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Columbus Noir
The state of Ohio could only escape the Akashic Noir Series for so long.
Akashic Books continues its award-winning series of original noir anthologies, launched in 2004 with Brooklyn Noir. Each book comprises all new stories, each one set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the respective city.
Brand-new stories by: Lee Martin, Robin Yocum, Kristen Lepionka, Craig McDonald, Chris Bournea, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, Tom Barlow, Mercedes King, Daniel Best, Laura Bickle, Yolonda Tonette Sanders, Julia Keller, Khalid Moalim, and Nancy Zafris.
From the introduction by Andrew Welsh-Huggins:
Today, Columbus is an epicenter of the opioid epidemic, awash in heroin and the even deadlier fentanyl as dealers flood the city with their wares . . . The wealth gap in the city is growing, and Columbus is now one of the deadliest places in the state for babies trying to make it to their first birthday, even more so if their mothers are African American. These days, Columbus is a place forensic investigators are moving to. Overdoses, homicides, infant mortality: at long last, we’re finally as lethal as any big American city.
In that light (and darkness) I’m pleased to present Columbus Noir, a collection of shadowy tales from the city’s best storytellers set in neighborhoods across the metropolis. Sexual passion drives many of the stories, appropriate for a genre marked by protagonists striving for things out of their reach. Racism makes an appearance or two, as do those twin pillars of noir, greed and pride. Still, a deep appreciation of Columbus runs through the book as forcefully as the swath cut by the Olentangy after a couple of days of hard rain.
Akashic Books continues its award-winning series of original noir anthologies, launched in 2004 with Brooklyn Noir. Each book comprises all new stories, each one set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the respective city.
Brand-new stories by: Lee Martin, Robin Yocum, Kristen Lepionka, Craig McDonald, Chris Bournea, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, Tom Barlow, Mercedes King, Daniel Best, Laura Bickle, Yolonda Tonette Sanders, Julia Keller, Khalid Moalim, and Nancy Zafris.
From the introduction by Andrew Welsh-Huggins:
Today, Columbus is an epicenter of the opioid epidemic, awash in heroin and the even deadlier fentanyl as dealers flood the city with their wares . . . The wealth gap in the city is growing, and Columbus is now one of the deadliest places in the state for babies trying to make it to their first birthday, even more so if their mothers are African American. These days, Columbus is a place forensic investigators are moving to. Overdoses, homicides, infant mortality: at long last, we’re finally as lethal as any big American city.
In that light (and darkness) I’m pleased to present Columbus Noir, a collection of shadowy tales from the city’s best storytellers set in neighborhoods across the metropolis. Sexual passion drives many of the stories, appropriate for a genre marked by protagonists striving for things out of their reach. Racism makes an appearance or two, as do those twin pillars of noir, greed and pride. Still, a deep appreciation of Columbus runs through the book as forcefully as the swath cut by the Olentangy after a couple of days of hard rain.
288 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2020
40 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Welsh-Huggins
51 books129 followersANDREW WELSH-HUGGINS is the Shamus Award-nominated author of the Andy Hayes private eye series, the standalone crime novel "The End of the Road," and editor of "Columbus Noir." His short fiction has appeared in "Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine," "Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine," Mystery Magazine," the anthologies "The Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2021," "Mickey Finn 21st Century Noir: Vols I and III," "Paranoia Blues: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Paul Simon," and other magazines and anthologies. Andrew's nonfiction book, "No Winners Here Tonight," is the definitive history of the death penalty in Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 26, 2020
For the most part this was a really good anthology. The stories were interesting and fun to read. It wasn’t until the end of the book that I felt the stories going down hill. All That Burns the Mind was boring at the beginning but redeemed itself at the end. Then both Long Ears and Foreign Study were just terrible and confusing. Both were hard to follow and not much action. Overall the anthology gets 4 stars from me. I could just do without the final 3 stories.
I received a free copy from the publisher and LibraryThing in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received a free copy from the publisher and LibraryThing in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 3, 2020
Just loved every one of the fourteen short stories. Each is set in a different Columbus neighborhood. Each has a twist that is perfect for the noir genre. Some of my favorite local authors contributed stories, so it was even more fun to read.
If you like mysteries, thrillers, or noir, you’ll love this collection. Kudos to Andrew Welsh-Huggins and all the other writers.
If you like mysteries, thrillers, or noir, you’ll love this collection. Kudos to Andrew Welsh-Huggins and all the other writers.
October 22, 2022
3.5 stars. Some good stories here.
April 6, 2020
The stories by Kristen Lepionka, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, Tom Barlow, and Lee Martin are great. (Star rating applies to those.)
