SMFS Member Publishing News: Good-Looking Ugly: A Novel by Rob D. Smith

 

SMFS list member Rob D. Smith reported that his book, Good-Looking Ugly: A Novel, was recently published by Shotgun Honey Books. The book is available at the publisher, Amazon, and other vendors.

 

Publisher Description:

About the Book

Daniel Brown was born with the face only a mother could love and his mother couldn’t much stand to look at him either. This constant scrutiny of his looks brought out over-the-top physical acts of rage from Daniel bringing him into altercations with his family, school, and eventually the authorities. While attending court-ordered anger counseling sessions that are the only thing keeping him out of prison, his long-absent country cousin Jayla Durand meets him at his basement apartment in the city begging his favor.

She wants to rip off a cockfighting championship held at the Bluegrass Sportsman Club run by her ex-boyfriend Archie Mudd. She asks Daniel to harness his fury to help get her out from under the thumb of her abusive ex and the Kentucky Fried Mafia who run the club and all of the crooked law enforcement of Marion County. With a score close to a million dollars, she expects they could both upgrade their lives. Daniel agrees to his cousin’s half-ass caper so long as he returns in time to make his scheduled therapy session or face the judge for prison sentencing.

Jayla has held back some pertinent details involving the cockfighting heist such as their getaway driver Meg is her new girlfriend. His cousin’s biggest unrevealed reason is the real impetus causing her to risk the wrath of Bluegrass crime boss Johnny Mudd and his Kentucky Fried Mafia. Will Jayla’s secrets burn their heist plans down, will Daniel’s unchecked rage destroy that quicker, or are things about to get really ugly?

 

SMFS Members Published in Yeet me in St Louis: Crime Fiction from Under the Arch

 

SMFS list members are published in the recently released book, Yeet me in St Louis: Crime Fiction from Under the Arch. Published by White City Press, the read is available at the publisher and Amazon. The SMFS list members that reported being in the anthology are:

 

Glen Bush with“Waverly, My Love.”

 

Vicki Erwin with “Magpie Baby.”

 

Stormy White with “Tell No Lies.”

 

Publisher Description:

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri is a 630-foot monument to Western expansion in the United States. It overlooks a city known for its barbecue, blues music and art. It’s a modern marvel to behold.

At night, the Arch holds sway over the darker side of the city. Nightclubs, dimly lit bars and people leading secret lives takes place in its shadows. Sometimes, the criminal element comes out to play. If you’re not careful, you might just find yourself getting yeeted into the afterlife.

St. Louis author and editor Sandra Murphy brings together a talented group of Missouri-based crime fiction writers to pay homage to St. Louis and its home state. This anthology is both a love letter to a city and state like no other as well as a warning to any who might try to get away with something nefarious within its borders.

Yeet Me In St. Louis features all-new original works of short crime fiction from Eileen Dreyer, G.R. Miller, Daniel Sohn, C.A. Fehmel, Stormy White, Sarahlynn Lester, Catina Williams, Vicki Erwin, Glen Bush, Fedora Amis, JD Frain and Larry Lovan.

SMFS Members Published in Pulphouse Fiction Magazine: Issue 34

 

SMFS members are published in the recently released, Pulphouse Fiction Magazine: Issue 34. Published by WMG Publishing, the read is available from the publisher, Amazon, and other vendors. The SMFS list members that reported being in the issue are:

 

David H. Hendrickson with “Male Maelstrom.”

 

Annie Reed with “The Promise.” 

 

Publisher Description:

The Cutting Edge of Modern Short Fiction
A three-time Hugo Award nominated magazine, this issue of Pulphouse Fiction Magazine offers up ten fantastic stories by some of the best writers working in modern short fiction.
No genre limitations, no topic limitations, just great stories. Attitude, feel, and high-quality fiction equals Pulphouse.

Includes:

Blazing Blue by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Dull Expectations by R.W. Wallace Hophead by Mike Zimmerman Origin Story by Steven Mohan Jr. Why I Shot My Car by Todd McCaffrey Male Monsoon by David H. Hendrickson The Man with Moon Hands by O’Neil De Noux The Promise by Annie Reed Closing Time by Rob Vagle Trick-or-Treat in Hell by Robert Jeschonek Minions at Work: Vacation Vacancy by J. Steven York

SMFS Member Publishing News: Binding Dragons by Shannon Taft

 

SMFS list member Shannon Taft reported that her short story, Binding Dragons, appears at Witcraft.org. You can read it online for free here.

SMFS Member Publishing News: Moist by donalee Moulton

SMFS list member donalee Moulton reported that her short story, Moist, appears in the just released anthology, Beautiful Darkness: A Dragon Soul Press Anthology. Published by Dragon Soul Press, the book is available at Amazon.

 

Amazon Description:

Ghosts, demons, and more monsters.

In a world where so many dark things go bump in the night, terror awaits around every corner as these authors take horror stories to the next level. Discover ghosts, demons, and your worst nightmares. Read at your own risk.

Featuring 22 stories by the following 20 authors: Natalya Monyok, Trisha Slay, Michael Raff, John S. Aissis, Katie Jordan, Toni Mobley, Justin Rulton, Barend Nieuwstraten III, J.E. Cearlock, Gregory Scott Matics, Elizabeth Stanley, Melody Alice, E.B. Hunter, Warren Benedetto, Karin Becht, Kelly Piner, Charles Kyffhausen, John W. Salvage, Ellie A. Goss, and J.E. Feldman.

SMFS Member Publishing News: The Mystery of the Mirror by Shari Held

SMFS list member Shari Held reported that her short story, The Mystery of the Mirror, was published at Kings River Life Magazine. You can read it for free online here.

SMFS Members Published in Crime Wave: A Dragon Soul Press Anthology

Today is publication day for Crime Wave: A Dragon Soul Press Anthology. Published by Dragon Soul Press, the read is available at Amazon. The SMFS list members that reported being in the anthology are:

 

Margaret Dwyer with “Dry Erase.”

 

Albert N. Katz with “Death of a Cop.”

 

donalee Moulton with “Swan Song.”

 

S. B. Watson with “Godbrillan's Pit.”

 

Amazon Description:

Criminals will be criminals.

Blood soaks the streets. These murderers must be caught before they find their next victim. Deadly skin-walkers, determined vigilantes, dastardly vampires, and many more will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Featuring twenty-four stories by Daryl Marcus, Stephen A. Roddewig, S.J. Walker, Terry Grimwood, Lee Clark Zumpe, Barend Nieuwstraten III, Virgo Kevonté, Tim Newton Anderson, Margaret Dwyer, Templeton Moss, Josh VanZile, Jasiah Witkofsky, Albert N. Katz, Lana Nizhehorodova, Robert Wenson, Kelly Piner, Donalee Moulton, Anne Louise Bannon, Robb White, S.B. Watson, J.L. Royce, Douglas Allen Gohl, Victor Nandi, and J.E. Feldman.

SMFS Member Podcast News: Floating Past the Graveyard! by Pam Ebel

 

SMFS list member Pamela Ebel reports that her short story, Floating Past the Graveyard!, is featured this week at Mysteryrat's Maze podcast. Produced by Kings River Life Magazine, the podcast can be heard here.

 

Website Description:

This episode features the Halloween mystery short story Floating Past the Graveyard! by Pamela Ebel. It is read by local actor Theodore Fox. You can learn more about the author on her website.

In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Our theme song was written and performed by Kevin Memley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode!

If you would like to help support this podcast and Kings River Life financially, and get some fun rewards, check out our Patreon Page. You can also make a one time donation through Paypal and you can purchase some fun Mysteryrat's Maze merchandise on Redbubble.

You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

SMFS Member Publishing News: Predators and Prey by N.M. Cedeño

N.M. Cedeño reported that her short story, Predators and Prey, was published at TOUGH. You can read the piece for free online here.

SMFS Member Publishing News: Foggy Rock Bottom by Bonnar Spring

 

SMFS list member Bonnar Spring reported that her short story, Foggy Rock Bottom, was published at Punk Noir Magazine. You can read the piece for free online here.

SMFS Members Published/Recognized in The Best American Mystery Stories 2024

Several SMFS list members have stories in or are recognized in The Best American Mystery Stories 2024 edition. Edited by S.A. Cosby and Steph Cha, the read is published by Mariner Books. It is available from the publisher, Amazon, and other vendors. The SMFS list members that reported their presence in the book are:

 

Main Full Story Section: 

Karen Harrington with “The Mysterious Disappearance of Jason Whetstone.” Originally published in Reckless in Texas: Metroplex Mysteries Volume II, published by the Sisters in Crime North Dallas, edited by SMFS list member Barb Goffman. 

Toni L.P. Kelner with “Baby Trap.” Originally published in School of Hard Knox, published by Crippen and Landru. 

Shannon Taft with "Monster." Originally published in Reckless in Texas: Metroplex Mysteries Volume II, published by the Sisters in Crime North Dallas, edited by SMFS list member Barb Goffman. 

 

Recognized: 

C. W. Blackwell with “Hard Rain on Beach Street.” Originally published in Killin’ Time in San Diego: Bouchercon Anthology 2023, published by Down & Out Books.

 

Robert Lopresti with “Memorial.” Originally published in Black Cat Weekly #95, published by Wildside Press.   

 

Gabriela Stiteler with “Two Hours West of Nothing.” Originally published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine: September/October 2023, published by Dell Magazines, Mercury Press.

 

Joseph S. Walker with “Off the Shelf.”  Originally published in Mickey Finn Volume 4: 21st Century Noir. Published by Down & Out Books, edited by SMFS list member Michael Bracken.

 

Amazon Description:

 

A collection of the year’s best mystery and suspense short fiction selected by New York Times bestselling author S. A. Cosby, author of Razorblade Tears, and series editor Steph Cha.

In his introduction, guest editor S. A. Cosby observes that writing short stories is “a special skill that combines brevity with wit and cleverness and the hint of the existential malaise that imbues crime fiction with its gravitas.” The stories in this col-lection overflow with gravitas in the most unexpected ways: a cryptic note left on a windshield, a murder for hire meets a game of Mouse Trap, a swipe right on a dating app goes horribly wrong. From an eleven-year-old drawn to the neighborhood spookhouse to a scholarship kid at an exclusive boarding school, a nefarious Old West gunman to a Florida woman’s struggle against both outer and inner demons, the characters in The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2024 are haunted and haunting, and wholly unforgettable. 

The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2024 includes MEGAN ABBOTT • ALYSSA COLE • TANANARIVE DUE • ABBY GENI • JORDAN HARPER • GAR ANTHONY HAYWOOD •TONI LP KELNER • BOBBY MATHEWS • LISA UNGER • and others

SMFS Members Published in Black Cat Weekly #164

SMFS list members are published in Black Cat Weekly #164. Published by Wildside Press, the issue is available here in digital format. The list members in the issue are:

 

N.M. Cedeño with “Galápagos People Watching.”

 

Ed Teja with “Under Hard Rock.”

 

 

Website Description:

This is our third Halloween issue of the month, with ghoulishly fun (and seasonally appropriate) tales from John Shepphird (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman), father-and-daughter writing team Harding McFadden & Eleanor Hawkins, and British master John S. Glasby.

   We also feature mysteries by N.M. Cedeño (thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and Ed Teja, plus a vintage 1908 Holmes short-short by Wex Jones that I recently turned up in my pulp research. Our novel is a classic corporate espionage tale from Francis Lynde. And, of course, we have a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles.

   On the science fiction front, we have great tales from Nelson S. Bond, E.C. Tubb, and Philip E. High. Great stuff!

 

COVER ART: Steve Hickman

 

SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY

 

“An Historic Heist,” Hal Charles

   When a priceless George Washington letter goes missing from Caleb Becton’s curio shop, Detective Dani Harlowe must unravel a web of jealousy and secrets to find the thief. Can you solve it before the detective?

 

NOVEL

 

Scientific Sprague, by Francis Lynde

   An electrical engineer is thrust into a world of industrial espionage and danger. As mysterious threats close in, he must outsmart enemies—and uncover hidden conspiracies—to protect groundbreaking inventions.

 

STORIES

 

“Galápagos People Watching,” N.M. Cedeño [Michael Bracken Presents short story]

   On a Galápagos tour, César and his cousin try to make sense of the strange behavior of two fellow passengers…

 

“The Recrudescence of Sherlock Holmes,” by Wex Jones [Sherlock Holmes series]

   First published in a U.S. newspaper in 1908, this sketch pokes good-natured fun at Holmes and Watson…

 

“Ghost Negligence,” by John Shepphird [Barb Goffman Presents short story]

   A P.I. investigates a lawsuit in which a woman claims a ghost injured her in a haunted hotel.

 

“Under Hard Rock,” by Ed Teja

   A P.I. arrives in a remote Colorado mining town hunting a missing man, only to learn he died in a suspicious accident. Hidden secrets could rewrite the town’s past—and future.

 

“Hollow,” by Harding McFadden and Eleanor Hawkins

   Boys trick-or-treating on Halloween hear the legend of the gluttonous Hollow Fats. As they venture into the woods, what starts as a prank takes a chilling turn.

 

“Dust,” by John Glasby

   A retired scholar and his uncle investigate a haunted house linked to strange disappearances in a remote village.

 

“Horsesense Hank Does His Bit,” by Nelson S. Bond [Horsesense Hank series]

   Hank volunteers to help a defense plant during the war and quickly proves his value when Nazis show up.

 

“Life Sentence,” by Philip E. High

   A ruthless gangster steals the identity of a man selected for a coveted longevity treatment. But a 5,000-year lifespan has unexpected consequences—and punishments.

 

“Way Out,” by E.C. Tubb

   In robot church, a robot confesses to a terrible sin—envying humans… 

SMFS Members Published in Devil's Snare: Best New England Crime Stories 2024

Several SMFS list members are published in the recently released book, Devil’s Snare: Best New England Crime Stories 2024. Published in early October by Hale Street Press, the read is available at Amazon. The SMFS list members that reported being in the anthology are:

 

Christine Eskilson with “Peregrine Point.”

 

Nikki Knight with “Public Affairs Homicide.”

 

Paula Messina with “Fish Eyes.”

 

Eugenia Parrish with “A Christmas Cat in the Woods.”

 

Stephen D. Rogers with "The Princess and the Corpse.”

 

Gabriela Stiteler with “The Business of Others.”

 

Amazon Description:

Devil's Snare brings together 24 crime stories featuring the innocent to the professional hitman in circumstances that highlight shrewd, the clever, the professional, the accidental, the reluctant sleuth and more. Authors are Christine Bagley, Nancy Brewka-Clark, Bruce Robert Coffin, Hans Copek, Michael Ditchfield, Christine Eskilson, Kate Flora, Connie Johnson Hambley, Sean C. Harding, Kathryn Marple Kalb (Nikki Knight), Chris Knopf, Alison McMahon, Paula Messina, Susan Oleksiw, Eugenia Parrish, Ang Pompano, Stephen D. Rogers, Clea Simon, Sarah Smith, Shelagh Smith, Gabriela Stiteler, Mo Walsh, and Leslie Wheeler.

SMFS Member Publishing News: A Season with No Regrets! by Pamela Ebel

SMFS list member Pamela Ebel reported that her short story, A Season with No Regrets!, was published at Yellow Mama Webzine: Issue 106. You can read it for free online here.

SMFS Members Published in Black Petals Issue 109, Autumn 2024

SMFS list members reported being published in Black Petals Issue 109, Autumn 2024. The issue is online and a free read here. The SMFS list members that reported being in the issue are:

 

J. M. Taylor with “Fanning the Flames.”

 

Ed Teja with “Alone.”

SMFS Member Publishing News: Dog Days by Veronica Leigh

SMFS list member Veronica Leigh reports that her short story, Dog Days, appears in the just released anthology, Impulse. Published by Inkd Publishing LLC, the “explicit romance anthology” is available at Amazon and other vendors.

 

Amazon Description:

Short stories sure to pleasure. An explicit romance anthology; we're searching for spicy romance. This will be a diverse and inclusive anthology with high heat levels accepted throughout. Edited by Brenda Cothern and Heather Norris

Stories by

Shahera Lyle

Monica Goertzen Hertlein

Faye Ferguson

Diana Parrilla

Vivian Divine

Pip Pinkerton

Rosemary Williams

Paul Stevens

Veronica Leigh

Xidaer Lee

Dei Walker

Stephanie Levy

Paul Lonardo

Jay T. Levy

Steve Burford