More Sizzling Summer Reads from the Short Mystery Fiction Society!

It's time for another roundup of recent publications from the outstanding writers of the Short Mystery Fiction Society. Human stories from human writers for human readers--your surefire cure to the barrage of AI slop. For the best in mystery and crime fiction today, look no further!

• It won't be hitting the shelves for a few months yet, but the big news in the world of the Short Mystery Fiction Society in recent weeks is undoubtedly the launch of SMFS Mystery Magazine! Coming from Murderous Ink Press and editor John Connor, SMFSMM will feature fiction, essays, reviews and interviews, all centered on the world of short crime fiction and offering only the best to discriminating readers. The first issue will be out in October, so stand by for more details soon!
  
  
  
• Meanwhile, among existing periodicals, Black Cat Weekly continues to be the best value on the virtual shelves, with hundreds of pages every week of mystery, sci-fi, and pulp adventure to get your pulse pounding! The last few issues have included SMFS stalwarts James Patrick Focarile ("Last Kiss"), Paula Messina ("A Little Help"), Tom Milani ("Andrea Gutierrez"), Kevin R. Tipple ("A Plan Comes Together") and Terena Elizabeth Bell ("Preliminary Investigation"). Every story a winner!
  
  
  
• And speaking of Terena Elizabeth Bell, don't miss the essay "Terena Elizabeth Bell on Writing Her First Novel" over at the Ellery Queen blog. Her novel Recursion will be making its way to your shelves next year, so this is a great way to whet your appetite!
• Be sure to check out issue #8 of Starlite Pulp Review, another great publication covering a range of genre fiction from exciting new writers--including SMFS's Mark Coggins, with "Liverjack"!
  
  
  
• Remember the days before cell phones? Abe Margel will give you a reminder in his thriller "Pay Phone" at Literary Garage!
• Of course, the scribes of SMFS are too talented to confine themselves to fiction alone! The prolific donalee Moulton has advice for writers at Killer Nashville Magazine with "The Infamous Info Dump--and How to Avoid the Scrap Heap" and advice for everyone dealing with our fast-paced world in her book Shift Happens: Lead The Change Your People Need.
  
  
  
• The pages of the venerable Saturday Evening Post are graced by James Patrick Focarile in his masterful crime yarn "What Whiskey Won't Cure."
  
  
  
• Sticking with the drinking theme, Gregory Meece enlivens the latest edition of The Genre Society with "Last Call"!
• A legendary periodical returns to the stands in a new issue of Von Stray's Crimestalker Casebook, with contributions from many of today's top writers, including SMFS's John Floyd ("Unthinkable"), Stephen D. Rogers ("Sins of the Family") and O'Neil De Noux ("Buttonholed")--three writers who always deliver the best!
  
  
  
• The North Dallas chapter of Sisters in Crime has been putting out top-notch anthologies for years, and they deliver again with Boots, BBQ, and Bloodshed, edited by Michael Bracken and including contributions from, among many other talented writers, Shannon Taft ("Consequences"), M. E. Proctor ("Five-Pointed Stars") and Karen Harrington ("We Have Lost the Plot"). Collect them all!
  
  
  
• The recent trend of music-based anthologies gets a worthy new addition in Bad Intentions: A Crime Fiction Anthology Based on the Music of Warren Zevon, himself a writer who knew more than a little about lawyers, guns, and money. Among those paying homage is Zakariah Johnson with "Bad Road, Wretched Road." The road may be bad, but the fiction is superb!
  
  
  
• Finally, on the novel front, look for hardboiled action of the highest caliber from Gary Phillips in The Haul, a heist novel on the cutting edge, about a professional thief targeting a tech billionaire's secret bunker. This one will have you up all night!
  
  
  

And there you have it--all the quality reads a crime fan could hope for! Or is it? Stay tuned for our next pulse-pounding update!

Ain't That Good News? Hot New Reads from the Short Mystery Fiction Society!