February 16, 2020
COLUMBUS NOIR, edited by Andrew Welsh-Huggins, is one of Akashic Books latest title in its very popular, very prolific, very gritty Noir series. With over 100 titles, this anthology series has titles from countries, cities, and regions representing most of the world. From Buenos Aires to Oakland, California, to Trinidad, to Dublin, to Nairobi and back again, readers experience the absolute best of Noir writing.
Noir is the main character in all of the titles - a genre of crime fiction characterized by cynicism, fatalism and moral ambiguity. Noir is dark, raw and brooding. It is sad, cruel, selfish and greedy. Noir features cynical characters and bleak, sleazy settings.
COLUMBUS NOIR is an anthology of short stories featuring different areas/neighborhoods in Columbus, Ohio.
Every Noir anthology (that I have read) is set up in the same way. I like this familiarity, this opening up of the book and instantly feeling at home; comfortable.
Access points include an Introduction by the editor(s); a map with story locations highlighted by body (dead) outlines; a Table of Contents including 3 Parts and 14 stories; and an About the Contributors section which highlights the very talented authors.
The Introduction sets the tone for any Noir series title. The Intro in COLUMBUS NOIR by editor, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, is entitled “A capital place for killing”.
Andrew Welsh-Huggins is pleased to present “a collection of shadowy tales from the city’s best storytellers set in neighborhoods across the metropolis. Sexual passion drives many of the stories, appropriate for a genre marked by protagonists striving for things out of their reach. Racism makes an appearance or two, as do those twin pillars of noir, greed and pride. Still, a deep appreciation of Columbus runs through the book as forcefully as the swath cut by the Olentangy after a couple of days of hard rain.”
Authors include Tom Barlow, Daniel Best, Laura Bickle, Chris Bournea, Julia Keller, Mercedes King, Kristen Lepionka, Lee Martin, Craig McDonald, Khalid Moalim, Yolanda Tonette Sanders, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, Robin Yocum and Nancy Zafris.
My favorite story was “Going Places” by Andrew Welsh-Huggins, from the Ohio Statehouse. “Going Places’ was absolutely diabolical. The quote “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” has been on constant repeat in my brain since I read the story. (My deep, dark confession is that I am a bit of a fan of Beth Pendleton.)
“The Satin Fox” by Robin Yocum also stood out for me. “Gun People” was also diabolical. “Curb Appeal” was very fiendish and very sad.
Every single story epitomized the Noir genre and I enjoyed the dark nuances, the twists and turns of every single one.
Thank you to Akashic Books for the ARC (Advance Reading Copy) of COLUMBUS NOIR.
Noir is the main character in all of the titles - a genre of crime fiction characterized by cynicism, fatalism and moral ambiguity. Noir is dark, raw and brooding. It is sad, cruel, selfish and greedy. Noir features cynical characters and bleak, sleazy settings.
COLUMBUS NOIR is an anthology of short stories featuring different areas/neighborhoods in Columbus, Ohio.
Every Noir anthology (that I have read) is set up in the same way. I like this familiarity, this opening up of the book and instantly feeling at home; comfortable.
Access points include an Introduction by the editor(s); a map with story locations highlighted by body (dead) outlines; a Table of Contents including 3 Parts and 14 stories; and an About the Contributors section which highlights the very talented authors.
The Introduction sets the tone for any Noir series title. The Intro in COLUMBUS NOIR by editor, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, is entitled “A capital place for killing”.
Andrew Welsh-Huggins is pleased to present “a collection of shadowy tales from the city’s best storytellers set in neighborhoods across the metropolis. Sexual passion drives many of the stories, appropriate for a genre marked by protagonists striving for things out of their reach. Racism makes an appearance or two, as do those twin pillars of noir, greed and pride. Still, a deep appreciation of Columbus runs through the book as forcefully as the swath cut by the Olentangy after a couple of days of hard rain.”
Authors include Tom Barlow, Daniel Best, Laura Bickle, Chris Bournea, Julia Keller, Mercedes King, Kristen Lepionka, Lee Martin, Craig McDonald, Khalid Moalim, Yolanda Tonette Sanders, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, Robin Yocum and Nancy Zafris.
My favorite story was “Going Places” by Andrew Welsh-Huggins, from the Ohio Statehouse. “Going Places’ was absolutely diabolical. The quote “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” has been on constant repeat in my brain since I read the story. (My deep, dark confession is that I am a bit of a fan of Beth Pendleton.)
