From the group keeping mystery & crime stories in the public eye since 1996
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
SMFS Member Publishing News: The Vultures Will Feed by Curtis Ippolito
Sunday, August 25, 2024
SMFS Member Publishing News: Kindred Spirits by Steve Liskow
SMFS list member Steve Liskow reported that his short
story, Kindred Spirits, appears in Black Cat Weekly #156. Published by Wildside
Press, the issue is available here
in digital format.
Publisher Description:
Exciting
stuff this time: a new Velda P.I. story from Ron Miller, a new supernatural
mystery from Steve Liskow (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), plus
great modern tales from Melodie Johnson Howe (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Barb
Goffman) and Anna Tambour.
On
top of that, we have a mystery novel from Isabel Ostrander and a space opera
novel from Edmond Hamilton. (Truly something for every taste.) And did I
mention science fiction classics from Nelson S. Bond, Ray Cummings, and Evelyn
Goldstein? And another solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles?
Here’s
the lineup—
Cover
Art: Ron Miller
Mysteries
/ Suspense / Adventure:
- “Kindred Spirits,” by Steve Liskow [Michael Bracken Presents short
story]
- “Who Killed Yogi Barrett?” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself
Mystery]
- “Losing It,” by Melodie Johnson Howe [Barb Goffman Presents short
story]
- “E-I-E-I-Oh, Velda!” by Ron Miller [short story, Velda P.I. series]
- The Fifth Ace, by Isabel Ostrander [novel]
Science
Fiction & Fantasy:
- “Kindred Spirits,” by Steve Liskow [Michael Bracken Presents short
story]
- “None So Seeing As Those Who’ve Seen,” by Anna Tambour [novelet]
- “The Recalcitrant,” by Evelyn Goldstein [short story]
- “He Who Served,” by Ray Cummings [short story]
- “The Ghost of Lancelot Biggs,” by Nelson S. Bond [short story,
Lancelot Biggs series]
- The Universe Wreckers, by Edmond Hamilton [novel]
SMFS Members Published in Pulphouse Fiction Magazine: Issue 32
SMFS members are published in the recently released, Pulphouse Fiction Magazine: Issue 32. 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 “Truth and Lies.”
Annie Reed with “The White Whale.”
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:
“Part of a Balanced Breakfast” by Brigid Collins
“Rena 733” by Lisa Silverthorne
“Kitty on a Hot, Dying Star” by Robert Jeschonek
“Truth and Lies” by David H. Hendrickson
“Survey” by Adam-Troy Castro
“A Gathering at Lake St. Catherine” by O’Neil De Noux
“Open All Night” by Lisa Danny-Roberts
“Children of Earth” by Katrina Wiggins
“The White Whale” by Annie Reed
“September at Wall and Broad” by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
“Minions at Work: Irregular Maintenance” by J. Steven York
Thursday, August 22, 2024
SMFS Member Publishing News: A Deadly Day to Leave Your Lover by William Burton McCormik
SMFS list member William Burton McCormik reported that
his animated short story, A Deadly Day to Leave Your Lover, is posted at Storiaverse. Per Mr. McCormick, “You have to download their app but it is free to use.”
SMFS Member Publishing News: Elizabeth Zelvin
SMFS list member Elizabeth Zelvin reported
that her short story collection, DEATH WILL KEEP YOU SOBER: The Big Book
of Bruce Kohler Short Mysteries, was released earlier this month.
Published by Outsider Books, the eBook is available at Amazon.
Elizabeth Zelvin also reported that her
short story, Death Will Take the High Line, is the sixth episode of The Mystery
Hour podcast. This Bruce Kohler story can be heard here.
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
SMFS Member Publishing News: Conscience Money by M. E. Proctor
SMFS list member M. E. Proctor reports that her short
story, Conscience Money, was recently published at TOUGH. You can read the
piece for free online here.
Sunday, August 18, 2024
SMFS Members Published in Black Cat Weekly #155
SMFS list members are published in Black Cat Weekly
#155. Published by Wildside Press, the issue is available here
in digital format. The list members that reported being in the issue are:
John M. Floyd with "Molly's Plan."