As spring turns the corner into summer, 2026 continues to heat up with a wealth of exciting offerings from the writers of the Short Mystery Fiction Society. SMFS means quality! And remember, if you read something you enjoy--from this list or anywhere else--support the writers with ratings and reviews at your favorite websites. Help other readers find the stories you love--stories like these!

• The Derringer Awards, given annually by the members of SMFS, have been recognizing excellence in short mystery stories for almost three decades. Now, Level Best Books has released a volume destined to be a milestone! HOT SHOTS: CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS OF THE SHORT MYSTERY FICTION SOCIETY, edited by Golden Derringer recipient Josh Pachter, gathers one Derringer-winning story for every year from 1998, when the Derringers were first given, through 2025. You'll find many of the top writers in the field today represented in these pages, including a number of masters who are no longer with us, but who are richly deserving of continued admiration. HOT SHOTS isn't just a collection; it's proof that short crime fiction is as vibrant, entertaining and accomplished as it's ever been, and a compelling snapshot of what the field looks like today. Don't miss this one!
  
  
  
• Speaking of the Derringers, don't miss the thrilling announcement of this year's winners. Congratulations to the winners, and to the readers who will find great new reads by seeking them out!
  
  
  
  
• SMFS all-star M.E. Proctor teams with Russell Thayer in KANSAS CITY BREAKDOWN. Thayer's series assassin Gunselle, the mob, and the FBI are on a collision course in 1952, and the stylish cover is just your first hint to the fun ride you'll find in these pages!
  
  
  
• Another SMFS member proves they don't just excel at the short form in Sandra J. Cady's novel A GAME OF LUCK, in which Detroit homicide detective Sam Roma has to deal with the puzzling murder of a popular teacher and a new partner bringing their own baggage to the job.
  
  
  
• Rounding out a trifecta of hard-hitting novels, David H. Hendrickson's PAIN TRAIN is the riveting story of a former football great turned PI whose old teammate's painkiller addiction leads both men down a deadly road. A must for fans of contemporary noir!
  
  
  
• From sprawling novels to the razorblade narratives of flash fiction--SMFS authors cover all the bases! VIRGINIA FANTASTIC is an anthology of speculative flash stories set in the Commonwealth, including a tale of hidden treasure in Jane Limprecht's "The General's Gold."
  
  
  
• As always, SMFS members are well represented in the May/June issue of ELLERY QUEEN'S MYSTERY MAGAZINE. You'll always find the best in contemporary mystery in these pages, with this issue including stellar contributions from DK Snyder, S. B. Watson, Gabriela Giteler, James D.F. Hannah and many more.
  
  
  
• Meanwhile, the new ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S MYSTERY MAGAZINE is highlighted by a new entry in the Julius Katz series by SMFS stalwart Dave Zeltserman--who just won an Edgar Award for a 2025 Katz story. Congratulations, Dave!
  
  
  
• BLACK CAT WEEKLY continues to bring you hundreds of pages of mystery, science fiction and rediscovered pulp treasures every week--the most bang for your buck! Recent issues have featured SMFS authors like Rob Lopresti, Tom Milani and N.M. Cedeňo, alongside many others. BCW is truly a weekly gift for passionate readers!
  
  
  
• The MYSTERIES TO DIE FOR podcast delivers fair-play mysteries for your ears, with this episode featuring Larry M. Keeton's "A Cast of Crabs."
• Short fiction can pack a hell of a punch. For proof, look no further than James Patrick Focarile's "The Cold, Hard Weight of It" at LITERARY GARAGE.
• SMFS members make regular appearances across the pond at the UK periodical THE PEOPLE'S FRIEND, most recently Veronica Leigh with "Learn to Forgive" and Liz Filleul with "A Turn Up For The Books."
  
  
  
• YELLOW MAMA has become one of the web's best sites for gritty crime fiction. Don't miss Bern Sy Moss's "Bragging Rights" and Elizabeth Dearborn's "Lived My Life Too Fast" in the latest issue.
• DARK YONDER is another periodical that's rapidly become a must-read for fans of crime fiction on the noir side of the spectrum The newly released issue #12 includes dynamite work by SMFS members Veronica Leigh, Steve Liskow, Mark Coggins and Christina Hoag. All this and a cocktail recipe, too!
  
