The Malfeasance Occasional: Girl Trouble

by Clare Toohey (Editor)

Tender-hearted, tough-minded (and occasionally foul-mouthed) girls take center stage in suspenseful tales that are also touching, haunting, and darkly funny. From modern cities and the middle of nowhere--even a place that never existed--come stories about female entrepreneurs, housewives, mothers, daughters, addicts, strivers, wanderers, conquerors, runaways, and women in collision. Whatever you think upon hearing the phrase Girl Trouble, this spectacularly varied e-collection of short crime fiction from CriminalElement.com delivers.

Genres: Fiction

150 pages, ebook

First published September 24, 2013

Reviews

[Juli Pennock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall it was ok. Not fantastic, but some of the stories stood out in a good way. I liked 'Follow Us on Facebook and Twitter' until the end, and enjoyed the style of 'Her Haunted House,' though I thought it was a bit predictable. 'Benign' was my favorite until the end of the story. I mean, ending a story with the narrator getting shot is fine, but I'd like to know what happens AFTER the shooting. The person is obviously still alive or they'd not be able to tell their story, right? I find it annoying, maybe because so MANY short stories seem to employ that kind of ending. Actually, my own short story may do that, too. I will have to check.

'Incident on the 405' was very well done, and I did NOT hate the ending. It was my favorite until I got to Chuck Wendig's 'Birds of Paradise.' That ended up being my favorite (kind of knew it would be/was the reason I bought the collection). I'm already a fan of Miriam Black (cannot wait for 'The Cormorant') and so having this little vignette involving Miriam was nice. I wonder if there will be a call back to the incident described in the new book...?

Anyway, I'm pretty "eh" on the whole thing. I don't read a lot of short stories or short story collections, so I don't know if this is the norm, but I expected more.

[Patty Labozzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of the best short crime stories! With its wonderful collection of short crime stories, “Girl Trouble,” brings you pivotal female characters at center stage. I thought it was a great concept for an anthology—and as I read it, I loved the way each suspense tale showcased a female heroine in the throes of life—her particular life—be it a housewife, runaway or addict. Each award-winning author skillfully brought a different twist, plot and interpretation to the theme! A few favorites: “Magda,” by Cathi Stoler, “Girl of Great Price,” by Milo James Fowler and “Birds of Paradise,” by Chuck Wendig. I strongly recommend this anthology, and feel that if you enjoy reading great mystery or crime stories, you’ll absolutely love this collection of short, read-them-on-the-go stories!

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid entry to the mystery short story collection genre. I liked that it didn't mind crossing genres a bit with futuristic and paranormal entries. Some stories were stronger than others: Milo James Fowler's Girl Of Great Price was a standout, as was The Barnacle by Hilary Davidson. Will definitely keep an eye out in future for some of these authors.

[Fleur Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice collection of short stories by some of the best crime fiction writers today. All different, all worthy--a perfect way to try new and up-and-coming authors.

I particularly liked "Mad Women," "The Barnacle," and "Crow's Lesson," though each is good. Recommended.

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book strictly for Chuck Wendig's Miriam Black short story, as I can hardly wait for The Cormorant to be released next month. The stories were a mixed bag for me, with Wedig's being the best, but I was already a fan.

[Chris Rhatigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review forthcoming in All Due Respect magazine.

[CatBookMom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anthology - some better than others. A couple had me reading the author details.