M. A. Monnin with “Tick Tock.”
Publisher Description:
This
issue features three original short stories (mysteries by M.A. Monnin [thanks
to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken], and Edd Vick & Manny Frishberg, plus
a fantasy story by D J Tyrer), and an original science fiction novel by Thomas
A. Easton.
Furthering
the mystery section, we also have a great tale by John M. Floyd (thanks to
Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman) a classic novel by William J. Burns & Isabel
Ostrander, and a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles.
Rounding
out the science fiction and fantasy selections are a dark fantasy by British
master John S. Glasby and a classic by Philip Jose Farmer. Lots of fun.
Here’s
the complete lineup—
Cover
Art: Ron Miller
Mysteries
/ Suspense / Adventure:
- “Tick Tock,” by M.A. Monnin [Michael Bracken Presents original short
story]
- “Who Stole the Monopoly Money?” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself
Mystery]
- “Molly’s Plan,” by John M. Floyd [Barb Goffman Presents short story]
- “Time and Tide,” by Edd Vick and Manny Frishberg [original short
story]
- The Crevice, by William J. Burns and Isabel Ostrander [novel]
Science
Fiction & Fantasy:
- “The Ring of Tsimblier,” by D J Tyrer [original short
story]
- “In the Midst of Night,” John S. Glasby [short story]
- “Lancelot Biggs: Master Navigator,” by Nelson S. Bond [short story,
Lancelot Biggs series]
- “The Wounded,” by Philip José Farmer [short story]
- Configuration Hacks, by Thomas A. Easton [original novel]
SMFS at Bouchercon 2024: Nashville
Bouchercon 2024: Nashville begins Wednesday the 28th in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. The list below features just some of the many activities reported by SMFS list members. Please remember that times and room locations as well as panelists and other details are subject to change. More information can be found at the official website.
Note: SMFS list member Michael Bracken has reported
that the resort is a cash free facility.
Events
Wednesday Evening
6 PM Various
SMFS members participate in Cozies and Cocktails.
Thursday Afternoon
4:00 PM Various
SMFS list members participate in the Meet and Greet with the 2024 Anthony
Nominees for Bouchercon Nashville 2024
Thursday Evening
6:30 PM During
opening ceremonies, presentation of the Derringer medals to the 2024 Derringer
Award winners. More information on the winners and the categories they won in
can be found here.
8:30 PM Various
SMFS list members will be participating in the signing of the Bouchercon
anthology,. Tales of Music, Murder and Mayhem.
Panels
Wednesday
1:30 PM Chris
Dreith, among others, participate on the panel, “Heads Carolina, Tails
California.”
3:00 PM Ruth M
McCarty, among others, participate on the panel, “Next Thing You Know.”
3:00 PM Carolyn
Rowland, among others, participate on the panel, “Werewolves of London.”
3:00 PM Rob D. Smith,
among others, participate on the panel, “Thriller.”
4:30 PM Nancy Herriman moderates the panel, “Mama
Told Me Not to Come.”
Thursday
8:00 AM Fred
Tippett II, among others, participate on the panel, “Playground in My Mind.”
Friday
8:00 AM Bonnar
Spring, among others, participate on the panel, “Ode to Billie Joe.”
9:30 AM Art Taylor,
among others, participate on the panel, “Now That We Don't Talk.”
12:30 PM Robert Mangeot, among others, participate on
the panel, “Mack the Knife.”
2:00 PM Jeff
Markowitz, among others, participate on the panel, “New York State of Mind.”
3:30 PM Suzanne Baginskie, among others, participate on
the panel, “Don't Stand So Close to Me.”
3:30 PM Michael
Bracken, among others, patriciate on the panel, “Why is editing so hard?”
Saturday
8:00 AM Barb Goffman,
among others, participate on the panel, “Crafting a Killer Short Story Isn't a
Mystery: Authors Share Their Tips & Tricks!”