  
  
• CURATED BY COSTUIC brings readers a monthly dose of only the best in short crime fiction. This month, the endlessly entertaining John M. Floyd brings us a fateful encounter on a plane in "Creativity."
  
  
  
• THE RANGER'S ALMANAC is an annual collection of stories and art inspired by America's national parks--and by golly, here's John M. Floyd again, bringing Boy Scouts and bank robbers together in "Lewis and Clark."
  
  
  
• Another new player quickly making a mark on the crime fiction scene, COLD CALLER, proudly presents Jessica Slee's "Home Sweet." And for another sample of Slee's powerful work, don't miss "Life's a Peach" at FLASH FICTION MAGAZINE.
  
  
  
• HOUSE OF LONG SHADOWS brings you an unusual tale of Sherlock Holmes and vampires in Mark Coggins's "Adventure of the Baker Street Vampires."
  
  
  
• And finally this month, Terena Elizabeth Bell ventures into the unknown in "Gold-Face" at COSMIC HORROR MONTHLY.

And there you have it--another round-up of fantastic new offerings for readers and fans of some of the best fiction being published today. And remember, if you want to support the writers doing this work, leaving ratings and reviews at places like Amazon and Goodreads is the best way to help promote their work and lead more readers their way. Look for more news coming soon!

Hey, Kids! Check Out Some Fantastic Recent Tales from the Short Mystery Fiction Society!

With 2026 in full swing, the members of the Short Mystery Fiction Society are continuing to turn out the very finest short stories for fans of mystery and crime. Check out just a few recent highlights--and remember, SMFS is your hallmark of excellence!

• As always, the March/April 2026 issue of Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, the flagship publication of the genre, features fine work by members of SMFS. On hand for this issue are all-stars Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier, Robert Lopresti, Josh Pachter, John M. Floyd, and David Dean. A murderers' row of the best in the game today!
  
  
  
•   Meanwhile, over at the March/April Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, SMFS is again well-represented by stalwarts such as Nick Guthrie, Gabriela Stiteler, Floyd Sullivan, Marcelle Dubẻ, Stephen Ross, Persia Walker, Kevin Egan and R. T. Lawton. Check it out for hours of reading enjoyment!
  
  
  
• As always, Black Cat Weekly provides readers with an incredible value, offering hundreds of pages of new and classic pulp stories each and every week. Highlights in recent issues include standout tales from Steve Liskow, Robert Lopresti, and not one but two appearances by the incredible John M. Floyd!
  
  
  
• Over at The People's Friend, always a tremendous source for thrilling online reads, you'll find a hard-hitting crime story from Veronica Leigh--and two from Liz Filleul!
  
  
  
• How short can a short story be? The talented Terena Bell has one answer--check it out over at The Journal of Compressed Creative Arts!
• Looking for some spies in your crime fiction? Tom Milani has you covered in "Someday You Will" at The Yard: Crime Blog!
  
  
  
• And at Yellow Mama, Shari Held shares the story of an unofficial female PI on "The Last Job"!
• Gregory Meece has an Olympics-related story to share with "Just Desserts" at Kings River Life!
  
  
  
• SMFS's own M. E. Proctor has been a triple threat over the last month or so! Check out "The Museum Girl" at DNDP Quarterly, "The Emporium" at Pistol Jim, and "Crawlies" at Mythic Picnic. Three stories, unlimited thrills!
  
  
  
• Not to be outdone, donalee Moulton offers up another dynamite three-fer with "Cardinal" at the Paranormal Canadiana Collection, "Wyatt McCord's Last Day on Earth" at Literary Garage, and "Moist" at Thriller Magazine.
  
  
  
• S. B. Watson has a stand-alone story of an impossible crime in "Laughing Matter." Solve it if you can!
  
