SMFS Member Publishing News: Welcome to Armadillo by John Floyd

SMFS list member John Floyd’s short story, Welcome to Armadillo, appears in the just released Strand Magazine: Fall 2024 issue. The #73 issue is available at the website and from other vendors.

 

Description

Unpublished G.K Chesterton PLUS an exclusive with James Patterson

For fans of classic detective fiction, The Strand Magazine presents an exceptional issue featuring what appears to be a never-before-published essay by the legendary G.K. Chesterton. Known for his brilliant Father Brown mysteries, Chesterton’s influence on detective fiction is undeniable. In this issue, readers are treated to “The Historical Detective Story,” a rare essay recently found in the Rare Books and Special Collections of the Hesburgh Library at the University of Notre Dame.

Written with Chesterton’s trademark wit and insight, this essay reflects his sharp understanding of the crime genre. In it, he critiques the predictable formulas of detective fiction and advocates for fresh, innovative storytelling—advice that remains as relevant now as when it was first written. Although this piece was intended for the first issue of a magazine by the Detection Club—founded by Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers—it was never published, to the best of our knowledge, making this discovery a true treasure for mystery lovers. This essay is introduced by Dale Ahlquist, president of the American Chesterton Society, who offers expert context and insight into Chesterton’s thought process and literary impact.

Chesterton, a founding member and the first president of the Detection Club, shaped the detective genre in profound ways. His essay provides a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the genre’s pioneers. Beyond his popular Father Brown stories, Chesterton’s thoughtful approach to the moral and philosophical dilemmas behind human actions continues to resonate, as does his enduring belief in forgiveness and redemption.

In addition to Chesterton’s essay, this issue features a host of exciting new works pushing the boundaries of mystery fiction. Josh Malerman’s “Children Aren’t the Only Ones Who Know Where the Presents Are Hidden” tells a chilling tale of escape from the past, while neo-noir master Joe R. Lansdale’s “Night Trail” follows a boy’s late-night adventure that takes a dark and dangerous turn. Margie Deck’s “The Case of the Pensive Poet” brings Sherlock Holmes and Watson into a locked-room literary mystery, and John M. Floyd’s “Welcome to Armadillo” follows a PI back to his perilous hometown.

Rounding out the issue are interviews with Rupert Holmes and James Patterson, two creators who continue to innovate in their respective fields. Holmes, celebrated for his Broadway plays and writing success, discusses his latest novel, How to Murder Your Employer, while Patterson shares his experience bringing Michael Crichton’s unfinished novel Eruption to life.

This special edition also includes the nominees for the 2024 Strand Critics Awards, recognizing the best in mystery and crime fiction today. Don’t miss out on this unique issue, which features a rare piece of detective fiction history—published for the first time, as far as we know—alongside cutting-edge stories from contemporary masters.

If you’re looking for more previously unpublished short stories by other legends like Rod Serling, be sure to check out these issues with stories by Shirley Jackson, Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, Raymond Chandler, H.G. Wells, Agatha Christie, Dashiell Hammett,  Tennessee Williams, Louisa May Alcott, John Steinbeck, and Ray Bradbury.