8:00 AM Josh Pachter, among others, participate on the panel, “Back in the Saddle Again." SMFS list member Fred Tippett II moderates.
9:30 AM Joseph
S. Walker, among others, participate on the panel, on the panel, "Is It
Over Now?: Bringing Character to Life in Short Stories.” Fellow SMFS list member
Megan Lucas moderates.
7:30 PM Anthony
Award Winners are announced. The list of members that previously reported they
were nominated can be found here.
Sunday
9:30 AM Daniel C. Bartlett, Michael Bracken, Josh Pachter, among others, participate on the panel, “Achy Breaky Heart.”
Thursday, August 15, 2024
SMFS Members Published in Cooking Up Crime: Mystery, Crime, and Mayhem Book #19
Today is publication day for Cooking Up Crime: Mystery,
Crime, and Mayhem Book #18. Published by Knotted Road Press,
the read is available at MysteryCrimeandMayhem.Com
as well as Amazon and other vendors. The SMFS list members
that reported being in the issue are:
Joslyn Chase with “The Flavor of Deceit.”
Diana Deverell with “Baking Into the Dark.”
Annie Reed with “The Disappearance of Doughzilla.”
Description
Want a
slice of pie with your crime? Or perhaps some cookies. Maybe even some BBQ…
Welcome
to the annual cozy edition of MCM!
Be sure
to bring a snack, as these stories are sure to leave you hungry for more.
The annual cozy issue of MCM!
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
SMFS Members Published in Yellow Mama Webzine: Issue 105
SMFS list
members are published in Yellow Mama Webzine: Issue 105. The issue is online
and a free read here. The SMFS list members that
reported being in the issue are:
Glen Bush
with “A Long Way from Yesterday.”
Abe Margel
with “Have a Nice Trip.”
Elizabeth
Zelvin with the poems, “Aunt Hilda After Uncle Bud” and “Jack's Funeral” as
well as “Once Upon A Time.”
SMFS Member Publishing News: Love You Till Tuesday: A Declan Shaw Mystery by M. E. Proctor
Today is publication day for SMFS list member M. E.
Proctor’s new book, Love You Till Tuesday: A Declan Shaw Mystery.
Published by Shotgun
Honey Books, the book is out today in multiple formats at Amazon
and other vendors.
Publisher Description:
The
death of April Easton makes no sense. She was a jazz singer working the clubs.
Maybe the recording contract she just signed would have been her breakthrough.
It certainly wasn’t a motive for murder. Steve Robledo, Houston PD, is on the
scene. He’s known for working fast and closing cases. This one has all the
markings of a head scratcher. And when witnesses and security cameras confirm
Declan Shaw, a local P.I. with police connections, spent the night with the
woman, it just makes everything more complicated.
Not
that Declan has anything to do with the murder. He likes music and he liked
April. He certainly didn’t kill her.
A
collaboration, uneasy at first, is in the works. Declan can’t get April out of
his head. Her memory is fading and he wants to hang on to it. What better way
than to find more about her? Steve is running out of time, a few more days and
he’ll have to turn his attention to other cases. They strike a mutually
beneficial alliance.
For
the powerful men behind April’s death, that alliance means trouble. Declan is
stubborn and resourceful. He worries them a lot more than the police. There’s
no telling what he could dig up. The stakes are high: a trial with the death
penalty in play, cartel ties, money. Ultimately, it’s always about money.
Declan
has to be stopped, incapacitated. He’s put under surveillance, a trap is set to
ensnare him, a campaign is launched to discredit him—The P.I. and the Dead Jazz
Singer. It’s a mistake. Declan will bite back.
Many
will get hurt.
Monday, August 12, 2024
SMFS Member Publishing News: The Five People You Meet in Atlantic City by James Blakey
SMFS list member James Blakey reported that his short
story, The Five People You Meet in Atlantic City, appears in Black Cat Weekly
#154. Published by Wildside Press, the issue is available here in digital format.
