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Mostly Murder: Till Death
A Mystery Anthology:
Collected here are eleven mysteries; ten of them brand new. We are proud to include a classic short by Lawrence Block, New York Times bestselling author and Mystery Writers of America Grand Master.
Open this collection and plunge into the stories... some grim and bloody, some light and even a little bit funny. You won't know what you're getting into until you reach the end of each cunning mystery.
Collected here are eleven mysteries; ten of them brand new. We are proud to include a classic short by Lawrence Block, New York Times bestselling author and Mystery Writers of America Grand Master.
Open this collection and plunge into the stories... some grim and bloody, some light and even a little bit funny. You won't know what you're getting into until you reach the end of each cunning mystery.
150 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2016
19 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Patrice Fitzgerald
40 books66 followersPatrice Fitzgerald is an indie author, publisher, attorney, and intergalactic singer of songs. She has been publishing herself and others since 2011 and is the force behind the BEYOND THE STARS series of space opera anthologies. Patrice is thrilled to introduce Captain Wu and her STARSHIP NAMELESS crew in her most recent trilogy, written with the inimitable Jack Lyster.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 26, 2016
A very more-ish anthology with page-turning stories.
There honestly wasn't one I didn't enjoy, although some had me turning the pages even more dementedly than normal! A couple of new authors to investigate further, and a new anthology series to watch out for :-)
Recommended for all fans of crime or mystery - each entry is a complete story and great entertainment in its own right, and you get 11 of them for less than the price of a cup of coffee!
There honestly wasn't one I didn't enjoy, although some had me turning the pages even more dementedly than normal! A couple of new authors to investigate further, and a new anthology series to watch out for :-)
Recommended for all fans of crime or mystery - each entry is a complete story and great entertainment in its own right, and you get 11 of them for less than the price of a cup of coffee!
November 27, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I loved this collection of short stories - it was very enjoyable and a great taster of the various authors. I liked the Q&A with each of them so I got to know them more.
Nice Guys Finish Last - JC Andrijeski
Bobby came back from being in Asia with seemingly the perfect wife. However things are not right as objects start disappearing. No much he loves her, he is determined to find out the truth.
I loved this story. I had no idea what the real story was until the end, but I'm stil not sure if that is the real story or not.
Forsaking All Others - Chris Patchell
Mally and Jack Gardiner's tumultuous marriage is rocked after a home invasion.
I loved the twist on this. Great story.
Starter - Samuel Peralta
A couple visit a starter home and it inspires memories and ghosts of the past.
Not sure if I like this or not - it's clever but very short.
Pride - Eric J Gates
Marriage can end abruptly even if you have worked hard at it. This is the story of when FBI Senior Special Agent Thompson is so focused on solving a particular case near his retirement and what happens as a result.
I really liked this story - it was clever and it was all pulled together at the end when you finally understood what had happened.
Two Faces - H B Moore
Newlywed Vivian Wood discovers that her husband disappears every so often without explanation and she realises he might not be the man she thought she was marrying.
I loved this story. It was very original and iked the way the whole situation was handled by Vivian.
Loving Frankie - Patrick Fitzgerald
Faith's husband Frankie could be rough but he could also be gentle.
Lovely little story that you don't understand the full picture until the end.
In Sickness and in Murder - B A Spangler
Murders are revealed that appear to have been committed by the woman he loves - how far will he go to protect her?
Clever story building up to a time when he can no longer ignore what has happened.
Nun of Your Business - Jerilyn Dufresne
Sister Mary Jordan has a big problem - not only are her family a big Mafia family, but she discovers she already has a husband who is in another Mafia family. As you can imagine it is not an accepted thing in a convent. After thought she will escape the situation with the help of a series of lies, murder and chaos - not something you associate with a Nun.
This is a very clever story that could definitely be the start of a series - loved it.
The Long Haul - Josh Haynes
Mary had an affair a year ago but she receives a letter that threatens everything they worked for. Can they put the past behind them or will everything unravel?
I liked this story - it was clever and it was only at the end that you found out what had been going on.
All Secrets Lead to Lies - Anne Kelleher
Three detectives, 2 dead husbands and a love triangle. A tale of a prison, drugs, and a mystery to solve.
I liked this story and they way the layers of it built up. I was a little disappointed with the end as there was still a mystery left that hadn't been solved which needs to be covered (maybe in a later book?)
As Good as a Rest - Lawrence Black
A story of two couples on a holiday touring Europe and what happened.