“The Satin Fox” by Robin Yocum also stood out for me. “Gun People” was also diabolical. “Curb Appeal” was very fiendish and very sad.
Every single story epitomized the Noir genre and I enjoyed the dark nuances, the twists and turns of every single one.
Thank you to Akashic Books for the ARC (Advance Reading Copy) of COLUMBUS NOIR.
February 29, 2020
Read my full review here: https://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot....
Columbus, Ohio, is a city that I know fairly well. My son, his wife, and my grandchildren lived there for several years when the children were young, and I currently have a niece and a nephew who live there, as well. So, the neighborhoods are familiar to me—especially German Village, which houses The Book Loft, one of the largest independent bookstores in the country.
Thus, I approached Columbus Noir, the new edition of the Akashic’s noir series with anticipation. The introduction was very appealing. The book’s editor is a journalist and author, and I really enjoyed his introduction to the idea of the ordinariness of Columbus, a concept that apparently no longer exists. He says, “Those who consider the old Columbus a comfy couch conveniently ignore the guns and knives that were hidden under the pillows.”
The collection contains 14 stories from 14 authors, including Welsh-Huggins. While the stories range in both content and quality, the most common aspects are sex and greed. Of course, some of the stories take place at Ohio State University, the pride of the state and the arch nemesis of the University of Michigan. Two of the stories introduce the reader to The Satin Fox, which must be a notorious strip club.
A story by Daniel Best is a great introduction to the well-known Short North neighborhood, and Welsh-Huggins story concerns the governor and his security guard/driver. The governor is on the short list to be Vice President, and his philandering must be covered up. A great story, by the way.
There is a very good interview with Welsh-Huggins in the Columbus Monthly. About Columbus as a setting for noir fiction, Welsh-Huggins says, “Columbus is the perfect noir package. On the ‘good’ side we have iconic neighborhoods, a diverse population, a strong economy and all our foodie and arts and fashion trend-setting. On the ‘bad’ side we struggle with opioids, street violence and political corruption. To top it off, we have a chip on our shoulders after decades of being looked down upon as ‘Cowtown,’ which sometimes makes us overeager to reach for the stars, with all the light and dark consequences of such striving.”
It's been my pleasure to review several of the Akashic Noir books over the past couple of years, and I have several more coming up. I like them because I am so curious as to the variety of interpretations of the term “noir, “ the variety of settings, and the vast numbers of authors who have contributed.
Columbus, Ohio, is a city that I know fairly well. My son, his wife, and my grandchildren lived there for several years when the children were young, and I currently have a niece and a nephew who live there, as well. So, the neighborhoods are familiar to me—especially German Village, which houses The Book Loft, one of the largest independent bookstores in the country.
Thus, I approached Columbus Noir, the new edition of the Akashic’s noir series with anticipation. The introduction was very appealing. The book’s editor is a journalist and author, and I really enjoyed his introduction to the idea of the ordinariness of Columbus, a concept that apparently no longer exists. He says, “Those who consider the old Columbus a comfy couch conveniently ignore the guns and knives that were hidden under the pillows.”
The collection contains 14 stories from 14 authors, including Welsh-Huggins. While the stories range in both content and quality, the most common aspects are sex and greed. Of course, some of the stories take place at Ohio State University, the pride of the state and the arch nemesis of the University of Michigan. Two of the stories introduce the reader to The Satin Fox, which must be a notorious strip club.
A story by Daniel Best is a great introduction to the well-known Short North neighborhood, and Welsh-Huggins story concerns the governor and his security guard/driver. The governor is on the short list to be Vice President, and his philandering must be covered up. A great story, by the way.
There is a very good interview with Welsh-Huggins in the Columbus Monthly. About Columbus as a setting for noir fiction, Welsh-Huggins says, “Columbus is the perfect noir package. On the ‘good’ side we have iconic neighborhoods, a diverse population, a strong economy and all our foodie and arts and fashion trend-setting. On the ‘bad’ side we struggle with opioids, street violence and political corruption. To top it off, we have a chip on our shoulders after decades of being looked down upon as ‘Cowtown,’ which sometimes makes us overeager to reach for the stars, with all the light and dark consequences of such striving.”
It's been my pleasure to review several of the Akashic Noir books over the past couple of years, and I have several more coming up. I like them because I am so curious as to the variety of interpretations of the term “noir, “ the variety of settings, and the vast numbers of authors who have contributed.
April 9, 2020
Columbus Noir, edited by Andrew Welsh-Huggins, is yet another strong addition to the Akashic Noir series. I have yet to read a volume I didn't thoroughly enjoy. Yes, collections will be uneven simply because there are multiple writers and each reader will find a couple more to her liking than the others, but there are no weak stories here.