Publisher Description:
Here’s
the complete lineup—
Cover
Art: Ron Miller
Mysteries
/ Suspense / Adventure:
- “The Bottle Blonde,” by Albert Tucher [Michael Bracken Presents
short story]
- “The Fatal Founders Day,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery]
- “New Day Newark,” by SJ Rozan [Barb Goffman Presents short story]
- “The Five People You Meet in Atlantic City,” by James Blakey [short
story]
- The Long Arm of the Mounted, by James French Dorrance
[novel]
Nonfiction:
- “Norman Spinrad at Large: Life As We Don’t Know It?” by Norman
Spinrad
Science
Fiction & Fantasy:
- “Maximinus Thrax and the Gates of Chaos,” by Paul Di Filippo and
Claudio Chillemi [short story]
- “When Darkness Falls,” by John S. Glasby [short story]
- “Honeymoon in Bedlam,” by Nelson S. Bond [short story] [short story]
- “The Woman Obsession,” by William Campbell Gault [short
story]
- The Invisible Master, by Edmond Hamilton [short novel]
SMFS Member Publishing News: Writer's Block by Ed Ridgley
SMFS list member Ed Ridgley reported that his short
story, Writer's Block, was published at Punk Noir Magazine. You can read the
piece for free online here.
Sunday, August 11, 2024
SMFS Member Publishing News: Some Things About Old People by M.A.B. Lee
SMFS list member M.A.B. Lee reports that her short
story, Some Things About Old People, was published at Kings River Life
Magazine. You can read it for free online here.
Saturday, August 10, 2024
SMFS Members Published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine: September/October 2024
SMFS list members are published in the Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine: September/October 2024 issue. The issue is available at the publisher and other vendors. Those list members that reported being published in the issue are:
Marcelle Dubé with “Of Stroganoff and Jerry Cans.”
James Patrick Focarile reports he is a runner up in
the Mysterious Photograph Contest.
SMFS Members Published in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine: September/October 2024
SMFS list members are
published in the Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine: September/October
2024 issue. The issue is available at the publisher and
other vendors. The SMFS members that reported being in the issue are:
Tom Andes with “Hell Bent for Leather.”
Richard Helms with “The Gaslight Sonata.”
R.T. Lawton with “Recidivism.”
Josh Pachter with “The Wind Phone.” Josh Pachter
reports that he also translated Marlen Visser’s short story, “The Night Watch.”
Andrew Welsh-Huggins with “Through Thick and Thin.”
Friday, August 9, 2024
SMFS Member Publishing News: Bygones by DK Snyder
Thursday, August 8, 2024
SMFS Members Published in Writing the Cozy Mystery: Authors' Perspectives on Their Craft
SMFS list members have essays published in the recently
published new book, Writing the Cozy Mystery: Authors' Perspectives on
Their Craft. Published by McFarland & Company, the read is
available in a variety of formats from the publisher,
Amazon,
and other vendors. The SMFS list members that reported their essays are:
Leslie Budewitz with “Writing the World Around Us:
Social Issues in the Cozy.”
Kathleen Marple Kalb with “...And a Colorful Cast.”
Edith Maxwell with “Writing Multiple Series.”
Publisher Description:
This book brings together essays written by a number of well-known writers of cozy mysteries, including Sherry Harris, Amanda Flower, Leslie Budewitz, and Edith Maxwell, among others, who provide insight into their approaches to writing. Topics covered include how they work with the form, develop characters and settings, and utilize the particular hook, skill or business that establishes the protagonist’s ability to solve crimes. In addition to discussing these traditional aspects of writing, several authors focus on how they have expanded the direction the contemporary cozy mystery has taken with the inclusion of more diverse characters and social issues.
SMFS Member Publishing News: Last Vigil by M. E. Proctor
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
SMFS Member Publishing News: Shakti's Honor by James Patrick Focarile
SMFS list member James Patrick Focarile reported that
his short story, Shakti's Honor, was published at Every Day Fiction last month.
Furthermore, “This piece of flash fiction was a finalist in Stonecrop Magazine's 2024 Micro-
fiction contest.” You can read the flash fiction story online for free here.






