Nice story with a twist in the middle and a twist at the end. Well written as always by Lawrence.
I loved this collection of short stories - it was very enjoyable and a great taster of the various authors. I liked the Q&A with each of them so I got to know them more.
Nice Guys Finish Last - JC Andrijeski
Bobby came back from being in Asia with seemingly the perfect wife. However things are not right as objects start disappearing. No much he loves her, he is determined to find out the truth.
I loved this story. I had no idea what the real story was until the end, but I'm stil not sure if that is the real story or not.
Forsaking All Others - Chris Patchell
Mally and Jack Gardiner's tumultuous marriage is rocked after a home invasion.
I loved the twist on this. Great story.
Starter - Samuel Peralta
A couple visit a starter home and it inspires memories and ghosts of the past.
Not sure if I like this or not - it's clever but very short.
Pride - Eric J Gates
Marriage can end abruptly even if you have worked hard at it. This is the story of when FBI Senior Special Agent Thompson is so focused on solving a particular case near his retirement and what happens as a result.
I really liked this story - it was clever and it was all pulled together at the end when you finally understood what had happened.
Two Faces - H B Moore
Newlywed Vivian Wood discovers that her husband disappears every so often without explanation and she realises he might not be the man she thought she was marrying.
I loved this story. It was very original and iked the way the whole situation was handled by Vivian.
Loving Frankie - Patrick Fitzgerald
Faith's husband Frankie could be rough but he could also be gentle.
Lovely little story that you don't understand the full picture until the end.
In Sickness and in Murder - B A Spangler
Murders are revealed that appear to have been committed by the woman he loves - how far will he go to protect her?
Clever story building up to a time when he can no longer ignore what has happened.
Nun of Your Business - Jerilyn Dufresne
Sister Mary Jordan has a big problem - not only are her family a big Mafia family, but she discovers she already has a husband who is in another Mafia family. As you can imagine it is not an accepted thing in a convent. After thought she will escape the situation with the help of a series of lies, murder and chaos - not something you associate with a Nun.
This is a very clever story that could definitely be the start of a series - loved it.
The Long Haul - Josh Haynes
Mary had an affair a year ago but she receives a letter that threatens everything they worked for. Can they put the past behind them or will everything unravel?
I liked this story - it was clever and it was only at the end that you found out what had been going on.
All Secrets Lead to Lies - Anne Kelleher
Three detectives, 2 dead husbands and a love triangle. A tale of a prison, drugs, and a mystery to solve.
I liked this story and they way the layers of it built up. I was a little disappointed with the end as there was still a mystery left that hadn't been solved which needs to be covered (maybe in a later book?)
As Good as a Rest - Lawrence Black
A story of two couples on a holiday touring Europe and what happened.
Nice story with a twist in the middle and a twist at the end. Well written as always by Lawrence.
December 2, 2016
I received an advanced copy of the e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Mostly Murder: Till Death a Mystery Anthology
This is a collection of eleven short story mysteries written by eleven different authors. Ten of them were new to me.
The stories all have a common thread, that being marriage/couples and love gone wrong. I thought the storylines were interesting and although the themes were similar, I enjoyed the different writing styles used by each author. The stories are effective at pulling the reader in, and they work well as a Compilation Anthology.
I loved the storytelling aspect throughout the book. I found it entertaining, and I was drawn in to each story as I fell under the spell of the storyteller. I became involved in the story being told, finding myself on the edge of my seat....needing to know how each story played out.
Some of the stories were short (Starter)....but hauntingly sensitive. Some built up the excitement through gore (Nice Guys Finish Last). They all had subtle danger that builds and essentially explodes with an ending. I could read stories such as these for hours!
This was a great introduction to some new authors. I enjoyed getting to know them in the Q & A sections. I even contacted one author wanting some additional questions answered!
I look forward to more literary works from these writers....thanks for sharing!
Mostly Murder: Till Death a Mystery Anthology
This is a collection of eleven short story mysteries written by eleven different authors. Ten of them were new to me.
The stories all have a common thread, that being marriage/couples and love gone wrong. I thought the storylines were interesting and although the themes were similar, I enjoyed the different writing styles used by each author. The stories are effective at pulling the reader in, and they work well as a Compilation Anthology.
I loved the storytelling aspect throughout the book. I found it entertaining, and I was drawn in to each story as I fell under the spell of the storyteller. I became involved in the story being told, finding myself on the edge of my seat....needing to know how each story played out.