I spent a lot of time in Columbus when I was in grad school at Ohio University, even though the campus was about an hour or so east(ish), so that familiarity helped to make this book even more enjoyable. That said, if you enjoy noir fiction you'll enjoy this whether you've ever been to Columbus or not. The stories might take place in specific neighborhoods but the underlying heart of each story is human first and foremost, regional second.
I would recommend this, as well as all of the noir series, for readers who like darker stories. Lovers of short fiction in general will also enjoy the overall strength of this volume.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I spent a lot of time in Columbus when I was in grad school at Ohio University, even though the campus was about an hour or so east(ish), so that familiarity helped to make this book even more enjoyable. That said, if you enjoy noir fiction you'll enjoy this whether you've ever been to Columbus or not. The stories might take place in specific neighborhoods but the underlying heart of each story is human first and foremost, regional second.
I would recommend this, as well as all of the noir series, for readers who like darker stories. Lovers of short fiction in general will also enjoy the overall strength of this volume.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
June 22, 2022
I've read quite a few of Akashic Books Noir series of books, and like most anthologies, there are always some good stories and some not as good. Much of my enjoyment in this series has been learning a little about the cities focused on in the anthology.
Columbus Noir is the first on I've read about a city that I have lived in. There were only a couple of stories that didn't quite work for me, which out of 14, isn't a bad winning percentage. What got me though is knowing the city pretty well didn't add to the stories, but detracted in someway. The references to specific streets, locations, restaurants, etc. now seemed forced like when a band plays in your hometown and shouts "Hello, Cleveland!" It almost seems like pandering.
I'm interested to know if others have a similar experience reading fiction about their hometowns like this. That said, the stories and plots and characterizations in this book were good. Nice job by all the authors. I love this series overall.
Columbus Noir is the first on I've read about a city that I have lived in. There were only a couple of stories that didn't quite work for me, which out of 14, isn't a bad winning percentage. What got me though is knowing the city pretty well didn't add to the stories, but detracted in someway. The references to specific streets, locations, restaurants, etc. now seemed forced like when a band plays in your hometown and shouts "Hello, Cleveland!" It almost seems like pandering.
I'm interested to know if others have a similar experience reading fiction about their hometowns like this. That said, the stories and plots and characterizations in this book were good. Nice job by all the authors. I love this series overall.
June 18, 2020
The editor of this volume, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, is a journalist and mystery writer. I first heard his name back in March when the Ohio governor began holding daily press conferences about the coronavirus, and then became curious about this book. (Welsh-Huggins also writes a series about Andy Hayes, former OSU Buckeye star now PI; I will be checking that series out next, because I did enjoy his short story, set in the Ohio statehouse.)
The collection is part of a Noir series by the publisher, each book focusing on a different city. I loved the local settings in this Columbus one and thought several of the authors were very clever. There were other stories I did not read, because, while I knew "noir" meant dark, I didn't quite realize that it meant "no redemption," and redemption and justice are half of my reason for reading mysteries, along with the puzzle.
The collection is part of a Noir series by the publisher, each book focusing on a different city. I loved the local settings in this Columbus one and thought several of the authors were very clever. There were other stories I did not read, because, while I knew "noir" meant dark, I didn't quite realize that it meant "no redemption," and redemption and justice are half of my reason for reading mysteries, along with the puzzle.
March 5, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this compilation of short stories. This was my first experience reading from the noir genre, and I found it quite titillating. Every story has an unexpected twist!
Each piece is written by an author who either lives in Central Ohio or has an affiliation with the area. The stories describe landmarks, stores, restaurants, attitudes and quirks of Columbus, Ohio which made reading even more interesting.
I plan on reading from the array of other city noir books available. It will be fun to read about other places I’ve frequented!
Highly recommend for a quick, enjoyable, well-written, read!
Each piece is written by an author who either lives in Central Ohio or has an affiliation with the area. The stories describe landmarks, stores, restaurants, attitudes and quirks of Columbus, Ohio which made reading even more interesting.
I plan on reading from the array of other city noir books available. It will be fun to read about other places I’ve frequented!
Highly recommend for a quick, enjoyable, well-written, read!
March 25, 2020
I greatly enjoyed all 14 authors/stories of Columbus Noir. Each was suspenseful and gritty, and neighborhoods were well detailed or described. Though a resident of the Columbus area for near 30 years, there was a neighborhood or two that I wasn’t familiar with, at least by name. My favorite story was Gun People by Kristen Lepionka.
