Guest Post: First Lines in Larceny & Last Chances: 22 Stories of Mystery & Suspense-- Part 1 by Judy Penz Sheluk

Please welcome Judy Penz Sheluk back to the blog today as she shares some of the first lines from the stories in the new anthology, Larceny & Last Chances: 22 Stories of Mystery & Suspense, releasing Tuesday.

 

Larceny & Last Chances: 22 Stories of Mystery & Suspense

First Lines: Part I

 

I thought it would be fun to share the first line of each story in Larceny & Last Chances: 22 Stories of Mystery & Suspense. But…that’s a very long post and let’s face it, these days most of us have the attention span of gnats (which actually bodes well for the short story format, though I digress).

 

Anyway, I ran the idea by Kevin Tipple, and we agreed to post the first 11 stories as Part I on the Short Mystery Fiction Society blog, and the second 11 stories on Part II on Kevin Tipple’s Kevin’s Corner (coming June 23). How’s that for a teaser?

 

Here goes:

 

Hail Mary Blues by Susan Daly

I stood in the spacious upper gallery of the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s new wing and tried not to weep.

 

Artifact by Robert Weibezahl

Frustrated and tired, Sebastian has just settled on a bench on the otherwise deserted outer deck of the ferry when his phone rings.

 

The Constellation Necklace by KM Rockwood

“Shrimp cocktail for the lady,” Roger told the waiter.

 

Uncle Randy’s Money by Charlie Kondek

Probably they were just men and women like you or I, but in my imagination and memory the desperadoes and sunflower maidens of the late ’70s and early ’80s strode denim-clad, slender and calibrated as dancers through the sidewalks and driveways of my childhood.

 

The Rage Cage by Bethany Maines

I got married so I wouldn’t have to date anymore.

 

Skeeter’s Bar & Grill by Julie Hastrup

Rounding the bend in the road, Jim—Sarah liked to call him James—caught sight of the enormous slate-gray shelf cloud barreling toward him like an alien ship going into battle.

 

Once a Thief by Gregory Meece

Gemma sat quietly as the prosecutor presented the jury with the mountain of evidence against her.

 

Hit-and-Run by Christina Boufis

Marcy told no one.

 

The Purloined Parchment by Edward Lodi

Dr. Arnold shook his head: “I’m sorry you traveled all the way from Central Asia on a wild goose chase, Professor Chana.”

 

Red Ink by Wendy Harrison

Tattooing is an intimate art.

 

The Hospital Boomerang by Kevin R. Tipple

It was the damn beeping that woke me up.

 

Have a favorite? Leave a comment. We really do love comments.

 

About the anthology

Larceny & Last Chances: 22 Stories of Mystery & Suspense

Edited by Judy Penz Sheluk

Publication Date: June 18, 2024

 

Sometimes it’s about doing the right thing. Sometimes it’s about getting even. Sometimes it’s about taking what you think you deserve. And sometimes, it’s your last, best, hope. Edited by Judy Penz Sheluk and featuring stories by Christina Boufis, John Bukowski, Brenda Chapman, Susan Daly, Wil A. Emerson, Tracy Falenwolfe, Kate Fellowes, Molly Wills Fraser, Gina X. Grant, Karen Grose, Wendy Harrison, Julie Hastrup, Larry M. Keeton, Charlie Kondek, Edward Lodi, Bethany Maines, Gregory Meece, Cate Moyle, Judy Penz Sheluk, KM Rockwood, Kevin R. Tipple, and Robert Weibezahl.

 

Pre-order at your favorite e-tailer: www.books2read.com/larceny

 

 

Judy Penz Sheluk ©2024 

 

Judy Penz Sheluk is a former journalist and magazine editor and the bestselling author of two mystery series, several short stories, and two books on publishing. She is also the publisher and editor of four Superior Shores Anthologies. Find out more at www.judypenzsheluk.com.