  
  
• And finally, on the true-crime front, SMFS's Justin L. Murphy has the chilling tale of Ruth Snyder: The Real-Life Murderess Inspiring the Modern Femme Fatale.
  
  
  

Yet more evidence that we don't need no stinkin' AI--the human writer reigns supreme. Keep your eyes open for more exciting work from SMFS soon!

SMFS Members Published in Promophobia: Taking the Mystery Out of Promoting Crime Fiction

Numerous SMFS list members have essays published in the new book, Promophobia: Taking the Mystery Out of Promoting Crime Fiction. Published by Sisters in Crime, the read is available in digital and print formats at Amazon and other vendors. The SMFS list members in the book are:    

 

Paula Benson’s essay, "Shorts Deserve Promotion, Too," is in the section, Fear of Social Media.

Leslie Budewitz’s essay, “’Meet Our Local Author!’-Big Opportunities in Small Towns,” is in the section, Fear of Thinking Outside the Box.

Debra H. Goldstein’s essay, “Surviving Obstacles In Your Chosen Career,” is in the section, Fear of the Book Community.

Teresa Inge’s essay, “Think Outside the Brick-and-Mortar Box,” is in the section, Fear of Events.

G.M. Malliet’s essay, “Asking for Endorsements, or Getting to Yes,” is in the section Fear of the Book Community.

Paul D. Marks’ essay, “About-face: My 180-Degree Turn re: Facebook,” is in the section, Fear of Social Media.

Edith Maxwell’s essay, “A Unique Promotion,” is in the section, Fear of Thinking Outside the Box.

Gigi Pandian’s essay, “Promotion Through Following Your Passion,” is in the section, Fear of the Book Community.

Terry Shames’ essay, “Try Something New,” is in the section, “Fear of Events.”

James W. Ziskin’s essay, “Great Giveaways or Just Junk,” in the section, Fear of Connecting With Readers.

 

Synopsis:

AUTHOR OVERBOARD

Publishing a book can be scary. Figuring out how to promote it can be straight-up frightening. When the seas of book promo make you feel adrift in unfriendly tides, keeping your head above water can be difficult. Enter PROMOPHOBIA, a collection of essays that just might save the life of your book.

 

SINK OR SWIM

Divided into categories: Identifying Your Niche, Book Community, Social Media, Online Promo, Publicity, Connecting With Readers, Going On Your Own or Participating with a Group, Events, and Thinking Outside the Box, PROMOPHOBIA will open your eyes to the opportunities around you. The contributing authors share their personal experiences about what’s worked for them (and in a few humorous cases, what didn’t) to provide a beacon. You’re no longer in the dark. You’re not swimming alone.

 

If you’ve ever wondered if you could have done more for your latest book launch, then this book is for you. If you’re tired of relying on the same old strategies release after release, then this book is for you. If you want to readjust your sails and angle for a fresh gust of wind to carry you farther on your writing journey, then this book is for you.

 

A RISING TIDE LIFTS ALL BOATS

This is not a how-to book. It's an anecdotal anthology of essays about seeing possibilities, building connections, believing in our work, making mistakes, totally f*ing up, and trying something new. It is a collection of stories told over smoothies at the gym or drinks at the bar, shared with the same spirit of community that infuses Sisters in Crime.

 

The next time you find yourself swimming in dark promotional waters, read an essay or two from PROMOPHOBIA. Instead of drowning in fear, you'll find yourself saying, "I'm going to need a bigger book."

 

ABOUT SISTERS IN CRIME:

Sisters in Crime is the premier crime writing association focused on equity and inclusion in our community and in publishing. Founded in 1986 to represent and advocate for women crime writers, we celebrate and honor this history with our name while we continue to work for all who share our commitment to and love for a vibrant, inclusive community. Our 4,500+ members enjoy access to tools to help them learn, grow, improve, thrive, and reinvent if necessary. They also gain a community of supportive fellow writers and readers, both peers to share the peaks and valleys of writing, and mentors to model the way forward.

 

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