Undercover: Crime Shorts

by Jane Risdon

Under one cover for the first time a collection of Crime Shorts from Jane Risdon featuring previously unpublished stories which will have you on the edge of your seat. There is an extract from Jane's forthcoming novel (series) Ms Birdsong Investigates Murder at Ampney Operation Matryoshka - with the title of Undercover - for those who've been awaiting this series about a former MI5 Intelligence Office, Lavinia Birdsong. There's something for everyone who enjoys a good yarn and more twists and turns than Spaghetti Junction. Author and former detective Roger A Price Crime Shorts is the ideal companion for the crime fiction fan's daily commute. You'll run out of journey before you run out of book with this cleverly crafted mix of crime fiction short stories. Beware as you might miss your stop! Reader Gloria Clulow As with all your stories I find them intriguing and unpredictable, leaving me wanting more; I don't want them to end. Margot Kinberg, Associate Professor and author says of What a gripping story, so well written. You've packed so much 'punch' into it, loved it. I really felt the rising tension and suspicion! You've captured the suspense of it beautifully and it is such a great set-up with good characters. Reader Tina Jaray says of Wow, I could hardly breathe while I read this. Glad it was short or I would've joined the corpse! Author Dave Michael Prosser says of Murder by What a fantastic story. I was glued to the screen and stopped work which means another late night (thanks). Author Jeff Lee says of The Honey Great story. You completely blind-sided me with your twist at the end. I didn't see that one coming. Loved it. Jane is an awesome writer and an author of exceptional talent. Author Stacy Margaret Allan says of Wow, Jane, this is one of the best stories I have ever read. It doesn't matter that it is so short, I was right there with her and this blew me away. You are such a good writer!

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2019

About the author

Crime writer who dabbles in other genres if the story dictates. Included in several anthologies.

Her publisher is Headline Accent. Only One Woman co-written with Christina Jones: published Paperback and eBook. This is a story about two girls in the late 1960s in love with the same musician and how world events, the music, and fashions of the time influence their lives. Not just a love triangle, it is a powerful story of life and times in an ever-changing world. You will laugh and cry so get the tissues out.

Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Only-One-Wom...

Publication of Undercover: Crime Shorts - my first collection of short stories with a crime as the theme. Paperback and eBook.
Universal links for eBooks.
https://books2read.com/u/4jD0wo

Busy writing a series of novels Ms. Birdsong Investigates about a former MI5 Officer - who left under a cloud - and cannot sit and watch murder, drug, gun-running and people trafficking go on in her rural Oxfordshire village...

Representation: Linda Langton of Langtons International Literary Agency, New York City, USA. www.langtonsinternational.com

Formerly in the International Music Business Jane now writes full time. She has a blog on WordPress, a Facebook Author Page, and is a keen photographer so you will see some of her photos there. She likes to interact with her followers.

Jane is often a guest author on internet radio and also writes for print and online magazines.

https://JaneRisdon.com

Reviews

[Kazz Mossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven great crime stories that I really enjoyed. Each one is very different and I particularly like the first one that takes you back to a crime of the thirties.

You can read my full review on my blog - https://karensbookbuzz.wordpress.com/...

[Sally Cronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting mix of short stories all with a criminal theme…We open with a story of intrique and double dealing that follows a charasmatic redhead with her sights on the big prize and willing to use anyone she can to achieve it. The other stories reveal the darker side of people’s nature, including a writer caught up in her neighbour’s terrifying drama, a woman who leaves a will to heirs who have to complete certain tasks to inherit her money, a stalker who gets more than he bargained for and a woman with justice on her mind.

The author has created some complex characters and a number of inventive schemes and deadly plots to keep you entertained and wondering just who will get away with murder. A short read packed with intrigue and surprises.

[Allan Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining collection of crime stories. Jane Risdon is an author I want to read more of. Well done.

[Roger Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercover - Crime Shorts: is a wonderfully satisfying anthology of seven stories which transcend above the crime fiction genre providing a ripping yarn irrespective of preference. Jane Risdon has cleverly stitched together a mix of tales to suit all fans of the genre. And the last one being a taster of Jane's next crime thriller about ex-MI5 officer Lavinia Birdsong; who wouldn't want to know more about a character with such an interesting name! Highly recommended.

[Jeanice Deering · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved "Undercover: Crime Shorts" in my mailbox on Saturday afternoon. I peeked inside while I was cooking, waiting for the potatoes to be done. I could not put it down. I kept thinking, "I'll just finish this page." I kept reading in every spare moment and I was finished reading the whole thing early the next day, wishing I had more to read. I couldn't stop reading!
I highly recommend "Undercover: Crime Shorts" by Jane Risdon. You won't be able to put it down!

[J.P. Willson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eclectic collection of sinister scenarios...
See what I did there?
Seriously though, albeit short, a very good collection of stories that will leave you guessing through till the end.
Well worth a look.

[Roberta Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I take my hat off to this author. Jane Risdon has taken the genre of murder mystery short stories to a new level with this collection of six superbly different and unique stories. Each story is complete and stands alone with a proper story line which I really liked as I have read a number of short stories that feel incomplete, as if they are intended to be part of a larger work. There is also an excellent extract from a forthcoming novel included at the end as a bonus.

My personal favourite story was The Watchers which starts off on a horribly creepy note with the main character, Candice, being stalked telephonically by an unknown someone. The tension as she stands there with the telephone in her hand following the latest call is almost unbearable. "Her heart was making her blouse shake as it thudded faster and faster. Sweat ran down between her breasts and her legs felt as if they were going to give from under her. The constant ringing vibrated through her hand and up her arm." Wow! I was shaking with Candice. This story certainly is not your standard peeping Tom tale and the twist at the end is clever and unexpected.

It is difficult in a short story to get your reader to really connect with your characters as you have such a short time to do this in. Jane Risdon has done it seamlessly in this collection and I really felt for all her characters. Sweet Sable - also known as the Red Siren, a gorgeous woman with her own agenda and the determination and ruthlessness to achieve it; China, the writer next door, who gets pulled into a very strange situation involving her neighbours and the Russian Mafia; Candice the seemingly innocent victim of a stalker but who has a past; the photographers who both had "the look"; a wealthy deceased woman with an extraordinary sense of justice and humour and a successful British diplomat whose encounter with a prostitute doesn't go according to plan.

If you enjoy the murder mystery genre and like stories that are fast paced, exciting and unique, you will love this book.

[Ken Wigal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the stories in this book. Each one is a maze-like roadmap of intrigues, laden with twists, turns, and a surprise or two, that grabbed my attention right off the bat and didn't let go. More than one had me glued to my seat in suspense. I could not divert my focus from the book until I finished reading it. The last piece, "Undercover," is an extract from the author's next novel which I cannot wait to read. As an author, Jane Risdon is a natural. She pens her stories in such a manner that you can see her characters up close in their surroundings, and you can follow the action as it takes place. Her writing style is most unusual in that she can write from the standpoint of an American, from that of one who is British, or from that of anyone of any nationality she chooses. I strongly recommend the book, "Undercover: Crime Shorts," and I have the highest praise for its author, Jane Risdon.

[Paul Marriner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable collection of stories and great mix of characters. My first foray into crime short stories - great way in.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Held my interest

This is an enjoyable read. I would try more by this author.

[Pamela Allegretto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Risdon treats the reader to her rare talent for spinning well-written, unique, and memorable yarns. Her writing is uncluttered, with each carefully chosen word packing a maximum punch. I thoroughly enjoyed this imaginative compilation.

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this collection of six short stories (and an extract from the author’s book) in a little over 2 hours and found it highly engaging. Each story centers on a crime—theft, murder, revenge—most premeditated, some accidental or imaginary. And few criminals get caught, at least not by the police.

The stories are all unique with well-developed characters, great suspense, and satisfying conclusions. A few of my favorites were “Murder by Christmas” with its twisted plot, “The Honey Trap” for riling me up, and “The Look” which satisfied my desire for revenge after “The Honey Trap.” Lol. A highly recommended anthology for fans of crime and suspense stories.

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a mystery enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!

[Janice Spina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A creative compilation of short stories that were engaging, mysterious, and gripping with a few twists and surprise endings. The stories were diverse and rich in characters and storylines.

I enjoy short stories that have a punch and are unforgettable as these were. Although this was just a teaser and not a complete set of short stories I found it enjoyable and look forward to reading the complete set.

I received a copy of this book and chose to review it without compensation.

[Nik Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six varied crime stories plus a brief extract of the author's novel concerning Ms Lavinia Birdsong, a former MI5 officer. On the whole, there’s a wide variety of crime and murder offered within 92 pages which the reader feels impelled to keep turning.

You can read my full review on my blog: http://nik-writealot.blogspot.com/202...

[Beth Hildenbrand]

Fantastic collection of stories.

A fantastic collection of crime stories told with flair. Jane Risen has an amazing imagination when it comes to crime. Each story pulled me in and left me wanting more. I'm looking forward to reading more books from this Author.