Some of the stories were short (Starter)....but hauntingly sensitive. Some built up the excitement through gore (Nice Guys Finish Last). They all had subtle danger that builds and essentially explodes with an ending. I could read stories such as these for hours!
This was a great introduction to some new authors. I enjoyed getting to know them in the Q & A sections. I even contacted one author wanting some additional questions answered!
I look forward to more literary works from these writers....thanks for sharing!
July 30, 2017
So far I've only read "Two Faces" by H.B. Moore, who is one of my favorite authors; if I make it through my large to-read pile, I'll read and review the other stories.
Vivian is beyond happily married; her new husband Simon is dashing and handsome and attentive, and it seems life couldn't be better. But when Vivian starts to notice Simon sometimes slips out of the house at night--and comes back blood-stained and bruised--she comes to realize there's a side to her husband that she never imagined.
Set in 1911, there's a historical element to the story that I really enjoyed; I think it enhanced Vivian's feelings, because options and expectations for women at that time were so different than they are now. I also liked the relationship aspect and seeing how Simon's secret would effect their marriage. I actually wish this story were longer--maybe even a novel--because I would have loved to see more of the long term effects on both characters as they struggled to manage the problem.
I received a copy of the ebook from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Vivian is beyond happily married; her new husband Simon is dashing and handsome and attentive, and it seems life couldn't be better. But when Vivian starts to notice Simon sometimes slips out of the house at night--and comes back blood-stained and bruised--she comes to realize there's a side to her husband that she never imagined.
Set in 1911, there's a historical element to the story that I really enjoyed; I think it enhanced Vivian's feelings, because options and expectations for women at that time were so different than they are now. I also liked the relationship aspect and seeing how Simon's secret would effect their marriage. I actually wish this story were longer--maybe even a novel--because I would have loved to see more of the long term effects on both characters as they struggled to manage the problem.
I received a copy of the ebook from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 1, 2016
"What you read in the cage, stays in the cage."
Arguably, a short story is a greater test of an author's prowess than a novel: within a minimum of pages the reader has to be captivated, involved, entertained and, ultimately, finish satisfied. So an anthology of shorts is a perfect way for a reader to discover new authors to explore.
Most!y murder contains eleven stories all without exception well written, with mystery at their heart. Each one is worth the reading and, even if several were more predicable than unexpected, most enjoyable. Three I found especially so, a lighthearted search for a means of thwarting the long held plans of two mafia families (Nun of Your Business), a classical type P.I. investigation story with several twists, (All Secrets Lead to Lies) and the very last in the book, As Good As A Rest, written by the magnificent Lawrence Block, masterfully demonstrating yet again why he has been so consistently acclaimed over the many years of his career and a long held favourite of mine. All three carried the power of a novel In spite of their brevity, with powerfully drawn characters moving within a gripping storyline.
Between each chapter is a short conversation with the preceding author which, as well as giving insight into the how and why of their individual writing, also contains useful contact information and other available works should the reader be inclined to want more. I have already added two new writers to my watch list.
So, a useful way to get tasters of talent as well as being a most enjoyable read. Recommended.
Arguably, a short story is a greater test of an author's prowess than a novel: within a minimum of pages the reader has to be captivated, involved, entertained and, ultimately, finish satisfied. So an anthology of shorts is a perfect way for a reader to discover new authors to explore.
Most!y murder contains eleven stories all without exception well written, with mystery at their heart. Each one is worth the reading and, even if several were more predicable than unexpected, most enjoyable. Three I found especially so, a lighthearted search for a means of thwarting the long held plans of two mafia families (Nun of Your Business), a classical type P.I. investigation story with several twists, (All Secrets Lead to Lies) and the very last in the book, As Good As A Rest, written by the magnificent Lawrence Block, masterfully demonstrating yet again why he has been so consistently acclaimed over the many years of his career and a long held favourite of mine. All three carried the power of a novel In spite of their brevity, with powerfully drawn characters moving within a gripping storyline.
Between each chapter is a short conversation with the preceding author which, as well as giving insight into the how and why of their individual writing, also contains useful contact information and other available works should the reader be inclined to want more. I have already added two new writers to my watch list.
So, a useful way to get tasters of talent as well as being a most enjoyable read. Recommended.
December 2, 2016
Well the stories were different! My favorite was Two Faces by H. B. Moore. She is one of my favorite authors. Not so sure on the first 2 stories. Seemed the characters were conniving and evil. The further into the book the better the stories. That last one has a major twist. Overall not a bad read if you like short stories.
December 12, 2016
Mostly Murder: Till Death is a mystery anthology of eleven tales. These tales include:
Nice Guys Finish Last by JC Andrijeski
Forsaking All Others by Chris Patchell
Starter by Samuel Peralta
Pride by Eric J. Gates
Two Faces by H.B. Moore
Loving Frankie by Patrice Fitzgerald
In Sickness and in Murder by B.A. Spangler
Nun of Your Business by Jerilyn Dufresne
The Long Haul by Josh Hayes
All Secrets Lead to Lies by Anne Kelleher
As Good as a Rest by Lawrence Block
I liked these stories . They are thrilling, mysterious, suspenseful, and action-packed. My favorite tale is H.B. Moore's Two Faces.
I enjoyed finding new authors to read in the future and I highly recommend this anthology.
5 stars.
Nice Guys Finish Last by JC Andrijeski
Forsaking All Others by Chris Patchell
Starter by Samuel Peralta
Pride by Eric J. Gates
Two Faces by H.B. Moore
Loving Frankie by Patrice Fitzgerald
In Sickness and in Murder by B.A. Spangler
Nun of Your Business by Jerilyn Dufresne
The Long Haul by Josh Hayes
All Secrets Lead to Lies by Anne Kelleher
As Good as a Rest by Lawrence Block
I liked these stories . They are thrilling, mysterious, suspenseful, and action-packed. My favorite tale is H.B. Moore's Two Faces.
I enjoyed finding new authors to read in the future and I highly recommend this anthology.
5 stars.
December 2, 2016
...I overcame my usual reluctance for reading short stories to pore through MOSTLY MURDER:TILL DEATH, and I'm so glad I did... a superb collation of mystery vignettes, some teasing, some with twists in the twists, and others so well written, the 'business' of excellent writing leaps from the pages... a few of the authors' names were familiar to me, some newbies, but all well worth their inclusion... none were below standard, but I was greatly entertained by 'NUN OF YOUR BUSINESS' by Jerilyn Dufresne, NICE GUYS FINISH LAST by JC Andrijeski, and PRIDE by Eric.J. Gates... anthologies can sometimes be a bit 'hit and miss', but MOSTLY MURDER:TILL DEATH is a real winner... kudos to all the contributors...
February 18, 2017
I’m not normally a reader of horror. To be honest there are a couple of stories in this anthology that I found so disturbing that I would unread them if I could. That is what makes a good horror story.
My favorite was two faces by Heather B Moore. I want to read the next chapter. I keep picturing them becoming a team where they search out his next victim together, he kills the abusers and she helps their victims pick up the pieces of their lives.
My favorite was two faces by Heather B Moore. I want to read the next chapter. I keep picturing them becoming a team where they search out his next victim together, he kills the abusers and she helps their victims pick up the pieces of their lives.
January 25, 2017
This book is a compilation of short stories. I have only read ONE of them. Two Faces by HB Moore.
I have not read any of the others and can not say if they are good or not.
I like HB Moore and found her story to be suspenseful , and a bit creepy. Murder mysteries are not my favorite Genre to read, but this short story was well written and not too scary to read :)
I have not read any of the others and can not say if they are good or not.
I like HB Moore and found her story to be suspenseful , and a bit creepy. Murder mysteries are not my favorite Genre to read, but this short story was well written and not too scary to read :)
August 25, 2019
Disappointing.
Except for Block it was merely something to read, but nothing to be glad I read. In good conscience i can't recommend, other than to say anything written by Lawrence Block is worthy of a read and never disappoints.
Except for Block it was merely something to read, but nothing to be glad I read. In good conscience i can't recommend, other than to say anything written by Lawrence Block is worthy of a read and never disappoints.
December 14, 2016
I received a copy of Mostly Murder by Lawrence Block in exchange for an honest review.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Nice Guys Finish Last by JC Andrijeski
We've all know that the way we see ourselves and the way the world sees us is not the same,, but this story brings the reality home. Robert tells the story of his life, of meeting his wonderful new wife, and of how things start going wrong. The author does such a good job of painting him as a rational person, the reader is drawn into his terror of the missing items and his missing fingers. Then there is the intervention. Is the maniac the real Robert? Does he truly not see the evil he has done? Is it more than his perception? Will we ever know?
Forsaking All Others by Chris Patchell
Mally comes to tied to a chair in the basement of her house. Her husband Jack is tied to another chair. A robber, Kyle, is upstairs ransacking their home. Never one to keep his mouth shut, Jack lays into Mally blaming her for everything including an affair. Mally, on the other hand just wants to live. The reader feels her fear, her pain from the blow to her head, her helplessness. Then Kyle comes down stairs. You can almost feel the tension in the room, the author is that good. Nope, not going to give the ending away on this one. You're going to have to read it.
Starter by Samuel Peralta
This is a tender story about a woman who confronts the demons of her childhood and I think my favorite. A woman views a house for sale, the house where her terror began. In the marks on the wall and floor she sees the proof of her nightmare. Although she weeps, she also learns how strong she really is.
Pride by Eric J. Gates
A deadly assassin goes by the name Lion. Is he Todd, the man the FBI tazered into a heart attack and death? Is it Mary the beloved wife? What will she tell the children? The members of her pride? And which members of the pride do the killing? A carefully crafted tale!
Two Faces by H.B. Moore
A great historical tale of romance and vigilante justice against the rich and famous. Do you know who your spouse is or is there a Doctor Jeckel waiting to come out?
Loving Frankie by Patrice Fitzgerald
How much do you love someone? Enough to forgive them? When this story started, I figured Faith had been hit in the stomach. She calmly goes through what's going to happen to her kids and Frankie. Then you find out that she was stabbed! She's dying! And Frankie is standing there watching her and blaming her! But that's okay with her. She is calm, dying, going to heaven. Will Frankie go to heaven with her? A scary acceptance of abuse.
In Sickness and in Murder by B.A. Spangler
Again, what would you do for someone you love? Lie? Hide evidence? Bury paperwork about a killing? What if it happens twice? Could you do all of that again if the person killed was a fellow cop instead of a homeless person? Luckily for Steve, the decision is taken away from him when his partner finding the damming evidence linking Steve’s wife to the murder. Could you live with them knowing they killed?
Nun of Your Business by Jerilyn Dufresne
A cute, funny story about marriage, murder, and the mob. Jordana father is a mobster, not one who usually kills, but a mobster none the less. When Jordie was at the ripe old age of 5 she was married to Sal’s son to broker a peace and prevent bloodshed. But Jordie wants to be a nun. So how does she marry Sal Jr., save the peace, die, and become a nun after all? You're going to have to read this one! Delightful!
The Long Haul by Josh Hayes
Mary had back surgery a year ago and a short affair with her doctor. David, her husband, drives a semi and has forgiven her, maybe. But he has been driving a lot lately and doesn't even say he loves her when he leaves. Mary becomes even more concerned when David receives a letter from the bank stating the new Tahoe is paid in full. New Tahoe? Paid? In a carefully scripted story Mary try's to find the truth about her husband and eventually the truth about herself.
All Secrets Lead to Lies by Anne Kelleher
Margie worked in a PI office with her husband. Now he is dead and she is trying to decide what to do. This is another solid story exploring the relationship between a husband and wife and how much they really know about each other. Would Margie have ever learned the truth if Joss Holcombe hadn't asked her for help? Here begins a twisted tale of greed, drug trials, unknowing subjects, and terrible consequences. And you won't believe how it ends!
As Good as a Rest by Lawrence Block
This story is a perfect example of why Lawrence Block is a best selling author. Relationships are at it again. Two couples, the Dattners from Oklahoma and Andrew and Elaine from Boston, are on a tour of Europe. The tour takes care of hotels and transportation, but everything else is up to the participants. No mystery or murder here. Wait, Mr. Dattner has a concealed weapon maybe that's it. No, not the gun. What is going on? It's down to the last 2 pages of the story when Andrew was in a bank in Skokie, IL and there was a hold up. Sorry. You really have to read this one!
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Nice Guys Finish Last by JC Andrijeski
We've all know that the way we see ourselves and the way the world sees us is not the same,, but this story brings the reality home. Robert tells the story of his life, of meeting his wonderful new wife, and of how things start going wrong. The author does such a good job of painting him as a rational person, the reader is drawn into his terror of the missing items and his missing fingers. Then there is the intervention. Is the maniac the real Robert? Does he truly not see the evil he has done? Is it more than his perception? Will we ever know?
Forsaking All Others by Chris Patchell
Mally comes to tied to a chair in the basement of her house. Her husband Jack is tied to another chair. A robber, Kyle, is upstairs ransacking their home. Never one to keep his mouth shut, Jack lays into Mally blaming her for everything including an affair. Mally, on the other hand just wants to live. The reader feels her fear, her pain from the blow to her head, her helplessness. Then Kyle comes down stairs. You can almost feel the tension in the room, the author is that good. Nope, not going to give the ending away on this one. You're going to have to read it.
Starter by Samuel Peralta
This is a tender story about a woman who confronts the demons of her childhood and I think my favorite. A woman views a house for sale, the house where her terror began. In the marks on the wall and floor she sees the proof of her nightmare. Although she weeps, she also learns how strong she really is.
Pride by Eric J. Gates
A deadly assassin goes by the name Lion. Is he Todd, the man the FBI tazered into a heart attack and death? Is it Mary the beloved wife? What will she tell the children? The members of her pride? And which members of the pride do the killing? A carefully crafted tale!
Two Faces by H.B. Moore
A great historical tale of romance and vigilante justice against the rich and famous. Do you know who your spouse is or is there a Doctor Jeckel waiting to come out?
Loving Frankie by Patrice Fitzgerald
How much do you love someone? Enough to forgive them? When this story started, I figured Faith had been hit in the stomach. She calmly goes through what's going to happen to her kids and Frankie. Then you find out that she was stabbed! She's dying! And Frankie is standing there watching her and blaming her! But that's okay with her. She is calm, dying, going to heaven. Will Frankie go to heaven with her? A scary acceptance of abuse.
In Sickness and in Murder by B.A. Spangler
Again, what would you do for someone you love? Lie? Hide evidence? Bury paperwork about a killing? What if it happens twice? Could you do all of that again if the person killed was a fellow cop instead of a homeless person? Luckily for Steve, the decision is taken away from him when his partner finding the damming evidence linking Steve’s wife to the murder. Could you live with them knowing they killed?
Nun of Your Business by Jerilyn Dufresne
A cute, funny story about marriage, murder, and the mob. Jordana father is a mobster, not one who usually kills, but a mobster none the less. When Jordie was at the ripe old age of 5 she was married to Sal’s son to broker a peace and prevent bloodshed. But Jordie wants to be a nun. So how does she marry Sal Jr., save the peace, die, and become a nun after all? You're going to have to read this one! Delightful!
The Long Haul by Josh Hayes
Mary had back surgery a year ago and a short affair with her doctor. David, her husband, drives a semi and has forgiven her, maybe. But he has been driving a lot lately and doesn't even say he loves her when he leaves. Mary becomes even more concerned when David receives a letter from the bank stating the new Tahoe is paid in full. New Tahoe? Paid? In a carefully scripted story Mary try's to find the truth about her husband and eventually the truth about herself.
All Secrets Lead to Lies by Anne Kelleher
Margie worked in a PI office with her husband. Now he is dead and she is trying to decide what to do. This is another solid story exploring the relationship between a husband and wife and how much they really know about each other. Would Margie have ever learned the truth if Joss Holcombe hadn't asked her for help? Here begins a twisted tale of greed, drug trials, unknowing subjects, and terrible consequences. And you won't believe how it ends!
As Good as a Rest by Lawrence Block
This story is a perfect example of why Lawrence Block is a best selling author. Relationships are at it again. Two couples, the Dattners from Oklahoma and Andrew and Elaine from Boston, are on a tour of Europe. The tour takes care of hotels and transportation, but everything else is up to the participants. No mystery or murder here. Wait, Mr. Dattner has a concealed weapon maybe that's it. No, not the gun. What is going on? It's down to the last 2 pages of the story when Andrew was in a bank in Skokie, IL and there was a hold up. Sorry. You really have to read this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2017
***I received a copy of this book from one of the authors in exchange for my honest review.***
Nice Guys Finish Last by JC Andrijeski: Interesting short that was a little confusing at first with some of the details, but then as it unfolded I understood where it was going. Definitely creepy and bizarre story, that surprised me to have been written by a woman.
Forsaking All Others by Chris Patchell: This was a really fast story, read in less than 20 minutes. It starts out one way, with the main character (told in first person) waking up and wondering what is going on, then the little details are revealed as the story unfolds. Interesting, quick read that makes you think, but I felt a little unresolved with the ending.
Starter by Samuel Peralta: Really short story, read in about 5 minutes. Not much of a mystery really but a haunting of a horror from a woman's past and coming to terms with where it took place.
Pride by Eric J. Gates: This was more my speed of mysteries -- the thriller, spy type. I figured it out pretty quickly, but it was interesting and well done, for a short story, tying in "The Lion" aspect.
Two Faces by H.B. Moore: Interesting concept with the setting in NYC in possibly the early 1900s or late 1800s and a slight Ripper-esque feel or even potentially a werewolf feel. Told from the wife's point of view lends an interesting feel to the story as well -- what would you do if you found out such a dark secret about your spouse, even if their intentions could be construed as good? As always, I enjoy this author's story and would have loved to have this one be longer and more developed.
Loving Frankie by Patrice Fitzgerald: Another interesting, slowly unfolding, yet quick (7-page) story. An unusual, thought-provoking premise that deals with the very well-know, yet still taboo and secret of domestic abuse, told from the victim but with a unique approach. Well done, very well done, especially in only about 7 pages.
In Sickness and in Murder by B.A. Spangler: A thought-provoking short story, similar to another short in this collection, only this one set in a modern-day setting where a police detective discovers that his wife is a murderer and his attempts to cover it up, without confronting her to discover the truth. Interesting, but I wanted more, so I was interested to discover that there is a series revolving around these characters, only told from a different perspective (not the husband's). I'd be interested to read those!
Nun of Your Business by Jerilyn Dufresne: I really enjoyed this one. After a lot of dark stories in this collection, this one was lighter with humor, a "cozy" mystery, so I enjoyed that change of pace while reading this anthology. The nun/mafia scenario was interesting, and I really enjoyed Sister Mary Jordan/Jordana's character and personality. She was clever and funny. A great read. I plan to find more to read by this author!
The Long Haul by Josh Hayes: This one was a little longer than the others in this collection. It started out by leading you one way and then all of a sudden it went a different way. The basis was interesting -- what if the shoe were on the other foot after recovering from an affair? There were a few details not explained clearly that I would have liked to understand a bit better (the car accident??), but overall a good short.
All Secrets Lead to Lies by Anne Kelleher: Interesting story, leading you through two mysteries that end up being connected. What would it be like to discover that you're recently deceased spouse had a huge secret they were hiding from you? This one leads the reader through a few turns along the way as the main character encounters some break-ins and then starts learning secrets her husband was keeping from her.
As Good as a Rest by Lawrence Block: This short didn't have a murder in it, unless I missed it? I don't even know that it was really a mystery, just an interesting short by an author more famous than the others in this anthology.
Overall, I went with a 4 on this one because so many of these short stories were so well done and surprised me along the way, though a few of them fell just a bit short for me, though it was overall an entertaining read.
Nice Guys Finish Last by JC Andrijeski: Interesting short that was a little confusing at first with some of the details, but then as it unfolded I understood where it was going. Definitely creepy and bizarre story, that surprised me to have been written by a woman.
Forsaking All Others by Chris Patchell: This was a really fast story, read in less than 20 minutes. It starts out one way, with the main character (told in first person) waking up and wondering what is going on, then the little details are revealed as the story unfolds. Interesting, quick read that makes you think, but I felt a little unresolved with the ending.
Starter by Samuel Peralta: Really short story, read in about 5 minutes. Not much of a mystery really but a haunting of a horror from a woman's past and coming to terms with where it took place.
Pride by Eric J. Gates: This was more my speed of mysteries -- the thriller, spy type. I figured it out pretty quickly, but it was interesting and well done, for a short story, tying in "The Lion" aspect.
Two Faces by H.B. Moore: Interesting concept with the setting in NYC in possibly the early 1900s or late 1800s and a slight Ripper-esque feel or even potentially a werewolf feel. Told from the wife's point of view lends an interesting feel to the story as well -- what would you do if you found out such a dark secret about your spouse, even if their intentions could be construed as good? As always, I enjoy this author's story and would have loved to have this one be longer and more developed.
Loving Frankie by Patrice Fitzgerald: Another interesting, slowly unfolding, yet quick (7-page) story. An unusual, thought-provoking premise that deals with the very well-know, yet still taboo and secret of domestic abuse, told from the victim but with a unique approach. Well done, very well done, especially in only about 7 pages.
In Sickness and in Murder by B.A. Spangler: A thought-provoking short story, similar to another short in this collection, only this one set in a modern-day setting where a police detective discovers that his wife is a murderer and his attempts to cover it up, without confronting her to discover the truth. Interesting, but I wanted more, so I was interested to discover that there is a series revolving around these characters, only told from a different perspective (not the husband's). I'd be interested to read those!
Nun of Your Business by Jerilyn Dufresne: I really enjoyed this one. After a lot of dark stories in this collection, this one was lighter with humor, a "cozy" mystery, so I enjoyed that change of pace while reading this anthology. The nun/mafia scenario was interesting, and I really enjoyed Sister Mary Jordan/Jordana's character and personality. She was clever and funny. A great read. I plan to find more to read by this author!
The Long Haul by Josh Hayes: This one was a little longer than the others in this collection. It started out by leading you one way and then all of a sudden it went a different way. The basis was interesting -- what if the shoe were on the other foot after recovering from an affair? There were a few details not explained clearly that I would have liked to understand a bit better (the car accident??), but overall a good short.
All Secrets Lead to Lies by Anne Kelleher: Interesting story, leading you through two mysteries that end up being connected. What would it be like to discover that you're recently deceased spouse had a huge secret they were hiding from you? This one leads the reader through a few turns along the way as the main character encounters some break-ins and then starts learning secrets her husband was keeping from her.
As Good as a Rest by Lawrence Block: This short didn't have a murder in it, unless I missed it? I don't even know that it was really a mystery, just an interesting short by an author more famous than the others in this anthology.
Overall, I went with a 4 on this one because so many of these short stories were so well done and surprised me along the way, though a few of them fell just a bit short for me, though it was overall an entertaining read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 31, 2016If you're a lover of mystery/murder short stories this might be one that you would enjoy. So far I've only read one of the stories but enjoyed it and from other reviews I've read about the other short stories in this anthology, I'll probably pick it up later and read through those and add my reviews about those stories later. I won't give a rating for the whole series now but will rate individual stories as I read and review them.
Two Faces by H. B. Moore (4 stars)
A newly wed bride doesn't know what to make of her husband and his changed behavior after a few weeks of marriage. Who is this man that she thought she knew so well? How can he disappear for hours at a time at night and not share with her where he was and what he has been doing? After a visit with a new friend and a few suspicions, Vivian shares her thoughts with her husband. When she discovers her husband Simon after another late night escapade, she comes to understand what he has been doing. How should she handle it and should she end their relationship or does she love him enough to help him or support him in his escapades?
This was a fun, very short story and definitely a little mysterious. I think a seasoned reader would be able to pick up on what Simon does after reading a little further into the short story but it's still an intriguing read.
I received a copy from an author and was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Two Faces by H. B. Moore (4 stars)
A newly wed bride doesn't know what to make of her husband and his changed behavior after a few weeks of marriage. Who is this man that she thought she knew so well? How can he disappear for hours at a time at night and not share with her where he was and what he has been doing? After a visit with a new friend and a few suspicions, Vivian shares her thoughts with her husband. When she discovers her husband Simon after another late night escapade, she comes to understand what he has been doing. How should she handle it and should she end their relationship or does she love him enough to help him or support him in his escapades?
This was a fun, very short story and definitely a little mysterious. I think a seasoned reader would be able to pick up on what Simon does after reading a little further into the short story but it's still an intriguing read.
I received a copy from an author and was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
December 9, 2016
Every now and again, I like to dip into a collection of short stories. In the past, this practice has helped me to 'sample' new writers, and it has enabled me to find authors who have since become firm favourites. In this collection of 11 tales, I very much enjoyed the stories spun by Eric Gates, Anne Kelleher and Lawrence Block. Had they all been of this quality, this would have been a 5-star review, but some of the others did not grab my attention, and a couple of them read like they had been written very quickly - they had a 'rushed' feel to them. Of course, it is highly unlikely that anyone would enjoy every story in any anthology - and this is certainly a collection worth reading. I must, however, mention to the publisher that including interviews with the author after each story is probably unnecessary, and seems a bit amateurish to me - a website link or similar would be enough for a reader to track down the writer if so minded. But pick up a copy and make your own mind up. There is certainly something for everyone to enjoy here, I'd say.
December 26, 2016
Eleven well-written, short, mostly murder stories, told by masterful storytellers.
A sprinkling of language.
Some violence (obviously the stories are about murders or murderers) but not gory.
Lots of intrigue.
A sprinkling of language.
Some violence (obviously the stories are about murders or murderers) but not gory.
Lots of intrigue.
January 24, 2017
Loved it!
These were some really wonderful and captivating short stories. All similar but also very different. Definitely makes me want to check out more work by the various authors.
These were some really wonderful and captivating short stories. All similar but also very different. Definitely makes me want to check out more work by the various authors.
April 11, 2017
I haven't read the entire anthology, but I read JC Andrijewski's Nice Guys Finish Last and really enjoyed it.
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