTO FINISHED by Melissa Fall
THICK AS THIEVES by Gigi Vernon
A WORK IN PROGRESS by Elizabeth Zelvin
BLIND SPOT by Mark Thielman
MYSTERY CLASSIC
THE THIEF by Anna Katharine Green
DEPARTMENTS
THE LINEUP
SCRAMBLED Marple Anagram puzzle by Mark Lagasse
MYSTERIOUS PHOTOGRAPH
BOOKED & PRINTED by Laurel Flores Fantauzzo
DYING WORDS Acrostic puzzle by Arlene Fisher
THE STORY THAT WON
SOLUTION to Dying Words

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

SMFS Members Published In Flash Bang Mysteries: Spring 2019 Issue 15


Several SMFS members are published in the just released Flash Bang Mysteries: Spring 2019 Issue 15. Published by BJ Bourg the issue is free to read online.  The SMFS members in this issue are:

Herschel Cozine with “Dead End.”

John M. Floyd with “Grandpa’s Watch.”

Heidi Hunter with “Coversation With the Murderer.”

Stacy Woodson with “The Final Course.”


Big time thanks to John M. Floyd who alerted me this morning to the issue and his story.

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Gerald So Interviews 2019 Derringer Finalist Barb Goffman

Gerald So Interviews 2019 Derringer Finalist  Barb Goffman

SMFS Member Publication News: Jim Doherty


As posted by Jim Doherty to our list…

I'm doing what might be described as a "Flash Story," or at least a "short-short," in an altogether different medium than prose fiction.

This Sunday, 28 April, a new storyline starts in the Dick Tracy comic strip called "The Occam's Razor Case."  It'll run through Sunday, 5 May.

And I'm the author!

Last year I placed a Sherlock Holmes story in an anthology of new Holmes stories, and now I'm taking the reins of the Dick Tracy comic strip which, potentially, may give me the biggest audience I've ever had.

I'm one of the few (except for Edward D. Hoch, I think I'm the only) writer who's actually gotten paid to write stories about the two most famous detective-heroes in fiction!

You can read more about it at Janet Rudolph's Mystery Fanfare 'blog here:


And, if your paper doesn't carry Tracy, you can follow the story here:


I'll be looking forward to getting your reactions.

BTW, are comics stories eligible for Derringers?

JIM DOHERTY

SleuthSayers: Writer in a Raincoat by Michael Bracken

 SleuthSayers: Writer in a Raincoat: by Michael Bracken As Cuba Gooding Jr.’s character Rod Tidwell repeatedly shouted in Jerry Maguire, “Show me the exposure!” Too warm ...

Sunday, April 21, 2019

A Short Walk Down A Dark Street: Issue 49

As posted by list member Peter DiChellis…

This week’s blog serves up the hot stuff with links to reviews, releases, free reads, and more.
Includes: the new issue of The Strand Magazine has hit the street with an exclusive Walter Mosley short. Plus: all the latest free flash fiction from Mystery Tribune.
And for those who missed Short walk #2 (way back in May): AHMM editor Linda Landrigan mulls twists, turns, and two essential elements for short mysteries.
A short walk down a dark street (#49): celebrating short mystery and crime fiction.
Best wishes,
Peter


SMFS Members Published In Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine: May/June 2019


Several SMFS members are published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine: May/June 2019 issue. The magazine is available at the publisher website, Amazon, and other vendors. The published SMFS members in this issue are:

Martin Edwards with “The Girl on the Bandwagon.

William Burton McCormick with “Murder With a Flick of the Wrist.”

Carlos Orsi with “Hatred In The House of Prayer.”

Josh Pachter with “A Study in Scarlett!!” (First of a five part series.)

Mark Stevens with “A Bitter Thing.”

Art Taylor with “Better Days.”

Dave Zeltserman  with “Brother’s Keeper” in the “Black Mask” section.


Table of Contents as published on the Website:
May/June 2019
FICTION

Hurricane Jonah BY T.J. MACGREGOR
The Duelist BY DAVID DEAN
A Bitter Thing BY MARK STEVENS
The Girl on the Bandwagon BY MARTIN EDWARDS
A Study in Scarlett! BY JOSH PACHTER
The First Day of the School Holidays BY PAT BLACK
The Shrew BY BILL PRONZINI
The Smoking Bandit of Lakeside Terrace BY CHAD BAKER
Hatred in the House of Prayer BY CARLOS ORSI
My Companion BY JANICE LAW
Better Days BY ART TAYLOR
Murder With a Flick of the Wrist BY WILLIAM BURTON MCCORMICK
From Deep Within the Earth, She Smiled BY ANNA SCOTTI
From Hell BY ADRIAN MCKINTY
The Workout BY BRENDAN DUBOIS
The Darling BY SHEILA KOHLER
Boys Will Be Boys BY MARILYN TODD
BLACK MASK
Brother’s Keeper BY DAVE ZELTSERMAN
DEPARTMENT OF FIRST STORIES
A Question of Rabbits BY J.L. ORCHARD
POETRY
Dear Interrogator BY JAMES SALLIS
PASSPORT TO CRIME
The Queen and the Concubine BY JYOTIRMOYEE DEVI SEN
SPECIAL FEATURE
2018 EQMM Readers Award
REVIEWS
Blog Bytes BY KRISTOPHER ZGORSKI
The Jury Box BY STEVE STEINBOCK
Stranger Than Fiction BY DEAN JOBB: PREVIEW

Saturday, April 20, 2019

SleuthSayers: Please Consider the Attached Story . . . by John M. Floyd

SleuthSayers: Please Consider the Attached Story . . .: by John M. Floyd A lot has changed, in the 25 years I've been submitting short fiction for publcation. The best thing, I suppose...

SMFS Short Story Saturdays: Dara Carr


Back in May SMFS celebrated, as we do each year, International Short Story Month. The celebration led to the creation of the weekly short story segment SMFS Short Story Saturdays. Each Saturday we feature a SMFS list member whose work can be read online for free. These short stories are at least a year old and were not previously linked to during the May 2018 Short Story Month event.


For SMFS Short Story Saturdays today, list member Dara Carr shares the short story, “When I’m Famous” archived at her website.  The story originally appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine: June 2014.  



If you would like to be included and are a member of the SMFS list at yahoo groups, email the link to your story to KevinRTipple at Verizon dot net. If you are not a member, this would be a good time to check us out at Yahoo Groups.




Friday, April 19, 2019

SMFS Members Published In Switchblade: Issue Nine


Two SMFS members have short stories in the just published Switchblade: Issue Nine. Currently, the full color issue is only available in eBook format at Amazon. The two SMFS members in this issue are:


Jack Bates with “Lucky Fuck.”

Paul D. Marks with “House of the Rising Sun.”

Amazon Synopsis:
Switchblade number Nine is all about gaslighting, the outfit, racketeering, prostitution, and the priesthood. Issue nine takes a stab at insanity, revenge, and new beginnings. Unlike the bulky heavyweight issues of the past, this issue is lean and mean, like Tommy Hearns. Featuring Paul D. Marks, Glenn A. Bruce, John Kojak, J. Rohr, Willie Smith, Richard Risemberg, A.F. Knott, Stefen Styrsky, Fred Rock, Mark Slade, and Jack Bates. And just like The Motor City Cobra, this issue packs a punch, leaving you with legs of jelly, grasping for consciousness.

SMFS Member Publication News: Dave H. Hendrickson


SMFS member Dave H. Hendrickson’s short story collection, Death in the Serengeti and Other Stories: Ten Tales of Crime has been released. Published by Pentucket Publishing, the read is available in both print and eBook formats at Amazon and other vendors.


Amazon Synopsis:

From the mean streets of “Lynn, Lynn, City of Sin” to the sleepy suburbs…


From the grime of the Boston subways to a tavern in the afterlife…

From sandy ancient Israel to the plains of the Serengeti…

Award-winning master of mystery and suspense David H. Hendrickson finds crime and punishment wherever he looks… and these ten thrilling tales prove it.

Criminal Minds: The Road to Writing Riches – HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa! by Paul D. Marks

Criminal Minds: The Road to Writing Riches – HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa!: How often do you step back and take stock of where you are in your writing life and where you want to go? Is this a New Year’s only thing, o...

Thursday, April 18, 2019

SMFS Members Published In Deadly Southern Charm: A Lethal Ladies Mystery Anthology


Two SMFS members are published in the recently released, Deadly Southern Charm: A Lethal Ladies Mystery Anthology. Edited by Mary Burton and Mary Miley, published by Wildside Press, the book is currently available in print format only. The two SMFS members included in the anthology are:

Barb Goffman with “The Power Behind The Throne.”

Kristin Kisska with “Unbridled.”

Thank you to Barb Goffman who alerted me to her presence in the book.

Amazon Synopsis:

“Deliciously devious and absolutely delightful, these marvelous stories will keep you captivated! Sweeter than sweet tea on the surface, but with smartly sinister secrets only a true southern writer can provide. What a joy to read!” —Hank Phillippi Ryan best-selling Agatha and Mary Higgins Clark Award winner

This volume collects original tales by Frances Aylor, Mollie Cox Bryan, Lynn Cahoon, Judy Chalkey, Stacie Giles, Barb Goffman, Libby Hall, Bradley Harper, Sherry Harris, Maggie King, Kristin Kisska, Samatha McGraw, K.L. Murphy, Genille Swope Parente, Deb Rolfe, Rod Sterling, S.A. Warwick, and Heather Weidner.

SMFS Member Publication News: Dawn Lyons

SMFS member Dawn Lyon’s (writing as Julie Leo) short story, “Eat My Dust” appears online as “Rural Crime Flash Fiction” at the Mystery Tribune. The story is free to read online and can be read here.

Her story, "MRS. TICKTOCK"  also appears online and free to read at Every Day Fiction.

Monday, April 15, 2019

Gerald So Interviews 2019 Derringer Finalist Janice Law

Gerald So Interviews 2019 Derringer Finalist Janice Law

A Short Walk Down A Dark Street: Issue 48

As posted by Peter DiChellis to our list…
This week’s blog pours it on again: links to reviews, releases, free reads, and more.
Includes a link to the April 2019 issue of Noir Nation. Use Amazon’s Look Inside feature to learn editor Eddie Vega’s views on hardboiled vs. noir vs. crime fiction and other subgenres. Plus, reviews of the best mystery stories Rob Lopresti read during the past couple of months.
A short walk down a dark street (#48): celebrating short mystery and crime fiction.

Best wishes,
Peter

Saturday, April 13, 2019

SMFS Short Story Saturdays: William Burton McCormick


Back in May SMFS celebrated, as we do each year, International Short Story Month. The celebration led to the creation of the weekly short story segment SMFS Short Story Saturdays. Each Saturday we feature a SMFS list member whose work can be read online for free. These short stories are at least a year old and were not previously linked to during the May 2018 Short Story Month event.


For SMFS Short Story Saturdays today, list member William Burton McCormick shares the short story, “Deadly Signals” archived at The Saturday Evening Post. The tale first appeared in October 2015 and is set on a legendary Halloween night when Orson Welles terrorized a nation. 


If you would like to be included and are a member of the SMFS list at yahoo groups, email the link to your story to KevinRTipple at Verizon dot net. If you are not a member, this would be a good time to check us out at Yahoo Groups.

Thursday, April 11, 2019

SMFS Members Published In FISHY BUSINESS: THE FIFTH GUPPY ANTHOLOGY


A number of SMFS members are published in the recently released anthology, Fishy Business: The Fifth Guppy Anthology. Published by Wildside Press, the book was edited by Linda Rodriguez.  The anthology is currently available in print from the publisher and Amazon only with the eBook version coming soon. The SMFS members in this book are:

Susan Bickford with “Payout Payback.”

Lida Bsuhloper with "The Wannabe."

Susan Daly with “My Night with the Duke of Edinburgh.”

T. Y. Euliano with “For Want of a Grade.”

Kate Fellowes with “Who Stole My Lunch?”

Debra H. Goldstein with “Nova, Capers, and a Schmear of Cream Cheese” as well as the introduction to the book.

Joan Leotta with “It Tastes Like Cardboard.”

James M. Jackson with "Power of Attorney."

Andrew MacRae with “The Hollerith Affect.”

MaryAlice Meli with “The Funeral Home Heist.”

KM Rockwood with “Scrabble-Rousers.”

Steve Shrott with “The Dark Underground.”

My thanks to SMFS list member Steve Shrott, aka Mark Stevens, who alerted me to the book on behalf of himself and other members.


Synopsis:

Killer hooks and fishy characters will lure you into this fifth anthology from the Guppies Chapter of Sisters in Crime. This volume nets you twenty-two crafty capers featuring slippery eels, wily sharks, and hard-boiled crabs. From ultra-modern computer crimes to old-fashioned confidence tricks, these tales are sure to satisfy your appetite for great short mystery fiction.

Introduction, by Debra H. Goldstein
The Wannabe, by Lida Bushloper
Nova, Capers, and a Schmear of Cream Cheese, by Debra H. Goldstein
Windfall, by Rita A. Popp
Who Stole My Lunch?, by Kate Fellowes
Nine Lives of Husbands and Wives, by Chelle Martin
The Lost Mine of Don Fernando, by Anna Castle
Scrabble-Rousers, by K.M. Rockwood
The Retirement Plan, by Mary Fern Ross
Room and Board, by Vinnie Hansen
Payout Payback, by Susan Bickford
My Night with the Duke of Edinburgh, by Susan Daly
The A-List, by C.C. Guthrie
The Great Negotiator, by Raegan Teller
For Want of a Grade, by T.Y. Euliano
Exit Interview, by Beth Green
The Dark Underground, by Steve Shrott
The Trouble with Trouble, by Lesley Mang
It Tastes Like Cardboard, by Joan Leotta
The Hollerith Effect, by Andrew MacRae
The Fork, the Spoon, and the Knife, by T.G. Wolff
The Funeral Home Heist, by MaryAlice Meli
Power of Attorney, by James M. Jackson

2019 Thriller Award Finalist: Alan Orloff


SMFS Member Alan Orloff is a 2019 Thriller Award Finalist. His book, Pray for the  Innocent, is a finalist nominee in the “Best E-Book Original Novel Category.” Winners will be announced at ThrillerFest XIV on July 13, 2019 in New York City. For more information, including the full list of all the finalists this year, go to the International Thriller Writers website.

Gerald So Interviews 2019 Derringer Finalist Jim Doherty

Gerald So Interviews 2019 Derringer Finalist Jim Doherty

Gerald So Interviews 2019 Derringer Finalist Nick Kolakowski

Gerald So Interviews 2019 Derringer Finalist Nick Kolakowski

Gerald So Interviews 2019 Derringer Finalist Gigi Pandian

Gerald So Interviews 2019 Derringer Finalist Gigi Pandian

Sunday, April 7, 2019

A Short Walk Down A Dark Street: Issue 47

As posted by Peter DiChellis to our list…
This week’s blog struts its stuff with links to reviews, releases, free reads, and more.
Includes two reviews of Teresa Solana’s zany collection The First Prehistoric Serial Killer and Other Stories. Plus, a screenwriter identifies seven big storytelling mistakes.
And as a special bonus for your friends who aren’t SMFS voting members: Links to all five Derringer Finalists in the flash fiction category, free to read.
A short walk down a dark street (#47): celebrating short mystery and crime fiction.
Best wishes,
Peter