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When a Stranger Comes to Town
ANTHONY AWARD FINALIST FOR BEST ANTHOLOGYIncluding NYT bestselling author Michael Connelly’s story “Avalon,” soon to be adapted for television by David E. Kelley. "The very best of what crime fiction should deliver." -New York Journal of BooksThe latest Mystery Writers of America story collection, featuring surprising, page-turning twists on the genre from some of the top bestsellers and award winners in crime fictionIt’s been said that all great literature boils down to one of two stories—a man takes a journey, or a stranger comes to town. While mystery writers have been successfully using both approaches for generations, there’s something undeniably alluring in the nature of a the uninvited guest, the unacquainted neighbor, the fish out of water.No matter how or where they appear, strangers are walking mysteries, complete unknowns in once-familiar territories who disrupt our lives with unease and wonder. In the newest collection of stories by the Mystery Writers of America, each author weaves a fresh tale surrounding the eerie feeling that comes when a stranger enters our midst, featuring stories by prolific mystery writers such as Michael Connelly, Dean Koontz and Joe Hill.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2021
312 people are currently reading
3687 people want to read
About the author
Michael Koryta
54 books2,528 followersMichael Koryta (pronounced Ko-ree-ta) is the New York Times-bestselling author of 14 suspense novels. His work has been praised by Stephen King, Michael Connelly, Lee Child, Dean Koontz, James Patterson, Dennis Lehane, Daniel Woodrell, Ron Rash, and Scott Smith among many others, and has been translated into more than 20 languages. His books have won or been nominated for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Edgar® Award, Shamus Award, Barry Award, Quill Award, International Thriller Writers Award, and the Golden Dagger. They've been selected as "best books of the year" by publications as diverse as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Amazon.com, O the Oprah Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, People, Reader's Digest, iBooks, and Kirkus Reviews.
His recent thriller Those Who Wish Me Dead was named the summer's best thriller by both Amazon and Entertainment Weekly, and was selected as one of the year's best books by more than 10 publications. The audio version was named one of the best audio books of the year, as well, the second time that Robert Petkoff's narration of Michael's work has earned such an honor. The novel is currently being adapted as a major motion picture by 20th Century Fox.
Michael's previous work ranges from a trio of supernatural novels--So Cold the River, The Cypress House, and The Ridge, which were all named New York Times notable books of the year and earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly--to stand-alone crime novels such as The Prophet (A New York Times bestseller) and Envy the Night (selected as a Reader's Digest condensed book), to a series of award-winning novels featuring private investigator Lincoln Perry--Tonight I Said Goodbye, Sorrow's Anthem, A Welcome Grave, and The Silent Hour.
Various film and television adaptations of the books are underway, with The Prophet, So Cold the River, The Cypress House, and Those Who Wish Me Dead all optioned as feature films, and the Lincoln Perry series and The Ridge being developed for television. Michael has written for the screen in both feature film and television. Oscar and Emmy winners are attached to every project.
Before turning to writing full-time, Michael worked as a private investigator and as a newspaper reporter, and taught at the Indiana University School of Journalism. He began working for a private investigator as an intern while in high school, turned it into his day job in the early stages of his writing career, and still maintains an interest in the firm. As a journalist, he won numerous awards from the Society of Professional Journalists.
Michael's first novel, the Edgar-nominated Tonight I Said Goodbye was accepted for publication when he was 20 years old. He wrote his first two published novels before graduating from college, and was published in nearly 10 languages before he fulfilled the "writing requirement" classes required for his diploma.
Michael was raised in Bloomington, Indiana, where he graduated from Bloomington North High School in 2001, and later graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. In 2008 he was honored as a "distinguished young alumni" by Indiana University, and in 2010 he was named "distinguished alumni' by the criminal justice department.
Michael's passions outside of writing and reading involve a variety of outdoor pursuits - hiking, camping, boating, and fishing are all likely to occupy his free time when he's not working on a new book. Some of his favorite spots in the world are the Beartooth Mountains, the setting of Those Who Wish Me Dead and a place to which he returns at least twice a year; the flowages of the Northwoods in Wisconsin, where he began fishing with his father as a child and still returns each fall; St. Petersburg, FL, and the Maine coast.
His recent thriller Those Who Wish Me Dead was named the summer's best thriller by both Amazon and Entertainment Weekly, and was selected as one of the year's best books by more than 10 publications. The audio version was named one of the best audio books of the year, as well, the second time that Robert Petkoff's narration of Michael's work has earned such an honor. The novel is currently being adapted as a major motion picture by 20th Century Fox.
Michael's previous work ranges from a trio of supernatural novels--So Cold the River, The Cypress House, and The Ridge, which were all named New York Times notable books of the year and earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly--to stand-alone crime novels such as The Prophet (A New York Times bestseller) and Envy the Night (selected as a Reader's Digest condensed book), to a series of award-winning novels featuring private investigator Lincoln Perry--Tonight I Said Goodbye, Sorrow's Anthem, A Welcome Grave, and The Silent Hour.
Various film and television adaptations of the books are underway, with The Prophet, So Cold the River, The Cypress House, and Those Who Wish Me Dead all optioned as feature films, and the Lincoln Perry series and The Ridge being developed for television. Michael has written for the screen in both feature film and television. Oscar and Emmy winners are attached to every project.
Before turning to writing full-time, Michael worked as a private investigator and as a newspaper reporter, and taught at the Indiana University School of Journalism. He began working for a private investigator as an intern while in high school, turned it into his day job in the early stages of his writing career, and still maintains an interest in the firm. As a journalist, he won numerous awards from the Society of Professional Journalists.
Michael's first novel, the Edgar-nominated Tonight I Said Goodbye was accepted for publication when he was 20 years old. He wrote his first two published novels before graduating from college, and was published in nearly 10 languages before he fulfilled the "writing requirement" classes required for his diploma.
Michael was raised in Bloomington, Indiana, where he graduated from Bloomington North High School in 2001, and later graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. In 2008 he was honored as a "distinguished young alumni" by Indiana University, and in 2010 he was named "distinguished alumni' by the criminal justice department.
Michael's passions outside of writing and reading involve a variety of outdoor pursuits - hiking, camping, boating, and fishing are all likely to occupy his free time when he's not working on a new book. Some of his favorite spots in the world are the Beartooth Mountains, the setting of Those Who Wish Me Dead and a place to which he returns at least twice a year; the flowages of the Northwoods in Wisconsin, where he began fishing with his father as a child and still returns each fall; St. Petersburg, FL, and the Maine coast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
March 24, 2021
“ All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town”
And so the theme for this collection was born. I’ve always thought one of the biggest challenges for any writer is to pen a great short story. It’s just so damn hard to successfully create something that feels complete, delivers/makes a point & entertains within the confines of the format.
Here we have 19 shorties built around the arrival of a stranger. Through a variety of settings & periods they encompass the weird, the evil, the poignant, the surreal & the downright spooky. As always, individual favourites will vary but everyone will find a new-to-them author to toss on their TBR pile. Here’s a few personal standouts.
“Relative Stranger” by Amanda Witt: I liked & cared about these people immediately which made the story all the more intense. *Warning*…contains a really, really creepy character.
“Avalon” by Michael Connelly: a taut & clever read from the master storyteller.
“Here’s to New Friends” by Jacqueline Freimor. New author for me & I have to say….Ms. F, I like your style (and your twists).
“Room for One More” by Joe R. Lansdale: another veteran writer who knows how to get under your skin in record time. Best line….”I like to poke” 😱😱😱
“Tokyo Stranger” by Tina deBellegarde: a simple, elegant story that was poignant & touching
“Assignment: Sheepshead Bay” by Paul Barra: any time a story includes a dog named Ethyl, count me in.
“A Six Letter Word for Neighbour” by Lisa Unger: the take-away is if your next door neighbour brings you cookies, do NOT piss them off. Lesson learned.
Bring on the next one!
3.5 stars
And so the theme for this collection was born. I’ve always thought one of the biggest challenges for any writer is to pen a great short story. It’s just so damn hard to successfully create something that feels complete, delivers/makes a point & entertains within the confines of the format.
Here we have 19 shorties built around the arrival of a stranger. Through a variety of settings & periods they encompass the weird, the evil, the poignant, the surreal & the downright spooky. As always, individual favourites will vary but everyone will find a new-to-them author to toss on their TBR pile. Here’s a few personal standouts.
“Relative Stranger” by Amanda Witt: I liked & cared about these people immediately which made the story all the more intense. *Warning*…contains a really, really creepy character.
“Avalon” by Michael Connelly: a taut & clever read from the master storyteller.
“Here’s to New Friends” by Jacqueline Freimor. New author for me & I have to say….Ms. F, I like your style (and your twists).
“Room for One More” by Joe R. Lansdale: another veteran writer who knows how to get under your skin in record time. Best line….”I like to poke” 😱😱😱
“Tokyo Stranger” by Tina deBellegarde: a simple, elegant story that was poignant & touching
“Assignment: Sheepshead Bay” by Paul Barra: any time a story includes a dog named Ethyl, count me in.
“A Six Letter Word for Neighbour” by Lisa Unger: the take-away is if your next door neighbour brings you cookies, do NOT piss them off. Lesson learned.
Bring on the next one!
3.5 stars
January 5, 2021
"All great literature is one of two stories, a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town." "The stranger could be the hero or the villain. The town could be welcoming or hostile."
This latest anthology of the Mystery Writers' of America focuses on the eerie, unsettling feeling created by strangers among us. The nineteen dark short stories are a reader's delight. Here are a few of this reader's favorites.
Kohinoor by Smita Harish Jain
"Kohinoor was the dancer that had captured Mumbai-first as an enigma, then as an icon...men would spend their hard earned money on a bar dancer". The morality police decided that these "dens of wickedness" must be closed. The Dance Bar Workers' Union would fight the morality police with morality.
Avalon by Michael Connelly
Searcy, an LAPD detective, worked on the island of Avalon. Although he was preparing for an upcoming trial as the main witness in a murder case, his daily routine consisted of watching passengers disembark from the pier on the 7:10 each morning. A man in a green windbreaker, gun tucked into his waistband and carrying no luggage caught Searcy's eye . He couldn't be a day worker-no tools. What was the stranger's agenda?
Room for One More by Joe Lansdale
Jackson was a hitchhiker. "No one wanted to stop for a stranger...Especially now that it was night and the moon was thin...He wasn't a serial killer...all of his murders were for a financial reason...steal enough to live through the day". A house...fancy looking car...no noticeable security cameras. "Doll" and "Guy" were focused on the same potential target.
Exit Now by Emilya Naymark
Fergie, now an unemployed toy designer, lived in Old Town Beach, Maine. "Lately...the toys he built felt a lie, a promise to children the world would not keep. How did his manager's name appear on all documents including his patent for a drone." Fergie secured a job assembling rides and manning booths along the boardwalk for the summer season. Melissa Fraser, carnival owner, found a message on her cell phone demanding $20,000. Blame Fergie...he was tall, big boned and his outward appearance inspired fear.
P.F.A. by Michael Koryta
"Janice Jardine could be convincing or exhausting. Either way, what Janice Jardine wanted, she got". She was determined to have an adjacent lot rezoned as buildable property. Converting to a taxable parcel, Janice would pay the tax bill. Her goal, build a house for her son and his family. When new neighbors Lily and Riley Goodwin moved in next door to Janice, she greeted them with a home baked pie and paperwork. "I don't want to see you guys get off on the wrong foot in this town".
A Six Letter Word for Neighbor by Lisa Unger
A new neighbor, an antiquarian art restorer, moved into the house next door to Jayme. She was delighted that he could fix her great grandfather's pocket watch circa 1800's, the only momento she had of her parents. Restorer Carlton Wilson thought the watch just needed winding, cleaning and a little love. Come back tomorrow to pick it up. Cost-no charge. The next day, Carlton claimed he never met Jayme before and she never asked for a pocket watch to be fixed.
"When a Stranger Comes to Town" edited by Michael Koryta is a fun filled mystery compilation. In each appearance by a stranger, lives were altered, some getting their comeuppance, others getting to shine. Read it and judge for yourself!
Thank you HARLEQUIN/Hanover Square Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This latest anthology of the Mystery Writers' of America focuses on the eerie, unsettling feeling created by strangers among us. The nineteen dark short stories are a reader's delight. Here are a few of this reader's favorites.
Kohinoor by Smita Harish Jain
"Kohinoor was the dancer that had captured Mumbai-first as an enigma, then as an icon...men would spend their hard earned money on a bar dancer". The morality police decided that these "dens of wickedness" must be closed. The Dance Bar Workers' Union would fight the morality police with morality.
Avalon by Michael Connelly
Searcy, an LAPD detective, worked on the island of Avalon. Although he was preparing for an upcoming trial as the main witness in a murder case, his daily routine consisted of watching passengers disembark from the pier on the 7:10 each morning. A man in a green windbreaker, gun tucked into his waistband and carrying no luggage caught Searcy's eye . He couldn't be a day worker-no tools. What was the stranger's agenda?
Room for One More by Joe Lansdale
Jackson was a hitchhiker. "No one wanted to stop for a stranger...Especially now that it was night and the moon was thin...He wasn't a serial killer...all of his murders were for a financial reason...steal enough to live through the day". A house...fancy looking car...no noticeable security cameras. "Doll" and "Guy" were focused on the same potential target.
Exit Now by Emilya Naymark
Fergie, now an unemployed toy designer, lived in Old Town Beach, Maine. "Lately...the toys he built felt a lie, a promise to children the world would not keep. How did his manager's name appear on all documents including his patent for a drone." Fergie secured a job assembling rides and manning booths along the boardwalk for the summer season. Melissa Fraser, carnival owner, found a message on her cell phone demanding $20,000. Blame Fergie...he was tall, big boned and his outward appearance inspired fear.
P.F.A. by Michael Koryta
"Janice Jardine could be convincing or exhausting. Either way, what Janice Jardine wanted, she got". She was determined to have an adjacent lot rezoned as buildable property. Converting to a taxable parcel, Janice would pay the tax bill. Her goal, build a house for her son and his family. When new neighbors Lily and Riley Goodwin moved in next door to Janice, she greeted them with a home baked pie and paperwork. "I don't want to see you guys get off on the wrong foot in this town".
A Six Letter Word for Neighbor by Lisa Unger
A new neighbor, an antiquarian art restorer, moved into the house next door to Jayme. She was delighted that he could fix her great grandfather's pocket watch circa 1800's, the only momento she had of her parents. Restorer Carlton Wilson thought the watch just needed winding, cleaning and a little love. Come back tomorrow to pick it up. Cost-no charge. The next day, Carlton claimed he never met Jayme before and she never asked for a pocket watch to be fixed.
"When a Stranger Comes to Town" edited by Michael Koryta is a fun filled mystery compilation. In each appearance by a stranger, lives were altered, some getting their comeuppance, others getting to shine. Read it and judge for yourself!
Thank you HARLEQUIN/Hanover Square Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2021
Lots of short stories with varying authors and limited number of good ones. The negative subject matter provides minimal inspiration for the reader or listener. 3 of 10 stars
December 28, 2020
This was an above-average collection of short stories. A quotation attributed to many past authors states, "All great literature is about two stories; a man goes on a journey, or a stranger comes to town." This anthology of short stories is about encounters with strangers, some pleasant but many deadly.
This collection contains stories by 19 talented crime writers. I was unfamiliar with the majority of names but enjoyed most of these short stories. My personal favourites were by Amanda Witt, Lisa Unger, Michael Koryta, and Jonathan Stone, but I also admired most others. This volume is recommended to fans of crime writing (in the short story format).
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Press, for the advance digital copy in return for an honest review.
This collection contains stories by 19 talented crime writers. I was unfamiliar with the majority of names but enjoyed most of these short stories. My personal favourites were by Amanda Witt, Lisa Unger, Michael Koryta, and Jonathan Stone, but I also admired most others. This volume is recommended to fans of crime writing (in the short story format).
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Press, for the advance digital copy in return for an honest review.
November 20, 2023
3.5 stars.
An entertaining collection of short story thrillers!
Solomon Wept by SA Cosby - 4+ stars!
Relative Stranger by Amanda Witt - 3 stars
Seat to See by Alafair Burke - 3.5 stars
Kohe Noir by Smita Harish Jain - 3.5 stars
Avalon by Michael Connelly - 4+ stars!
Here’s To New Friends by Jacqueline Freimor - 5 stars!
Room For One More by Joe R Landsdale - 4 stars!
Exit Now by Emilya Naymark - 3 stars
A Six Letter Word for Neighbor by Lisa Unger - 4.5 stars
Howard’s Heart by Bryon Quertermous - 3.5 stars
Perfect Strangers by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs - 3.5 stars
Do You Remember by Lori Roy - 2 stars
Assignment by Paul A Barra - 2.5 stars
P F A by Michael Koryta - 4 stars!
Genius by Elaine Togneri - 4.5 stars! Favourite narration
Ruskies by Jonathan Stone - 5 stars!
A Different Kind Of Healing by Steve Hamilton - 4 stars!
Tokyo Stranger by Tina Debellegar - 3.5 stars
Blessed Fair by Joe Hill - 4.5 stars!
Listened to audio - recommend! 🎧
An entertaining collection of short story thrillers!
Solomon Wept by SA Cosby - 4+ stars!
Relative Stranger by Amanda Witt - 3 stars
Seat to See by Alafair Burke - 3.5 stars
Kohe Noir by Smita Harish Jain - 3.5 stars
Avalon by Michael Connelly - 4+ stars!
Here’s To New Friends by Jacqueline Freimor - 5 stars!
Room For One More by Joe R Landsdale - 4 stars!
Exit Now by Emilya Naymark - 3 stars
A Six Letter Word for Neighbor by Lisa Unger - 4.5 stars
Howard’s Heart by Bryon Quertermous - 3.5 stars
Perfect Strangers by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs - 3.5 stars
Do You Remember by Lori Roy - 2 stars
Assignment by Paul A Barra - 2.5 stars
P F A by Michael Koryta - 4 stars!
Genius by Elaine Togneri - 4.5 stars! Favourite narration
Ruskies by Jonathan Stone - 5 stars!
A Different Kind Of Healing by Steve Hamilton - 4 stars!
Tokyo Stranger by Tina Debellegar - 3.5 stars
Blessed Fair by Joe Hill - 4.5 stars!
Listened to audio - recommend! 🎧
April 20, 2021
I'm not generally the biggest fan of short stories, but this collection appealed to me because it includes stories by some of my favorite mystery writers. As with many anthologies, this one had some strong hits and also some misses. I really enjoyed the stories by Lisa Unger (this one was a bit longer than the most, giving me more time to connect with the characters and the narrative) and Michael Koryta.
There were a few stories that started strongly and then devolved into confusion for me, and others that had a very obvious twist included just to have a twist. Overall I'm glad I read it and fortunately, if I wasn't connecting with a story I could just move on to the next one. It is worth picking up, especially if you like mystery stories and want to fit in one or two during a bit of free time.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
There were a few stories that started strongly and then devolved into confusion for me, and others that had a very obvious twist included just to have a twist. Overall I'm glad I read it and fortunately, if I wasn't connecting with a story I could just move on to the next one. It is worth picking up, especially if you like mystery stories and want to fit in one or two during a bit of free time.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
April 21, 2021
A SIX-LETTER WORD FOR NEIGHBOR is my contribution to this Mystery Writers of America story collection, WHEN A STRANGER COMES TO TOWN, edited by the wonderful Michael Koryta. Hope you enjoy all of the stories!
Jayne, a reclusive writer is doing her crossword puzzle and minding her own business when a moving van comes rumbling up the street. Great. New Neighbors. The house next store has been pleasantly empty for a couple of years after the family living there moved out, leaving behind their dog Scout. Now Jayne and Scout, who Jayne has adopted, watch as the new man moves in next door. He seems a little strange. Not very friendly. But at least he cleans up the place.
When Jayne learns that her new neighbor restores antiques, she decides to bring him her deceased father’s old watch for repair. But when she goes to retrieve it, he pretends to never have met her. She calls the police; he calls her crazy. True, she’s had her problems. Since “the accident,” there are things she can’t remember. Things she doesn’t want to remember. Still, she knows a thief when she sees one.
When Jayne’s other next door neighbor Ralph becomes convinced that the new guy is up to no good, Jayne and Ralph investigate. An internet search reveals that the antiques restorer has a history of accusations against him, and is connected to a missing persons case. But chasing after him is going to get then into more trouble than they can handle, and Jayne will have to face some ugly truths about both of her neighbors — and herself.
Jayne, a reclusive writer is doing her crossword puzzle and minding her own business when a moving van comes rumbling up the street. Great. New Neighbors. The house next store has been pleasantly empty for a couple of years after the family living there moved out, leaving behind their dog Scout. Now Jayne and Scout, who Jayne has adopted, watch as the new man moves in next door. He seems a little strange. Not very friendly. But at least he cleans up the place.
When Jayne learns that her new neighbor restores antiques, she decides to bring him her deceased father’s old watch for repair. But when she goes to retrieve it, he pretends to never have met her. She calls the police; he calls her crazy. True, she’s had her problems. Since “the accident,” there are things she can’t remember. Things she doesn’t want to remember. Still, she knows a thief when she sees one.
When Jayne’s other next door neighbor Ralph becomes convinced that the new guy is up to no good, Jayne and Ralph investigate. An internet search reveals that the antiques restorer has a history of accusations against him, and is connected to a missing persons case. But chasing after him is going to get then into more trouble than they can handle, and Jayne will have to face some ugly truths about both of her neighbors — and herself.
May 18, 2021
Living in a very small town I have found that one of the most used phrases here is "there's a stranger in town." Living in the city is so different - who would know if someone is a stranger or not? But here, everyone knows. Are they here for good for bad? That's always the question.
When A Stranger Comes to Town is a compilation of short stories based on the premise of a stranger in our midst. Admittedly there were some stories that I enjoyed more than others and, surprisingly, some of those were by "new to me" authors. Of course, there also are stories by some of the best mystery writers of today: Michael Connolly, Dean Koontz and Joe Hill (shivers on the thought of Hill and his entry) but you'll find a collection of really good mysteries throughout the book.
This would make a great summer read because you read each mystery at your leisure, at the beach or beside the pool, in between innings. ;) This one is a great addition to my library and one I highly recommend.
When A Stranger Comes to Town is a compilation of short stories based on the premise of a stranger in our midst. Admittedly there were some stories that I enjoyed more than others and, surprisingly, some of those were by "new to me" authors. Of course, there also are stories by some of the best mystery writers of today: Michael Connolly, Dean Koontz and Joe Hill (shivers on the thought of Hill and his entry) but you'll find a collection of really good mysteries throughout the book.
This would make a great summer read because you read each mystery at your leisure, at the beach or beside the pool, in between innings. ;) This one is a great addition to my library and one I highly recommend.
Want to read
February 10, 2021Thank you, Hanover Square Press, for the ARC!!
The fact that there is a story included from Joe Hill is reason enough to pick this up, but truly it sounds like a thrilling collection overall. Excited to dive in!
The fact that there is a story included from Joe Hill is reason enough to pick this up, but truly it sounds like a thrilling collection overall. Excited to dive in!
March 10, 2021
Interesting collection of short stories - crime, mystery, different. Some really good, some so-so. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There’s nothing like a good creep out session. This collection of stories is a great place to start.
What I like about it was that it had a big collection of different types of stories all based on the theme of a stranger. Some stories were very good and there were a few that were not my cup of tea and didn’t really fit the criteria of stranger danger in my opinion. Overall, Koryta picked some awesome authors to contribute to this book!
There are many names of authors in here I’m sure you have heard of and love to read. The length of the stories is perfect for a quickie read or sit and enjoy many at a time.
Here’s a quick recap of a few of the stories that caught my attention. Just a taste to let you know who and what type of stories are in here. There are plenty of others too!
Avalon by Michael Connelly – Small town sheriff and a murder for hire
Here’s to New Friends by Jacqueline Freimor – Stranger on a train. But who’s the good friend
Room For One More By Joe R. Lansdale – Caught in a twist of fate
A Six-Letter Word For Neighbor by Lisa Unger- A creepy neighbor and a murderous affair
Perfect Strangers by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs – The perfect set up
Do You Remember by Lori Roy – Psychological murder mystery
P.F.A. By Michael Koryta – Welcome to the neighborhood gift
They sound great, right?
Overall, this is a nice collection. I love the variation of stories, and of course, the theme itself puts you in the right frame of mind. All that stranger danger we’re taught kind of gives us the creeps to begin with! These authors know how to capitalize on that!
* copy received for review consideration
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/when-a-stran...
There’s nothing like a good creep out session. This collection of stories is a great place to start.
What I like about it was that it had a big collection of different types of stories all based on the theme of a stranger. Some stories were very good and there were a few that were not my cup of tea and didn’t really fit the criteria of stranger danger in my opinion. Overall, Koryta picked some awesome authors to contribute to this book!
There are many names of authors in here I’m sure you have heard of and love to read. The length of the stories is perfect for a quickie read or sit and enjoy many at a time.
Here’s a quick recap of a few of the stories that caught my attention. Just a taste to let you know who and what type of stories are in here. There are plenty of others too!
Avalon by Michael Connelly – Small town sheriff and a murder for hire
Here’s to New Friends by Jacqueline Freimor – Stranger on a train. But who’s the good friend
Room For One More By Joe R. Lansdale – Caught in a twist of fate
A Six-Letter Word For Neighbor by Lisa Unger- A creepy neighbor and a murderous affair
Perfect Strangers by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs – The perfect set up
Do You Remember by Lori Roy – Psychological murder mystery
P.F.A. By Michael Koryta – Welcome to the neighborhood gift
They sound great, right?
Overall, this is a nice collection. I love the variation of stories, and of course, the theme itself puts you in the right frame of mind. All that stranger danger we’re taught kind of gives us the creeps to begin with! These authors know how to capitalize on that!
* copy received for review consideration
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/when-a-stran...
March 16, 2022
И Соломон заплака / С. А. Козби
Проститутка, току-що излязла от затвора ще направи всичко по силите си, за да си върне бебето. Кратко и нищо особено като изпълнение.
Непознат роднина / Аманда Уит
Двама първи братовчеди, носещи еднакви имена, но тръгнали по съвсем различни пътища. Хареса ми.
Място 2С / Алафеър Бърк
Банална история за възрастна богата дама и потенциален годеник.
Кохинор / Смита Харис Джейн
Сетингът е любопитен – Бомбай и клубовете с танцьорки, по които мъжете си губят ума. Изпълнението е плоско.
Авалон / Майкъл Конъли
Чичо Майк ги разбира нещата, а в малкото градче на остров Каталина може и да стане доста напечено… Класно изпълнение!
Наздраве за новите приятели / Джаклин Фреймор
Пътуване във вечерен влак и още нещо. Хареса ми.
Място за още един / Джо Р. Лансдейл
Кратко и не лошо разказче, но Джо може да пише като звяр, а тука по-скоро е отбил номера.
Излезте сега / Емилия Неймарк
Пришълец в Олд Таун Бийч, Мейн се хваща на временна работа към местния лунапарк. Биваше.
Дума за съсед с пет букви / Лиса Ангър
Най-дългото произведение и по скромното ми мнение перлата в сборника. На новия съсед, реставратор на антики май-май не му е чиста работата, хм-хм...
Сърцето на Хауърд / Брион Кертемос
Кратко, сладко и наивно. Мъж, поддържал любовна връзка онлайн решава да види на живо обекта на въжделенията си.
Напълно непознати / Талия Клебенов Джейкъбс
Разказ за обирджии, изпълнен с любопитни подробности за щатските магазини, в които легално се продава марихуана. Хареса ми.
Помниш ли? / Лори Рой
Твърде засукана ми дойде тая творба и нещо не успях да я схвана напълно. Съседски интриги и дом с мрачна слава.
Мисия: Шийпсхед бей / Пол А. Бара
Наемен убиец поема поръчка от руски мафиот. Блага финална врътка.
ХОД / Майкъл Корита
Заглавието на разказа е абревиатура на израза хора от далече, а градската клюкарка и интригантка ще си го получи подобаващо…
Гений / Илейн Танери
Внимание спойлери, ама… кой по дяволите се опитва да убие човек, като забучи кабърче в гумата на автомобила му, надявайки се да се спука, докато кара с висока скорост… Или да намаже със скариди мундщука на саксофона му, за да го умори от анафилактичен шок. Гениално чупене на тъпомера, Илейн
Руснаци / Джонатан Стоун
Параноичен фермер промива мозъците на синовете си в годините на Студената война. Биваше.
Различен вид лекуване / Стив Хамилтън
Медицинска сестра взема правосъдието в свои ръце. Биваше.
Непознат в Токио / Тина Дебелегард
Таксиметров шофьор се забърква с якудза. Кратко и прилично.
Последен курс / Джо Хил
Синковецът на Краля нямаше как да не се отчете подобаващо с мистериозна творба, размесваща реалност и фантазия. Алкохоличка пътува към рехабилитационния център в компанията на доста странен таксиметров шофьор. Сносно изпълнение.
Проститутка, току-що излязла от затвора ще направи всичко по силите си, за да си върне бебето. Кратко и нищо особено като изпълнение.
Непознат роднина / Аманда Уит
Двама първи братовчеди, носещи еднакви имена, но тръгнали по съвсем различни пътища. Хареса ми.
Място 2С / Алафеър Бърк
Банална история за възрастна богата дама и потенциален годеник.
Кохинор / Смита Харис Джейн
Сетингът е любопитен – Бомбай и клубовете с танцьорки, по които мъжете си губят ума. Изпълнението е плоско.
Авалон / Майкъл Конъли
Чичо Майк ги разбира нещата, а в малкото градче на остров Каталина може и да стане доста напечено… Класно изпълнение!
Наздраве за новите приятели / Джаклин Фреймор
Пътуване във вечерен влак и още нещо. Хареса ми.
Място за още един / Джо Р. Лансдейл
Кратко и не лошо разказче, но Джо може да пише като звяр, а тука по-скоро е отбил номера.
Излезте сега / Емилия Неймарк
Пришълец в Олд Таун Бийч, Мейн се хваща на временна работа към местния лунапарк. Биваше.
Дума за съсед с пет букви / Лиса Ангър
Най-дългото произведение и по скромното ми мнение перлата в сборника. На новия съсед, реставратор на антики май-май не му е чиста работата, хм-хм...
Сърцето на Хауърд / Брион Кертемос
Кратко, сладко и наивно. Мъж, поддържал любовна връзка онлайн решава да види на живо обекта на въжделенията си.
Напълно непознати / Талия Клебенов Джейкъбс
Разказ за обирджии, изпълнен с любопитни подробности за щатските магазини, в които легално се продава марихуана. Хареса ми.
Помниш ли? / Лори Рой
Твърде засукана ми дойде тая творба и нещо не успях да я схвана напълно. Съседски интриги и дом с мрачна слава.
Мисия: Шийпсхед бей / Пол А. Бара
Наемен убиец поема поръчка от руски мафиот. Блага финална врътка.
ХОД / Майкъл Корита
Заглавието на разказа е абревиатура на израза хора от далече, а градската клюкарка и интригантка ще си го получи подобаващо…
Гений / Илейн Танери
Внимание спойлери, ама… кой по дяволите се опитва да убие човек, като забучи кабърче в гумата на автомобила му, надявайки се да се спука, докато кара с висока скорост… Или да намаже със скариди мундщука на саксофона му, за да го умори от анафилактичен шок. Гениално чупене на тъпомера, Илейн
Руснаци / Джонатан Стоун
Параноичен фермер промива мозъците на синовете си в годините на Студената война. Биваше.
Различен вид лекуване / Стив Хамилтън
Медицинска сестра взема правосъдието в свои ръце. Биваше.
Непознат в Токио / Тина Дебелегард
Таксиметров шофьор се забърква с якудза. Кратко и прилично.
Последен курс / Джо Хил
Синковецът на Краля нямаше как да не се отчете подобаващо с мистериозна творба, размесваща реалност и фантазия. Алкохоличка пътува към рехабилитационния център в компанията на доста странен таксиметров шофьор. Сносно изпълнение.
January 1, 2021
Nineteen stories by an all-star cast of mystery writers. The best of the bunch were the first two "Solomon Wept" by S .A. Cosby, "Relative Stranger" by Amanda Witt, and "Avalon" by Michael Connelly.
August 6, 2023
With a premise that “allows the author plenty of freedom” this mystery anthology was nicely varied and exciting. Featuring global locales, dastardly villains, assassins-for-hire, and one VERY nosy neighbor, each story fabulously envisioned what happens when someone (or someTHING) “other” enters the tale. Of particular note were, “Here’s to New Friends” by Jacqueline Freimor; “A Six-Letter Word for Neighbor” by Lisa Unger, and “Last Fare” by Joe Hill. Highly recommended!
April 15, 2021
Review to follow!
May 21, 2021
Wasn't sure I would enjoy short crime fiction but there were some good stories here. Really enjoyed the Lisa Unger story.
6/10
6/10
August 4, 2021
I always have a hard time getting through short story compliations. I really don't know why but I've realized that I enjoy them much more when I listen to them. When a Stranger Comes to Town is really great because there is one common theme between all of the stories and that is the Stranger. There is such a variety of storytelling here that shows that crime doesn't always have to be gruesome or disturbing but it is almost always sinister. My favorites from this anthology are Solomon Wept, Kohinoor, Here's to New Friends, A Six-Letter Word for Neighbor, Perfect Strangers, and P.F.A.
July 20, 2021
This is an excellent crime anthology around the concept of a stranger coming to town. Each writer takes their own approach and the stories, for the most part, are fresh and compelling. As an anthology, I found the quality of stories consistently high, with only one or two weaker ones. STand out stories by SA Cosby, Amanda Witt, Michael Connolly and Elaine Togneri. Overall, highly recommended.
November 18, 2022
The Mystery Writers of America have been publishing more-or-less annual anthologies for decades. When a Stranger Comes to Town is their entry for 2021. All nineteen of the stories here are original to this volume. The editors of these anthologies are themselves mystery writers; the editor of this book is Michael Koryta.
Koryta's Introduction is short but informative, acknowledging that some of the authors here are stars in the field but there are others with whom many readers might not be familiar.
All the recent volumes in this series have themes. This book is about the impact of having a stranger come to a new place. In some of these stories, the strangers are a force for good; in others, they are not - not, indeed, good at all.
There are frequently stories in these anthologies that barely - if at all - relate to the theme. For example, three of the stories in this book have "stranger" in their title; I think that two of those have scant connection to the theme other than their titles. Other stories as well do not have much to do with strangers arriving. That does not mean that these are poor stories, just that I wonder why they are in this particular book.
Two of the stories in this book were chosen for "best of the year" collections. They are "Avalon" by Michael Connelly and "Here's to New Friends" by Jacqueline Freimor. These are both fine stories and both adhere to the specified theme. "Avalon" is, I think, exactly the kind of tale that was intended for this anthology. A police officer is working in the town of Avalon on the island of Catalina in California. He sees a man getting off a ferry to the island and not acting like a typical tourist; then he realizes that the man has a gun. The officer comes to believe that the man is there to kill him.
The narrator of "Here's to New Friends" by Jacqueline Freimor begins as an observer, watching a predatory man on a train trying to convince a young woman to let him drive her from the station to her destination. The narrator manages to warn the woman that trusting that fellow passenger would put her in danger. She is grateful, and perfectly willing to accept a ride from her new friend, the narrator.
"Seat 2C" by Alafair Burke appears on the list of distinguished mystery tales that were given strong consideration for being chosen for one of the "best of the year" collections. A wealthy and successful seventy year old woman, looking and feeling much younger than that, goes every year to a resort in the Caribbean. She and her late husband had met there and returned annually throughout their very happy marriage, always taking the same airplane seats, one of which was 2C. Now she has met and (quickly) become engaged to a younger man. One interesting factor in this story is the recognition of the effect COVID has had on our lives.
Koryta's introduction refers to S. A. Cosby's "Solomon Wept" as a "particularly delightful read." As good - and powerful - as this is, I would not describe anything this dark as "delightful." A Black woman, a former prostitute, gets out of prison to find that the man who had been her pimp had sold her baby to a White couple. She wants her son back.
Koryta's own entry in the book, "P.F.A.," on the other hand, is almost delightful - in a macabre sort of way. A young couple who say that they are from Florida has bought a house in Maine. Their neighbor is a widow, a domineering, greedy, snoopy woman. That woman has a personal reason for wanting to get ownership of an additional plot of land, currently zoned as a green space, in that neighborhood. She has bullied all the other neighbors into agreeing, but the new folks are very concerned about maintaining their privacy.
The only other story in the anthology which might be considered comic is "Perfect Strangers" by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs. The narrator is a man recently paroled after serving time for armed robbery. His cellmate has made some suggestions about ways to improve his robbery technique. Now it's time to see if this all works.
Two other stories here also emphasize the importance of planning ahead. In both of them, children have been taught what to do in specific types of emergencies. In "Relative Stranger" (perfect title!) by Amanda Witt, a rural family in an isolated setting respond to a threat.
The farm family in Jonathan Stone's tale "Russkies" is prepared for a Russian invasion - not, perhaps, all that likely in Indiana, but it's always best to be ready.
Some of the stories are set outside the United States. In addition to parts of the already mentioned "Seat 2C," one of the other such stories is "Kohinoor" by Smita Harish Jain. The narrator tells of a situation in India, in which the "morality police" "openly threatened young couples holding hands in the park, loudly chastised female college students drinking in bars and even inflicted violence on restaurant owners advertising Valentine's Day specials." Naturally they want to end the practice of having female dancers in bars. The best of these dancers in Mumbai is the lovely Kohinoor, who has been imprisoned. But the dancers and their friends have a plan...
In "Tokyo Stranger" by Tina deBellegarde, a hired driver in Tokyo has a weekly fare bringing a young woman to assignations that have been arranged by the man who pays that driver. He returns later to drive the girl back. On a particular evening, the driver has been informed that the man to whom the girl is being taken is important - "a yakuza boss or worse." The young woman reminds the driver of his own daughter. And on this night, things become much more complicated.
There is another story in which one of the major characters is a driver and the other is his passenger. This is "Last Fare" by Joe Hill. A woman is going to a sanitarium in New Mexico to try to recover from her alcoholism. This is 1960, on election night, when Kennedy and Nixon were the opposing candidates. She says farewell to her husband and boards a train, saying ,"I'm not going to show up there drunk," a resolve that fades almost immediately. She is very drunk when she gets out of the train and stumbles over to a cab, and begins a ride that changes her life. The driver is an honored member of the Universal Flying Saucer Party. This is in no way a mystery story; it is either science fiction or fantasy. I think it is one of the best stories in the book. (I know a couple of fervid Hill fans, but I think that this may be the first thing by him that I have read. I may need to do something about that.)
The narrator of "Howard's Heart" by Bryon Quertermous is another hired driver; he is also a former pastor, a former parole officer, and a part-time private detective. He picks up a fare at the airport. His passenger says that it is his birthday and he is on his way to meet his girlfriend in person for the first time. She is a dancer at the Mile High Club. The driver is understandably concerned about his passenger's welfare. This and "Last Fare" are surprisingly sweet.
Steve Hamilton's "A Different Kind of Healing" mixes some sweetness with a story about sexual assault and vengeance. A nurse had a good life in Texas until it was disrupted by violence. She moved to New York and began working in a hospital Emergency Department.
COVID is a factor in this story as well, as it spreads across the country - just one of the horrors that the nurse encounters.
The reliably fine author Lisa Unger has a strange story of a woman trying to deal with a different trauma, "A Six-Letter Word for Neighbor." She lives at home with her dog, rarely going out. She is a book reviewer, a perfect occupation for someone who largely eschews human contact. Her parents are dead and she has some estrangement from her brother. She is friendly with one neighbor, a male school teacher with a sort of fixation on a former girlfriend. Another person moves into their neighborhood, a man who is a professional restorer of antiques. Perhaps he could fix her late father's watch. Parts of this seem very unlikely to me, but I do like it.
Unger's story is somewhat complex. Lori Roy's story "Do You Remember" is considerably more so. This has alternating sections, some in third person narration, the rest a letter being written by a woman to someone whose identity is not immediately disclosed. Some of the story takes place in the past, at the time a death occurred. Another death occurs in the present. This is an unsettling tale.
Elaine Togneri's story "Genius" begins "How smart do you have to be to kill a genius? I'm about to find out." The narrator has a reason to seek revenge against a gifted musician.
Joe R. Lansdale has a very Lansdale-ian tale, "Room for One More," a non-supernatural horror story. A man breaks into a house, intending to rob and, if necessary, to kill. But the best-laid plans...
A man and his dog dock his boat and go to an appointment. The man is named Percy and the dog is Ethyl - somewhat unexpected names for a professional killer and his companion. Paul A. Barra's "Assignment: Sheepshead Bay" is dark and cynical.
I am concluding with "Exit Now" by Emilya Naymark, both because it is a fine use of the book's theme and because the end of this story also could be a very appropriate ending for the book as a whole. A large, strong, very kind man is drifting, having recently walked away from his job. He had been a toy designer, whose latest invention, a marvelous, infinitely adaptable drone, had been dishonestly credited to the man's supervisor. The man takes a job at a carnival. He befriends an abused child. And things, as they often do, go very much awry. The one real problem with this story is that it relies on a most improbable (although fairly prepared) coincidence.
A brief observation: One of these stories has what I have mentioned in earlier reviews is a trope that always annoys me (even if it doesn't seem to bother anyone else). A narrator turns out to be dead and is either simply thinking at the moment of dying about what has taken place in the story or is narrating from some kind of afterlife.
As with most anthologies, I like some of these stories and do not like others. At least two I consider quite poor. The ones that I especially like are "Avalon" by Michael Connelly, "A Different Kind of Healing" by Steve Hamilton, "Last Fare" by Joe Hill, "P.F.A." by Michael Koryta, "A Six-Letter Word for Neighbor" by Lisa Unger (with some reservations), and "Relative Stranger" by Amanda Witt.
Koryta's Introduction is short but informative, acknowledging that some of the authors here are stars in the field but there are others with whom many readers might not be familiar.
All the recent volumes in this series have themes. This book is about the impact of having a stranger come to a new place. In some of these stories, the strangers are a force for good; in others, they are not - not, indeed, good at all.
There are frequently stories in these anthologies that barely - if at all - relate to the theme. For example, three of the stories in this book have "stranger" in their title; I think that two of those have scant connection to the theme other than their titles. Other stories as well do not have much to do with strangers arriving. That does not mean that these are poor stories, just that I wonder why they are in this particular book.
Two of the stories in this book were chosen for "best of the year" collections. They are "Avalon" by Michael Connelly and "Here's to New Friends" by Jacqueline Freimor. These are both fine stories and both adhere to the specified theme. "Avalon" is, I think, exactly the kind of tale that was intended for this anthology. A police officer is working in the town of Avalon on the island of Catalina in California. He sees a man getting off a ferry to the island and not acting like a typical tourist; then he realizes that the man has a gun. The officer comes to believe that the man is there to kill him.
The narrator of "Here's to New Friends" by Jacqueline Freimor begins as an observer, watching a predatory man on a train trying to convince a young woman to let him drive her from the station to her destination. The narrator manages to warn the woman that trusting that fellow passenger would put her in danger. She is grateful, and perfectly willing to accept a ride from her new friend, the narrator.
"Seat 2C" by Alafair Burke appears on the list of distinguished mystery tales that were given strong consideration for being chosen for one of the "best of the year" collections. A wealthy and successful seventy year old woman, looking and feeling much younger than that, goes every year to a resort in the Caribbean. She and her late husband had met there and returned annually throughout their very happy marriage, always taking the same airplane seats, one of which was 2C. Now she has met and (quickly) become engaged to a younger man. One interesting factor in this story is the recognition of the effect COVID has had on our lives.
Koryta's introduction refers to S. A. Cosby's "Solomon Wept" as a "particularly delightful read." As good - and powerful - as this is, I would not describe anything this dark as "delightful." A Black woman, a former prostitute, gets out of prison to find that the man who had been her pimp had sold her baby to a White couple. She wants her son back.
Koryta's own entry in the book, "P.F.A.," on the other hand, is almost delightful - in a macabre sort of way. A young couple who say that they are from Florida has bought a house in Maine. Their neighbor is a widow, a domineering, greedy, snoopy woman. That woman has a personal reason for wanting to get ownership of an additional plot of land, currently zoned as a green space, in that neighborhood. She has bullied all the other neighbors into agreeing, but the new folks are very concerned about maintaining their privacy.
The only other story in the anthology which might be considered comic is "Perfect Strangers" by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs. The narrator is a man recently paroled after serving time for armed robbery. His cellmate has made some suggestions about ways to improve his robbery technique. Now it's time to see if this all works.
Two other stories here also emphasize the importance of planning ahead. In both of them, children have been taught what to do in specific types of emergencies. In "Relative Stranger" (perfect title!) by Amanda Witt, a rural family in an isolated setting respond to a threat.
The farm family in Jonathan Stone's tale "Russkies" is prepared for a Russian invasion - not, perhaps, all that likely in Indiana, but it's always best to be ready.
Some of the stories are set outside the United States. In addition to parts of the already mentioned "Seat 2C," one of the other such stories is "Kohinoor" by Smita Harish Jain. The narrator tells of a situation in India, in which the "morality police" "openly threatened young couples holding hands in the park, loudly chastised female college students drinking in bars and even inflicted violence on restaurant owners advertising Valentine's Day specials." Naturally they want to end the practice of having female dancers in bars. The best of these dancers in Mumbai is the lovely Kohinoor, who has been imprisoned. But the dancers and their friends have a plan...
In "Tokyo Stranger" by Tina deBellegarde, a hired driver in Tokyo has a weekly fare bringing a young woman to assignations that have been arranged by the man who pays that driver. He returns later to drive the girl back. On a particular evening, the driver has been informed that the man to whom the girl is being taken is important - "a yakuza boss or worse." The young woman reminds the driver of his own daughter. And on this night, things become much more complicated.
There is another story in which one of the major characters is a driver and the other is his passenger. This is "Last Fare" by Joe Hill. A woman is going to a sanitarium in New Mexico to try to recover from her alcoholism. This is 1960, on election night, when Kennedy and Nixon were the opposing candidates. She says farewell to her husband and boards a train, saying ,"I'm not going to show up there drunk," a resolve that fades almost immediately. She is very drunk when she gets out of the train and stumbles over to a cab, and begins a ride that changes her life. The driver is an honored member of the Universal Flying Saucer Party. This is in no way a mystery story; it is either science fiction or fantasy. I think it is one of the best stories in the book. (I know a couple of fervid Hill fans, but I think that this may be the first thing by him that I have read. I may need to do something about that.)
The narrator of "Howard's Heart" by Bryon Quertermous is another hired driver; he is also a former pastor, a former parole officer, and a part-time private detective. He picks up a fare at the airport. His passenger says that it is his birthday and he is on his way to meet his girlfriend in person for the first time. She is a dancer at the Mile High Club. The driver is understandably concerned about his passenger's welfare. This and "Last Fare" are surprisingly sweet.
Steve Hamilton's "A Different Kind of Healing" mixes some sweetness with a story about sexual assault and vengeance. A nurse had a good life in Texas until it was disrupted by violence. She moved to New York and began working in a hospital Emergency Department.
COVID is a factor in this story as well, as it spreads across the country - just one of the horrors that the nurse encounters.
The reliably fine author Lisa Unger has a strange story of a woman trying to deal with a different trauma, "A Six-Letter Word for Neighbor." She lives at home with her dog, rarely going out. She is a book reviewer, a perfect occupation for someone who largely eschews human contact. Her parents are dead and she has some estrangement from her brother. She is friendly with one neighbor, a male school teacher with a sort of fixation on a former girlfriend. Another person moves into their neighborhood, a man who is a professional restorer of antiques. Perhaps he could fix her late father's watch. Parts of this seem very unlikely to me, but I do like it.
Unger's story is somewhat complex. Lori Roy's story "Do You Remember" is considerably more so. This has alternating sections, some in third person narration, the rest a letter being written by a woman to someone whose identity is not immediately disclosed. Some of the story takes place in the past, at the time a death occurred. Another death occurs in the present. This is an unsettling tale.
Elaine Togneri's story "Genius" begins "How smart do you have to be to kill a genius? I'm about to find out." The narrator has a reason to seek revenge against a gifted musician.
Joe R. Lansdale has a very Lansdale-ian tale, "Room for One More," a non-supernatural horror story. A man breaks into a house, intending to rob and, if necessary, to kill. But the best-laid plans...
A man and his dog dock his boat and go to an appointment. The man is named Percy and the dog is Ethyl - somewhat unexpected names for a professional killer and his companion. Paul A. Barra's "Assignment: Sheepshead Bay" is dark and cynical.
I am concluding with "Exit Now" by Emilya Naymark, both because it is a fine use of the book's theme and because the end of this story also could be a very appropriate ending for the book as a whole. A large, strong, very kind man is drifting, having recently walked away from his job. He had been a toy designer, whose latest invention, a marvelous, infinitely adaptable drone, had been dishonestly credited to the man's supervisor. The man takes a job at a carnival. He befriends an abused child. And things, as they often do, go very much awry. The one real problem with this story is that it relies on a most improbable (although fairly prepared) coincidence.
A brief observation: One of these stories has what I have mentioned in earlier reviews is a trope that always annoys me (even if it doesn't seem to bother anyone else). A narrator turns out to be dead and is either simply thinking at the moment of dying about what has taken place in the story or is narrating from some kind of afterlife.
As with most anthologies, I like some of these stories and do not like others. At least two I consider quite poor. The ones that I especially like are "Avalon" by Michael Connelly, "A Different Kind of Healing" by Steve Hamilton, "Last Fare" by Joe Hill, "P.F.A." by Michael Koryta, "A Six-Letter Word for Neighbor" by Lisa Unger (with some reservations), and "Relative Stranger" by Amanda Witt.
June 14, 2021
This is a mix. Mostly violent.
2.5 stars rounded up for a few good ones. This started off pretty well in story lengths especially. At the 2/3rds point of the page counts, I felt the common theme was nearly totally lost within mayhem and murder.
Suffice it to say few, if any, of the strangers who arrive are decent or have conscience. And that the tension is pumped up immensely and to life/death situations extremely quickly in many of these.
There were a few, like Connolly's that were absurd in any reality anywhere. And some that others liked in their reviews of each story by list that made me laugh more than made me question or feel as possible. Very different reaction than what they had.
But there is evidence of immense imagination toward revenge, greed, etc. for sure.
I've only read two of these and this one was better than the first, Koryta's Introduction very good, in fact. At least you have a sense of what you will get. Unger's I didn't like at all. Way too long- novella more than short story. Very much like her novels, IMHO. I've only read one and she is a no go for me. The one from an unknown new author with the adopted child was atrocious. No imagination needed. UGH!
Short stories, even the best, don't do it at all for me. Most of the characters in all of these seem like cartoon or comic cut outs. Couldn't a stranger coming to town be a good intent drifter like Reacher? And maybe one do gooder story other than murdering people for revenge or karma happenstance? I guess authors don't much go there when the twist is so hard and fast.
2.5 stars rounded up for a few good ones. This started off pretty well in story lengths especially. At the 2/3rds point of the page counts, I felt the common theme was nearly totally lost within mayhem and murder.
Suffice it to say few, if any, of the strangers who arrive are decent or have conscience. And that the tension is pumped up immensely and to life/death situations extremely quickly in many of these.
There were a few, like Connolly's that were absurd in any reality anywhere. And some that others liked in their reviews of each story by list that made me laugh more than made me question or feel as possible. Very different reaction than what they had.
But there is evidence of immense imagination toward revenge, greed, etc. for sure.
I've only read two of these and this one was better than the first, Koryta's Introduction very good, in fact. At least you have a sense of what you will get. Unger's I didn't like at all. Way too long- novella more than short story. Very much like her novels, IMHO. I've only read one and she is a no go for me. The one from an unknown new author with the adopted child was atrocious. No imagination needed. UGH!
Short stories, even the best, don't do it at all for me. Most of the characters in all of these seem like cartoon or comic cut outs. Couldn't a stranger coming to town be a good intent drifter like Reacher? And maybe one do gooder story other than murdering people for revenge or karma happenstance? I guess authors don't much go there when the twist is so hard and fast.
April 20, 2021
When a Stranger Comes to Town contains 19 short stories (from 19 different authors) with one theme – strangers! I found that this was a very interesting concept. It made for lots of excellent stories where the stranger wreaks havoc.
I typically don’t read too many collections, but I’m really glad I choose this one. I enjoyed the majority of the stories and found some new authors to check out. Here are some of my favourites!
Seat 2C by Alafair Burke – a widow meeting a new man on a flight. I love Alafair Burke and I was so disappointed when the story was over, I wanted so much more!
Avalon by Michael Connelly – Mysterious man comes to the island of Avalon. I was hooked on the mystery man and why he had come to the island. Very suspenseful!
Here’s to New Friends by Jacqueline Freimor – creepy stranger on the train! This one shocked me! Need to check out more by the author, such an easy writing style that had me wanting more.
A Six Letter Word for Neighbor by Lisa Unger – A new next door neighbour moves in. Loved the twist! You never know who your neighbour is!
Perfect Strangers by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs – the perfect robbery? I loved the background of the robber and how the author set up the robbery. And of course the ending was too perfect. Loved it!
PFA by Michael Koryta – a nosy neighbor. OMG, my favourite of the bunch. I had no idea where it was going and I was so shocked. Loved every word and of course wanted more!
Genius by Elaine Togneri – attempting to kill a musician. So funny. I was loving the narrator’s attempts and was trying to see if they would be successful.
Tokyo Stranger by Tina deBellegarde – a driver making a tough decision. Was surprised by this one. Was more emotional than the others.
Check out this collection! So many great short stories that will have you second guessing when a stranger appears!
Thank you to Netgallery and HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing (U.S. & Canada) for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I typically don’t read too many collections, but I’m really glad I choose this one. I enjoyed the majority of the stories and found some new authors to check out. Here are some of my favourites!
Seat 2C by Alafair Burke – a widow meeting a new man on a flight. I love Alafair Burke and I was so disappointed when the story was over, I wanted so much more!
Avalon by Michael Connelly – Mysterious man comes to the island of Avalon. I was hooked on the mystery man and why he had come to the island. Very suspenseful!
Here’s to New Friends by Jacqueline Freimor – creepy stranger on the train! This one shocked me! Need to check out more by the author, such an easy writing style that had me wanting more.
A Six Letter Word for Neighbor by Lisa Unger – A new next door neighbour moves in. Loved the twist! You never know who your neighbour is!
Perfect Strangers by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs – the perfect robbery? I loved the background of the robber and how the author set up the robbery. And of course the ending was too perfect. Loved it!
PFA by Michael Koryta – a nosy neighbor. OMG, my favourite of the bunch. I had no idea where it was going and I was so shocked. Loved every word and of course wanted more!
Genius by Elaine Togneri – attempting to kill a musician. So funny. I was loving the narrator’s attempts and was trying to see if they would be successful.
Tokyo Stranger by Tina deBellegarde – a driver making a tough decision. Was surprised by this one. Was more emotional than the others.
Check out this collection! So many great short stories that will have you second guessing when a stranger appears!
Thank you to Netgallery and HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing (U.S. & Canada) for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 25, 2021
Themed anthologies of any genre can be a hit-or-miss affair for any number of reasons. Happily, this is never the case with those commissioned by Mystery Writers of America (MWA). Each editor selecting the stories brings their A game to the task, and each contributing author does as well, whether they be world-famous or in the process of building an audience.
Even with MWA’s stellar reputation, WHEN A STRANGER COMES TO TOWN is special. Michael Koryta, the editor of this volume, notes in his introduction that all great literature comes from one of two points of origin: either a character starts on a journey, or a stranger comes to town. Koryta takes the latter point of departure, and the result is 19 original and highly rewarding tales.
Let’s begin with two familiar names whose stories have an element in common other than the book’s overarching theme. “Seat 2C” by Alafair Burke begins within the somewhat pedestrian confines of a storage facility but travels far beyond it and back again as a woman of mature age becomes an amateur detective out of necessity. Michael Connelly introduces a new character in “Avalon,” in which a law enforcement officer on Santa Catalina Island believes himself to be the target of a visiting assassin and gets a surprise. Each of these stories could be “grown” into a much larger work if the authors so desire and their characters cooperate. Paul A. Barra’s “Assignment: Sheepshead Bay” also falls into this category. The story is superb, but Percy Fletcher, a hitman who himself becomes a target, could launch an anthology of his own. There are a couple of twists at the end, and you might see one of them coming.
Renowned writer Joe R. Lansdale is also included here with “Room for One More,” which features an opportunistic, hitchhiking thief who is not above killing when necessary. If you have a penchant for picking up road travelers, you will end that practice after reading this story. “Solomon Wept” by S. A. Cosby opens the collection and is just as impressive as BLACKTOP WASTELAND, his debut novel. It takes readers into the deep end of human depravity while ending the tale on a haunting note of redemption and sacrifice. Koryta, who is best known for his longer fiction in unusual settings, contributes “P.F.A.,” which is a bit of a departure for him. Here he presents a battle of wills --- and more --- when the head of a neighborhood association meets her match as she takes on a new neighbor over a land grab attempt with unexpected results.
My favorite story (and it was hard to pick just one) comes at the end: Joe Hill’s “Last Fare,” which is set in New Mexico on the night of the 1960 Presidential election. A woman is in a cab reluctantly headed to an alcohol rehabilitation clinic on the back end of the state. The driver gives her an unexpected sightseeing tour that will be impossible for anyone to forget. I will be amazed if it isn’t at least shortlisted across multiple genres for “Best Short Story.” It is worth the price of admission all by itself.
You get all of this and more in one volume, with no reading speed bumps, from the first page to the last. Each author provides a twist or two not only in the plot, but also in what constitutes a “stranger.”
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
Even with MWA’s stellar reputation, WHEN A STRANGER COMES TO TOWN is special. Michael Koryta, the editor of this volume, notes in his introduction that all great literature comes from one of two points of origin: either a character starts on a journey, or a stranger comes to town. Koryta takes the latter point of departure, and the result is 19 original and highly rewarding tales.
Let’s begin with two familiar names whose stories have an element in common other than the book’s overarching theme. “Seat 2C” by Alafair Burke begins within the somewhat pedestrian confines of a storage facility but travels far beyond it and back again as a woman of mature age becomes an amateur detective out of necessity. Michael Connelly introduces a new character in “Avalon,” in which a law enforcement officer on Santa Catalina Island believes himself to be the target of a visiting assassin and gets a surprise. Each of these stories could be “grown” into a much larger work if the authors so desire and their characters cooperate. Paul A. Barra’s “Assignment: Sheepshead Bay” also falls into this category. The story is superb, but Percy Fletcher, a hitman who himself becomes a target, could launch an anthology of his own. There are a couple of twists at the end, and you might see one of them coming.
Renowned writer Joe R. Lansdale is also included here with “Room for One More,” which features an opportunistic, hitchhiking thief who is not above killing when necessary. If you have a penchant for picking up road travelers, you will end that practice after reading this story. “Solomon Wept” by S. A. Cosby opens the collection and is just as impressive as BLACKTOP WASTELAND, his debut novel. It takes readers into the deep end of human depravity while ending the tale on a haunting note of redemption and sacrifice. Koryta, who is best known for his longer fiction in unusual settings, contributes “P.F.A.,” which is a bit of a departure for him. Here he presents a battle of wills --- and more --- when the head of a neighborhood association meets her match as she takes on a new neighbor over a land grab attempt with unexpected results.
My favorite story (and it was hard to pick just one) comes at the end: Joe Hill’s “Last Fare,” which is set in New Mexico on the night of the 1960 Presidential election. A woman is in a cab reluctantly headed to an alcohol rehabilitation clinic on the back end of the state. The driver gives her an unexpected sightseeing tour that will be impossible for anyone to forget. I will be amazed if it isn’t at least shortlisted across multiple genres for “Best Short Story.” It is worth the price of admission all by itself.
You get all of this and more in one volume, with no reading speed bumps, from the first page to the last. Each author provides a twist or two not only in the plot, but also in what constitutes a “stranger.”
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
June 7, 2021
When a Stranger Comes to Town is a collection of mystery and thriller short stories and was edited by Michael Koryta. Though I imagine it's the promise of another Joe Hill short story that will have caught many reader's attention (as well as all of the other amazing authors in this anthology).
This anthology includes a variety of short stories, including Solomon Wept by S.A. Cosby, Relative Stranger by Amanda Witt, Seat 2C by Alafair Burke, Kohinoor by Smitha Harish Jain, Avalon by Michael Connelly, Here's to New Friends by Jacqueline Freimor, Room for One More by Joe R. Lansdale, Now by Emilya Naymark, A Six-Letter Word for Neighbor by Lisa Unger. Howard's Heart by Bryon Quertermous, Perfect Strangers by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs, Do You Remember by Lori Roy, Assignment: Sheepshead Bay by Paul A. Barra, P.F.A. By Michael Koryta, Genius by Elaine Togneri, Russkies by Jonathan Stone, A Different Kind of Healing by Steve Hamilton, Tokyo Stranger by Tina de Bellegarde, and Last Fare by Joe Hill.
"There are nineteen dark treats ahead for you, and my job is to shut up and get out of your way so you can get on to the main event."
Solomon Wept by S.A. Cosby
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Solomon Wept was a decent read and a pretty solid start to this anthology, all things considered. It read as more of a classic mystery than anything else, which isn't a bad thing by any means.
"That's what happened when you were a pimp and one of your girls stabbed a date who was the son of a Richmond city councilman."
Relative Stranger by Amanda Witt
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
If you're looking to get creeped out, then you should probably read Relative Stranger (and if creepy strangers freak you out, you should probably just stay clear). It's an intense read, with characters that really came to life despite such a short time on the page.
"Glory's heart gave a startled thud; her cheeks flushed hot."
Seat 2C by Alafair Burke
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
This was an interesting read! Maybe it's just the reader in me, but I kind of loved the premise of it all—a widow who travels to the same place at the same time every year. Only to get targeted by...someone. I won't spoil it.
"I swore I'd never give up my beloved hardbacks."
Kohinoor by Smitha Harish Jain
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Mystery meets morality in Kohinoor, as police war against the darker parts of the world, all while raising questions about lines in the sand.
"I stood outside the prison's massive iron gates, waiting for the warden to arrive."
Avalon by Michael Connelly
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Avalon read so perfectly like a mystery novel that I was surprised when it ended so quickly. That's how you know a story has sunk its claws into you! I wouldn't have mind seeing more of this tale, though what was here was complete and interesting.
"Watching the strangers was an exercise. It kept his skills sharp."
Here's to New Friends by Jacqueline Freimor
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Coming back around to that creepy stranger concept but with a few different twists this time around. I really liked Freimor's writing style and will probably check out more of her work in the future.
"I'm an observer, as both my profession and my avocation have trained me to be."
Room for One more by Joe R. Lansdale
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
This story is the perfect example of why you do not stop and pick up hitchhikers, no matter how desperate they may seem. Need I say more?
"If they stopped, he was going to rob them."
Now by Emilya Naymark
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
I really enjoyed the setup for Now, as it took the time to set the tone before throwing us into the mystery of the world/plot. It gave us plenty of time to appreciate the character and their nuances.
"His GPS lady had an Irish accent and reminded him of his aunt Maura, who also loved issuing directions."
A Six-Letter Word for Neighbor by Lisa Unger
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
This is an odd yet compelling read and is probably not the best one to read if you're already feeling inclined not to trust new neighbors. I love Lisa Unger's writing and am adding her to the list of authors to check out after this.
"Great. New neighbors.
They left the dog."
Howard's Heart by Bryon Quertermous
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Howard's Heart was another interesting addition to this anthology, though if I'm brutally honest, it's largely forgettable. I remember liking it, but I didn't remember anything about it after the fact.
"Howard told me three things before he died."
Perfect Strangers by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Looking for a robber story? Check out Perfect Strangers. It's got robbery, planning, the works, which made for a fun and thrilling read.
"I am not good at armed robbery, but when Dougal told me about the new cannabis dispensaries, I figured third time was the charm."
Do You Remember by Lori Roy
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
I'm conflicted about Do You Remember. On the one hand, I really did enjoy the writing. On the other hand, this was another short that I had to look up and double-check before sitting down to write about it.
"I wonder if it brings you job to know she's dead."
Assignment: Sheepshead Bay by Paul A. Barra
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Assignment: Sheepshead is arguably the story with the most intriguing name out of the entire collection. It was a thrilling read and gets bonus points for including an adorable dog named Ethyl (I'm a sucker for dogs in mysteries, so sue me).
"She was Fletcher's home, facilitating his peripatetic life as an assassin for hire."
P.F.A. By Michael Koryta
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
I feel like the pull quote for this short will do a better job than I could of explaining the dark and intriguing nature of it.
"Janice was swell at putting on a smiling mask when her heart was a cold black fist and her mind a whirlpool of red tides."
Genius by Elaine Togneri
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
I loved the premise of this one, a man trying to kill a genius? It was oddly funny, come to think of it. I'm not sure if that was intentional, but it certainly was the end result.
"How smart do you have to be to kill a genius? I'm about to find out."
Russkies by Jonathan Stone
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Russkies felt like the most traditional thriller of the bunch, which can be considered either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you look at it.
"Well...why don't you tell me first how you happened to be there in the bomb shelter?"
A Different Kind of Healing by Steve Hamilton
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
I really liked the different perspectives and takes for A Different Kind of Healing. It isn't every day you see a mystery from the other side of the hospital room (er, an emergency room, in this case, I guess).
"By the time the stretcher bangs through the doors, the attending physician and three nurses, including Charlotte, are already gowned and masked."
Tokyo Stranger by Tina deBellegarde
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
If you're looking for a short that has you on the edge of your seat while you try and put the pieces of the puzzle together, it's got to be Tokyo Stranger. There's an air of mystery surrounding this one, no pun intended.
“Konbanwa, Saksaki-san.”
“Konbanwa, Yuki-chan.”
Last Fare by Joe Hill
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Last but not least, we have the Last Fare by Joe Hill. I enjoyed the narrative and the writing for this one, though I do still have a question here and there. I'm okay with some lingering questions from a mystery, though; it gives me something to ponder once I'm done.
"I hope you're on your way somewhere safe," he said, "I hope there's someone to take care of you."
Thanks to Hanover Square Press and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
This anthology includes a variety of short stories, including Solomon Wept by S.A. Cosby, Relative Stranger by Amanda Witt, Seat 2C by Alafair Burke, Kohinoor by Smitha Harish Jain, Avalon by Michael Connelly, Here's to New Friends by Jacqueline Freimor, Room for One More by Joe R. Lansdale, Now by Emilya Naymark, A Six-Letter Word for Neighbor by Lisa Unger. Howard's Heart by Bryon Quertermous, Perfect Strangers by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs, Do You Remember by Lori Roy, Assignment: Sheepshead Bay by Paul A. Barra, P.F.A. By Michael Koryta, Genius by Elaine Togneri, Russkies by Jonathan Stone, A Different Kind of Healing by Steve Hamilton, Tokyo Stranger by Tina de Bellegarde, and Last Fare by Joe Hill.
"There are nineteen dark treats ahead for you, and my job is to shut up and get out of your way so you can get on to the main event."
Solomon Wept by S.A. Cosby
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Solomon Wept was a decent read and a pretty solid start to this anthology, all things considered. It read as more of a classic mystery than anything else, which isn't a bad thing by any means.
"That's what happened when you were a pimp and one of your girls stabbed a date who was the son of a Richmond city councilman."
Relative Stranger by Amanda Witt
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
If you're looking to get creeped out, then you should probably read Relative Stranger (and if creepy strangers freak you out, you should probably just stay clear). It's an intense read, with characters that really came to life despite such a short time on the page.
"Glory's heart gave a startled thud; her cheeks flushed hot."
Seat 2C by Alafair Burke
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
This was an interesting read! Maybe it's just the reader in me, but I kind of loved the premise of it all—a widow who travels to the same place at the same time every year. Only to get targeted by...someone. I won't spoil it.
"I swore I'd never give up my beloved hardbacks."
Kohinoor by Smitha Harish Jain
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Mystery meets morality in Kohinoor, as police war against the darker parts of the world, all while raising questions about lines in the sand.
"I stood outside the prison's massive iron gates, waiting for the warden to arrive."
Avalon by Michael Connelly
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Avalon read so perfectly like a mystery novel that I was surprised when it ended so quickly. That's how you know a story has sunk its claws into you! I wouldn't have mind seeing more of this tale, though what was here was complete and interesting.
"Watching the strangers was an exercise. It kept his skills sharp."
Here's to New Friends by Jacqueline Freimor
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Coming back around to that creepy stranger concept but with a few different twists this time around. I really liked Freimor's writing style and will probably check out more of her work in the future.
"I'm an observer, as both my profession and my avocation have trained me to be."
Room for One more by Joe R. Lansdale
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
This story is the perfect example of why you do not stop and pick up hitchhikers, no matter how desperate they may seem. Need I say more?
"If they stopped, he was going to rob them."
Now by Emilya Naymark
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
I really enjoyed the setup for Now, as it took the time to set the tone before throwing us into the mystery of the world/plot. It gave us plenty of time to appreciate the character and their nuances.
"His GPS lady had an Irish accent and reminded him of his aunt Maura, who also loved issuing directions."
A Six-Letter Word for Neighbor by Lisa Unger
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
This is an odd yet compelling read and is probably not the best one to read if you're already feeling inclined not to trust new neighbors. I love Lisa Unger's writing and am adding her to the list of authors to check out after this.
"Great. New neighbors.
They left the dog."
Howard's Heart by Bryon Quertermous
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Howard's Heart was another interesting addition to this anthology, though if I'm brutally honest, it's largely forgettable. I remember liking it, but I didn't remember anything about it after the fact.
"Howard told me three things before he died."
Perfect Strangers by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Looking for a robber story? Check out Perfect Strangers. It's got robbery, planning, the works, which made for a fun and thrilling read.
"I am not good at armed robbery, but when Dougal told me about the new cannabis dispensaries, I figured third time was the charm."
Do You Remember by Lori Roy
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
I'm conflicted about Do You Remember. On the one hand, I really did enjoy the writing. On the other hand, this was another short that I had to look up and double-check before sitting down to write about it.
"I wonder if it brings you job to know she's dead."
Assignment: Sheepshead Bay by Paul A. Barra
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Assignment: Sheepshead is arguably the story with the most intriguing name out of the entire collection. It was a thrilling read and gets bonus points for including an adorable dog named Ethyl (I'm a sucker for dogs in mysteries, so sue me).
"She was Fletcher's home, facilitating his peripatetic life as an assassin for hire."
P.F.A. By Michael Koryta
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
I feel like the pull quote for this short will do a better job than I could of explaining the dark and intriguing nature of it.
"Janice was swell at putting on a smiling mask when her heart was a cold black fist and her mind a whirlpool of red tides."
Genius by Elaine Togneri
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
I loved the premise of this one, a man trying to kill a genius? It was oddly funny, come to think of it. I'm not sure if that was intentional, but it certainly was the end result.
"How smart do you have to be to kill a genius? I'm about to find out."
Russkies by Jonathan Stone
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Russkies felt like the most traditional thriller of the bunch, which can be considered either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you look at it.
"Well...why don't you tell me first how you happened to be there in the bomb shelter?"
A Different Kind of Healing by Steve Hamilton
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
I really liked the different perspectives and takes for A Different Kind of Healing. It isn't every day you see a mystery from the other side of the hospital room (er, an emergency room, in this case, I guess).
"By the time the stretcher bangs through the doors, the attending physician and three nurses, including Charlotte, are already gowned and masked."
Tokyo Stranger by Tina deBellegarde
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
If you're looking for a short that has you on the edge of your seat while you try and put the pieces of the puzzle together, it's got to be Tokyo Stranger. There's an air of mystery surrounding this one, no pun intended.
“Konbanwa, Saksaki-san.”
“Konbanwa, Yuki-chan.”
Last Fare by Joe Hill
Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
Last but not least, we have the Last Fare by Joe Hill. I enjoyed the narrative and the writing for this one, though I do still have a question here and there. I'm okay with some lingering questions from a mystery, though; it gives me something to ponder once I'm done.
"I hope you're on your way somewhere safe," he said, "I hope there's someone to take care of you."
Thanks to Hanover Square Press and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
October 14, 2021
I enjoyed this book of short mysteries. I listened to the audio version and all of the narrators were great. There are 4 stories that stood out for me.
My absolute FAVORITE was A Six-Letter Word for Neighbor by Lisa Unger. The characters were fully developed and the story read like a full-on novel.
The other 3 that were fabulous were P.F.A. by Michael Koryta, Exit Now, by Emilya Naymark and Seat 2C by Alafair Burke.
My absolute FAVORITE was A Six-Letter Word for Neighbor by Lisa Unger. The characters were fully developed and the story read like a full-on novel.
The other 3 that were fabulous were P.F.A. by Michael Koryta, Exit Now, by Emilya Naymark and Seat 2C by Alafair Burke.
April 20, 2021
When A Stranger Comes To Town
Edited by Michael Koryta
This Mystery Writers of America anthology of short stories includes eighteen authors take on the a stranger coming to town…most of the strangers written about by the authors are not ones I would like to meet myself but they are intriguing. I believe this is a book best read a story at a time rather than all in one sitting. It would make a good gift to give to a mystery lover. I have a few more stories yet to read but my favorites so far were: Solomon Wept by S.A. Cosby ~ a story of a mother’s love and Relative Stranger by Amanda Witt: a family pulling together to stay safe. There were several others that made me think but I related best to these first two stories in the collection – perhaps because the mothers in both stories were characters I could see a bit of myself in. All in all this was an interesting ncollection of stories well worth reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin – Hanover square Press for the ARC ~ This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Edited by Michael Koryta
This Mystery Writers of America anthology of short stories includes eighteen authors take on the a stranger coming to town…most of the strangers written about by the authors are not ones I would like to meet myself but they are intriguing. I believe this is a book best read a story at a time rather than all in one sitting. It would make a good gift to give to a mystery lover. I have a few more stories yet to read but my favorites so far were: Solomon Wept by S.A. Cosby ~ a story of a mother’s love and Relative Stranger by Amanda Witt: a family pulling together to stay safe. There were several others that made me think but I related best to these first two stories in the collection – perhaps because the mothers in both stories were characters I could see a bit of myself in. All in all this was an interesting ncollection of stories well worth reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin – Hanover square Press for the ARC ~ This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
June 9, 2021
This was a very satisfying anthology. 19 stories are quite a lot to get through, and some of them required a moment in between to catch my breath. It was really fun watching these different writers play with that single prompt. Watching them build tension, gain trust and ultimately pack a punch of a story in limited words.
My scoring out of five is below for each story. I elaborated on a few of my favorites:
Solomon Wept - S A Cosby: 4 A good starting off. If the rest of the stories carry this much bravado, this will be a great time. This story was kinda heartbreaking. What this mom has done for her kid.
Relative Stranger - Amanda Witt: 5 So incredibly good. Takes the threatening stranger making hostages of a quiet country home trope and spins it on its head. Superb!
Seat 2C - Alafair Burke 3 the beginning and middle felt disjointed to me so I kept trying to find their seams as the story moved on.
Kohinoor - Smita Harish Jain 3.5
Avalon - Michael Connelly 3.5
Here’s to New Friends - Jacqueline Freimor 4 but eww, so unsettling
Room for One More - Joe R Landsdale 3.5
Exit Now - Emilya Naymark 4
A Six Letter Word For Neighbor - Lisa Unger 5 the underlying unsettling feeling kept growing and growing as this story. So much quiet mystery built in the story and storyteller. Upon completion, even more is explained.
Howard’s Heart - Bryon Quertermous 3.5
Perfect Strangers - Tilia Klebenov Jacobs 4.5 oh, this was so fun!
Do You Remember - Lori Roy 4
Assignment: Sheepshead Bay - Paul A Barra 3.5
P. F. A. - Michael Kortya 4.5
Genius - Elaine Togneri 3.5
Russkies - Johnathan Stone 4 so unsettling
A Different Kind of Healing - Steve Hamilton 4.5
Tokyo Stranger - Tina deBellegarde 3.5
Last Fare - Joe Hill 5 delightfully strange and touching. Went directly to my heart.
My scoring out of five is below for each story. I elaborated on a few of my favorites:
Solomon Wept - S A Cosby: 4 A good starting off. If the rest of the stories carry this much bravado, this will be a great time. This story was kinda heartbreaking. What this mom has done for her kid.
Relative Stranger - Amanda Witt: 5 So incredibly good. Takes the threatening stranger making hostages of a quiet country home trope and spins it on its head. Superb!
Seat 2C - Alafair Burke 3 the beginning and middle felt disjointed to me so I kept trying to find their seams as the story moved on.
Kohinoor - Smita Harish Jain 3.5
Avalon - Michael Connelly 3.5
Here’s to New Friends - Jacqueline Freimor 4 but eww, so unsettling
Room for One More - Joe R Landsdale 3.5
Exit Now - Emilya Naymark 4
A Six Letter Word For Neighbor - Lisa Unger 5 the underlying unsettling feeling kept growing and growing as this story. So much quiet mystery built in the story and storyteller. Upon completion, even more is explained.
Howard’s Heart - Bryon Quertermous 3.5
Perfect Strangers - Tilia Klebenov Jacobs 4.5 oh, this was so fun!
Do You Remember - Lori Roy 4
Assignment: Sheepshead Bay - Paul A Barra 3.5
P. F. A. - Michael Kortya 4.5
Genius - Elaine Togneri 3.5
Russkies - Johnathan Stone 4 so unsettling
A Different Kind of Healing - Steve Hamilton 4.5
Tokyo Stranger - Tina deBellegarde 3.5
Last Fare - Joe Hill 5 delightfully strange and touching. Went directly to my heart.
May 24, 2021
*I received a free copy of When a Stranger comes to Town. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*
Usually, I'm not a fan of short stories and anthologies, but When a Stranger Comes to Town was really good! All the stories a thrillers, and the one thing they had in common was a stranger arriving somewhere. And I have to say some of these stories were absolutely chilling! Well done, with the world building set from the start, and I was definitely a happy reader.
Usually, I'm not a fan of short stories and anthologies, but When a Stranger Comes to Town was really good! All the stories a thrillers, and the one thing they had in common was a stranger arriving somewhere. And I have to say some of these stories were absolutely chilling! Well done, with the world building set from the start, and I was definitely a happy reader.
April 19, 2021
This was a stellar collection of short stories by some really famous authors like Dean Koontz and Lisa Unger. I don’t usually review anthologies because I don’t usually read them, but this one spoke to me because it came from the Mystery Writers of America and it promised to introduce me to authors new to me. Wow! The promise was fulfilled and now I have a list of authors to look for in novel-length books. Any author who can write a short story and capture my attention as this group of stories did has a “tip of the hat” from me because I have not read a collection of short stories since high school and that was required reading. I was absolutely mesmerized by these stories, most of which were spooky, scary and page turners. This collection reminded me of the Alfred Hitchcock collections that I used to read, in a really good way. Some stories were short, others were fairly long but they all promoted the theme that is in the title. Strangers can be a new person in town, at your door or a new neighbor. The book was relatable, with excellent characterization even in the format of short stories. I had my favorites, but I will keep mine a secret and let you choose your own. So many good ones to choose from! In fact, I was sad when I read the last story. Fans of anthologies with a mystery or suspense involved will devour this collection and want more from the next collection.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
April 1, 2021
Book: When a Stranger Comes to Town
Author: Michael Koryta
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher, Hanover Square Press, for sending me an ARC.
I always find short story collections to be very difficult to rate. There are always some that I love and some that I really don’t enjoy. This collection falls into the same boat. While I did enjoy getting exposed to so many different authors, there was a lot in here that I found to be lacking. Many of the stories didn’t feel complete. In many cases, it honestly felt like I was reading a sample from a full length novel. I don’t know about the rest of you, but whenever I read a short story, I do like to have some kind of ending or some kind of closure-especially if it is a mystery.
Most of the stories in this collection follow the same set up. So, if you want something a little different from story to story, then this probably isn’t the collection for you. This book contains stories centred around a mixture of both likeable and unlikable characters, so you do get a mixture if you are trying to figure out what type of characters you like in mysteries and thrillers. The basic concept is the same though. People are attempting to go about their day to day lives, then a stranger shows up and completely changes the world around them. Now, is this not a hook or not? I must say that the very premise of this book will have people grabbing it.
However, sadly, not all of the stories actually carry out this premise well.
Let’s break it down…
Like I said, there was actually a lot of stories that I did enjoy and really latched unto. Many of the authors included in this collection were ones who I have either never heard of or haven’t read anything by them. I must say that there are some who I will be looking more into their works. What I really enjoyed about these stories was how real they felt and how I was able to form a bond with the characters in only a few pages. If the author can make me feel this way in a short amount of time, I can’t wait to see what they can do over an extended period of time.
On the other side, there was those stories who I didn’t enjoy. These stories did not feel complete and, once again, it felt like I was reading a sample of a full length novel instead of a complete short story. Maybe these authors are intending to adapt their short stories into a full length novel? I don’t know. In this case though, it really did turn me off from these authors. If they can’t give me a full length story, then why would I pick up their novels? To me, a short story collection is the prefect chance to bring new readers into your workers. This is your chance to shine and these authors failed in that sense to me.
Anyway, I do always find short story collections very difficult to rate and this one is no different. I do think that it is a good starting point if you are looking to discover new mystery and thriller authors.
This book comes out on April 20, 2021.
Author: Michael Koryta
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher, Hanover Square Press, for sending me an ARC.
I always find short story collections to be very difficult to rate. There are always some that I love and some that I really don’t enjoy. This collection falls into the same boat. While I did enjoy getting exposed to so many different authors, there was a lot in here that I found to be lacking. Many of the stories didn’t feel complete. In many cases, it honestly felt like I was reading a sample from a full length novel. I don’t know about the rest of you, but whenever I read a short story, I do like to have some kind of ending or some kind of closure-especially if it is a mystery.
Most of the stories in this collection follow the same set up. So, if you want something a little different from story to story, then this probably isn’t the collection for you. This book contains stories centred around a mixture of both likeable and unlikable characters, so you do get a mixture if you are trying to figure out what type of characters you like in mysteries and thrillers. The basic concept is the same though. People are attempting to go about their day to day lives, then a stranger shows up and completely changes the world around them. Now, is this not a hook or not? I must say that the very premise of this book will have people grabbing it.
However, sadly, not all of the stories actually carry out this premise well.
Let’s break it down…
Like I said, there was actually a lot of stories that I did enjoy and really latched unto. Many of the authors included in this collection were ones who I have either never heard of or haven’t read anything by them. I must say that there are some who I will be looking more into their works. What I really enjoyed about these stories was how real they felt and how I was able to form a bond with the characters in only a few pages. If the author can make me feel this way in a short amount of time, I can’t wait to see what they can do over an extended period of time.
On the other side, there was those stories who I didn’t enjoy. These stories did not feel complete and, once again, it felt like I was reading a sample of a full length novel instead of a complete short story. Maybe these authors are intending to adapt their short stories into a full length novel? I don’t know. In this case though, it really did turn me off from these authors. If they can’t give me a full length story, then why would I pick up their novels? To me, a short story collection is the prefect chance to bring new readers into your workers. This is your chance to shine and these authors failed in that sense to me.
Anyway, I do always find short story collections very difficult to rate and this one is no different. I do think that it is a good starting point if you are looking to discover new mystery and thriller authors.
This book comes out on April 20, 2021.
May 4, 2021
When A Stranger Comes to Town was a pleasant surprise. It is rare for me to find an anthology where I can honestly say I enjoyed 90% of the stories. I enjoyed my time reading all but maybe one or two short stories in this set. The theme for the stories was strangers, either coming or going. There is definitely something for everyone here.
Along with some bigger named authors, I discovered some unknown-to-me writers that I would love to read more from. I was intrigued by Jacquleine Freimor's "Here's to New Friends". It had a nice twist to Strangers on a Train with an ending that I didn't see coming. I also enjoyed "Tokyo Stranger" by Tina deBelegarde. It was a different kind of thriller and made me want seek out her debut book. I also really liked "Perfect Strangers" by Tilia Kleneov Jacobs. I loved the ending on that one.
Among the well known authors, my favorites were "A Six Letter Word for Neighbor" by Lisa Unger. I always enjoy her stories. Alafair Burke's "Seat 2C" had me wanting a longer story with that plot-line. I wanted to know what came next. The weakest ones for me were "Last Fare" by Joe Hill. Not surprising since I haven't really liked much that he has written recently. I also wasn't a fan of "Howard's Heart" by Bryon Quertermous. I just didn't click with that story.
Despite there being 19 stories, I was able to read the book very quickly. As I said, there is something here for everyone. I highly recommend it!
Along with some bigger named authors, I discovered some unknown-to-me writers that I would love to read more from. I was intrigued by Jacquleine Freimor's "Here's to New Friends". It had a nice twist to Strangers on a Train with an ending that I didn't see coming. I also enjoyed "Tokyo Stranger" by Tina deBelegarde. It was a different kind of thriller and made me want seek out her debut book. I also really liked "Perfect Strangers" by Tilia Kleneov Jacobs. I loved the ending on that one.
Among the well known authors, my favorites were "A Six Letter Word for Neighbor" by Lisa Unger. I always enjoy her stories. Alafair Burke's "Seat 2C" had me wanting a longer story with that plot-line. I wanted to know what came next. The weakest ones for me were "Last Fare" by Joe Hill. Not surprising since I haven't really liked much that he has written recently. I also wasn't a fan of "Howard's Heart" by Bryon Quertermous. I just didn't click with that story.
Despite there being 19 stories, I was able to read the book very quickly. As I said, there is something here for everyone. I highly recommend it!
January 5, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
When a Stranger Comes to Town.
I'm not a fan of short story collections because they're like a box of chocolates; I only like a few of them.
But, lately, all of the short story collections NetGalley has approved me for has been really good, well written satisfying stories with decent twists.
With the theme being When a Stranger Comes to Town, this collection of stories penned by notable authors in the thriller genre was better than I expected.
I enjoyed most of the stories, especially Last Fare by Joe Hill (I'm biased because I love stories with a supernatural element), Avalon by Michael Connelly, and Here's to New Friends by Jacqueline Freimor, to name a few.
There were an equal number of male and female authors, and most of the stories leaves the reader with a vague sense of foreboding or a task that has not yet been completed, which I liked.
A stranger fills you not with a sense of warmth, but unease and trepidation.
These stories introduce both likable and unlikable characters, some who do not have your best interests in mind, and yet others who surprise you with their kindness and empathy.
I recommend this to anyone looking for a good collection of short stories to read from a variety of talented writers.
I'm not a fan of short story collections because they're like a box of chocolates; I only like a few of them.
But, lately, all of the short story collections NetGalley has approved me for has been really good, well written satisfying stories with decent twists.
With the theme being When a Stranger Comes to Town, this collection of stories penned by notable authors in the thriller genre was better than I expected.
I enjoyed most of the stories, especially Last Fare by Joe Hill (I'm biased because I love stories with a supernatural element), Avalon by Michael Connelly, and Here's to New Friends by Jacqueline Freimor, to name a few.
There were an equal number of male and female authors, and most of the stories leaves the reader with a vague sense of foreboding or a task that has not yet been completed, which I liked.
A stranger fills you not with a sense of warmth, but unease and trepidation.
These stories introduce both likable and unlikable characters, some who do not have your best interests in mind, and yet others who surprise you with their kindness and empathy.
I recommend this to anyone looking for a good collection of short stories to read from a variety of talented writers.
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