I have not yet other books in the Noir series, but will read Pittsburgh and Chicago, and other cities I’m familiar with
I have not yet other books in the Noir series, but will read Pittsburgh and Chicago, and other cities I’m familiar with
April 7, 2020
A Gritty Taste of Columbus.
Loved this book. So fun how the authors wove Columbus landmarks into their short stories. Liked them all, but I especially loved the totally noir tale, The Satin Fox by Robin Yocum about his star-crossed love, An Agreeable Wife for a Suitable Husband by Mercedes King for its 70s feel and ending, and Going Places for its cautionary tale about political life. Recommend highly for those who like good stories, and especially for past or present denizens of Columbus.
Loved this book. So fun how the authors wove Columbus landmarks into their short stories. Liked them all, but I especially loved the totally noir tale, The Satin Fox by Robin Yocum about his star-crossed love, An Agreeable Wife for a Suitable Husband by Mercedes King for its 70s feel and ending, and Going Places for its cautionary tale about political life. Recommend highly for those who like good stories, and especially for past or present denizens of Columbus.
June 15, 2025
Requested this from library because of a local PBS program about Ohio authors. And I do love me some noir. Really enjoyed most of the stories in this anthology. The format introduced me to some new authors I'm eager to try. Also nice to know about the noir anthologies set in other cities (Akashi Books) across U.S. and around the world. May be able to sate my Nordic noir needs and explore other towns and cities.
June 19, 2020
To me, it felt like most of the stories could have taken place just about anywhere, and random landmarks and streets were thrown in there to make it “Columbus”. That being said, I would give “The Dead and the Quiet” four stars as it is definitely is the strongest of the entire collection, while none of the others seemed to be at the same quality.
October 25, 2020
I still have a few stories to read in this anthology, but I am loving it. Dark, seedy stories set in Columbus, Ohio ... but noir fans ought to dig them even if you’ve never been to the Buckeye State.
My review is here: https://stevegoblefiction.wordpress.c...
My review is here: https://stevegoblefiction.wordpress.c...
September 13, 2021
Full review here:
https://jamesgenrebooks.blogspot.com/...
Do I wish it was more like what I was hoping for? Yes. I would have even settled for more realistic Tales From the Crypt style stories, where the morality play is there, but wrapped in such shenanigans to make it easier to swallow.
https://jamesgenrebooks.blogspot.com/...
Do I wish it was more like what I was hoping for? Yes. I would have even settled for more realistic Tales From the Crypt style stories, where the morality play is there, but wrapped in such shenanigans to make it easier to swallow.
September 15, 2020
Great noir book! Diverse and compelling stories, all united by their grittiness, noir-nesa, and of course, the city of Columbus. I'd say this is a must read for any Ohioans who are fans of crime stories, gumshoe detectives, and frightened homeowners making terrible mistakes.
July 2, 2021
Didn't really know what I was expecting when I went into this but I low-key didn't expect it to be this dark? I wanted to read other cities but now don't want to read the cities I love because I don't want to taint them. Shit hits deeper when you know EXACTLY where each story takes place
June 16, 2023
I would give this book a 3.5 rating. I definitely had trouble finishing this book, it does get a little bit boring. But there are some very good stories in here. I don’t think that I hated any of the stories it’s just some of them were a little lackluster.
August 26, 2024
There is large series of these "individual specific city" noir books of short stories. This may be the second I have read. A couple duds at the end but some good ones mixed in too. Find your city, or the city you want to read about, and check it out.
March 31, 2020
loved reading about my former hometown by some of my favorite local authors.
May 26, 2020
(3.5/5)
This is overall an entertaining collection. I particularly enjoyed the middle section of the book, Capital Offenses, and felt it generally contained the strongest stories of the collection.
This is overall an entertaining collection. I particularly enjoyed the middle section of the book, Capital Offenses, and felt it generally contained the strongest stories of the collection.
July 12, 2020
An excellent collection of noir stories set in Columbus, Ohio
February 25, 2021
Probably 3.5 stars. But I was always excited to keep reading and I loved the neighborhood settings around Columbus (including my own Eastmoor!).
October 5, 2021
A collection of noir in and around Columbus. Most all were very intriguing, couldn't put the book down good. Loved and would recommend it.
July 19, 2022
Drops a lot of names and locations; otherwise unrecognizable.
December 31, 2023
The twist and turns of short story noir are entertaining, especially in the backdrop of Columbus, OH, locales.
July 1, 2024
depressing stories, but that's the genre. They were really good.
August 21, 2024
Not what I expected but at least it was an easy read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews