Anthologies

Wildly fantastic superhero stories by a cross section of today's cutting-edge urban fantasy and crime writers. Expanding on the concept behind Byron Preiss's Weird Heroes from the 1970s, George R. R. Martin's Wild Card series, and Michael Chabon's McSweeney's Mammoth Treasury of Thrilling Tales , The Darker Mask is a collection of original prose stories recalling the derring-do of the beings we call Superheroes and the worlds they fight to save. But unique to The Darker Mask stories is that these plots and characters color a literary universe outside of what has been predominantly white, idiosyncratic, and male in previous homages to pulp. This is the stuff of urban legends, new mythos, and extraordinary folks who might live in a soon-to-be-gentrified ghetto, the dreary rust-belt of the city, or in another dimension. The Darker Mask offers an eclectic mix of popular fiction writers exploring worlds gritty, visceral, and fantastic. Includes contributions from L. A. Banks, Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due, Lorenzo Carcaterra, Christopher Chambers, Reed Farrel Coleman, Michael A. Gonzales, Gar Anthony Haywood, Naomi Hirahara, Mat Johnson, Victor LaValle, Walter Mosley, Ann Nocenti, Gary Phillips, Jerry A. Rodrigues, Alexandra Sokoloff, Peter Spiegelman, Wayne L. Wilson, and Doselle Young.

A collection of twelve short stories selected from entries submitted to Sisters In Crime / Los Angeles for the 2010 Murder In LA-LA Land anthology.

One hundred percent of the royalties from this new collection of original stories will go directly to the 2011 JAPAN RELIEF FUND administered by the Japan America Society of Southern California. The 2011 Japan Relief Fund was created on March 11, 2011 to aid victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and resulting tsunami waves. With the funds that have been raised so far, $750,000 has been committed to nonprofit organizations that are on the front lines of relief and recovery work in northeastern Japan. This collection was born out of the writers' concern for the people in the disaster zone. SHAKEN: STORIES FOR JAPAN is an attempt by writers to pool their talents to help people in need, as musicians and actors so often do. The book contains original stories by Brett Battles, Cara Black, Vicki Doudera, Dianne Emley, Dale Furutani, Timothy Hallinan, Stefan Hammond, Rosemary Harris, Naomi Hirahara, Wendy Hornsby, Ken Kuhlken, Debbi Mack, Adrian McKinty, I.J. Parker, Gary Phillips, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Jeffrey Siger, Kelli Stanley, C.J. West, and Jeri Westerson. As a group, these authors have won every mystery award there is and sold hundreds of thousand of copies. They're all working at the top of their games in this volume. SHAKEN; STORIES FROM JAPAN is art for heart's sake, and the purchase price will help those who are struggling to repair, or at least soothe, these terrible losses. Not all the stories are mysteries; the consensus was simply that all writers should submit something that touches on Japan. Linking the stories are haiku by the 17th-century master Basho, translated by Jane Reichhold, and Issa, translated by David Lanoue. Both translators donated their work, as did the cover designer, writer Gar Anthony Haywood, and the e-book producer, Kimberly Hitchens. PRAISE FOR THE AUTHORS “Kelli Stanley has her eye on greatness.” –George Pelecanos Wendy Hornsby's “stories are edgy, menacing, and masterful.” –Booklist Dianne Emley's books are “Intense and hard-edged… First-rate.” –Tess Gerritsen "[Naomi Hirahara] is truly one of a kind." –Chicago Sun-Times “[Brett] Battles is a master storyteller.” –Sheldon Siegel I. J. Parker's books are “terrifically imaginative work” –Wall Street Journal Ken Kuhlken's writing is "Elegant . . . haunting, and beautiful." –Don Winslow. Jeffrey Siger's work “Brilliantly explores a fascinating culture” –Leighton Gage “Hank Phillippi Ryan understands plotting and she writes beautifully.” –Robert B. Parker Adrian McKinty is “One of his generation's leading talents" –Publishers Weekly. Jeri Westerson's work is "creative and enthralling..." –John Lescroart “Gary Phillips writes tough and gritty parables.” –Michael Connelly Vicki “Doudera expertly weaves a tale of suspense.” –Tess Gerritsen Rosemary Harris is “Hilarious” (Kirkus Reviews), “A rising star” –Crimespree Magazine Timothy Hallinan's writing is “razor-sharp, convincing, and heartbreaking.” –Gregg Hurwitz C.J. West's work is "Powerful, thought provoking and massively entertaining.” –Crimesquad.com Cara Black's Aimee Leduc novels are an “irresistible series set in Paris.” –New York Times “Debbi Mack has carved her own niche in the mystery pantheon." –Scott Nicholson [Dale]”Furutani manages a fluid mix of cultural history and swashbuckling adventure.” –Publishers Weekly Stefan Hammond created the "Essential guide to Hong Kong's mind-bending films." –Entertainment Weekly

Are you a crime fiction writer? Are you a crime fiction reader? If your answer to either question is yes, you've got to have Writing Crime Fiction, the latest book from the award winning authors of the Top Suspense Group! From Joel Goldman's advice and tips on "going indie" to Vicki Hendricks secrets to sizzling sex scenes, Writing Crime Fiction is the must-have how-to for crime fiction writers and readers. Wondering what it takes to start and finish that first novel? Stephen Gallagher and Ed Gorman tell you how to get it done. Dreaming of turning your crime thriller into a TV series or movie? Let Hollywood veterans Lee Goldberg and Paul Levine show you the way. Dying to ratchet up your book's suspense, whether set in today's world or in years gone by? Libby Hellman and Max Allan Collins will tell you how to make it happen. Ever wonder what the heck "noir" means? Dave Zeltserman has the answer. Wish you could create the perfect amateur sleuth? Naomi Hirahara gives you all the clues you need. Like your thrillers with a dose of zombies? Harry Shannon will show you how to bring them to life. Want to know the secrets to writing more than a hundred thrillers? Bill Crider spills the answers. Writing Crime Fiction has it all! Get it now and get started on your next bestseller! "A quick survey of available how-to-write-a-mystery ebooks suggest most are less than booklength and are written by people you or I have never heard of. This volume, entirely the work of successful professionals, is different. All of its contributors are entertaining or instructive...and most are both. Much of the advice is equally applicable to other types of fiction." Jon Breen, Mystery Scene Magazine

COMPASSION, CONNECTION, AND INSPIRATION... The path of a writing career can be rocky and twisty and full of dead ends. But it's also well-traveled-and in Writes of Passage, fifty-nine mystery authors offer the secrets that helped them navigate their success. When you're in need of an author's roadmap, "pick up this book," as Hank Phillippi Ryan says in the introduction. "Open it to any page. The sisters of SinC have shared their personal journeys-and they have many tales to tell." These tales reveal the "Writes of Passage" every author encounters, and Sisters in Crime hopes these beautifully told experiences will guide you along your way. Praise for WRITES OF PASSAGE: "Every writer-beginner or bestseller-gets lost sometimes. Some days words don't flow and the path is hidden. Writes of Passage is a magic-box of wise words for those cloudy days. Like a lunch-date with all your funniest, kindest friends, this book will remind you of the joy of writing, inspire you to stick at it and remind you that you're not alone." - Catriona McPherson, Agatha, Macavity and Bruce-Winning Author of the Dandy Gilver Series and the Anthony-Nominated As She Left It "Writes of Passage is that centering book every author needs, whether multi-published or still striving, the one that captures our collective experience as writers with compassion, connection, and inspiration. Its insightful essays will surprise you and renew you every time you open it, for as long as your writer's journey continues." - Laura DiSilverio, 2014 President, Sisters in Crime; Author of the Lefty-Nominated Swift Investigations Series, the Mall Cop Series, and The Reckoning Stones (2015) Books in the Sisters in Crime The Writing Life Collection: WRITES OF PASSAGE: Adventures on the Writer's Journey BREAKING AND ENTERING: The Road to Success SHAMLESS PROMOTION FOR BRAZEN HUSSIES Part of the Henery Press Non-Fiction Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all...

From Valley Girls to Valley of the Dolls, the L.A. Woman has captured our imagination and redefined the fairer sex. CJ Parker is our lifeguard, Lucy Arnaz, our studio executive, Angelyne, our reality star, and the Black Dahlia, our murder victim. L.A. neighborhoods have spawned the Beverly Hills housewife, the Hollywood starlet, the Van Nuys dominatrix, the Santa Monica Surf Betty and the Manson girls, to name a few. LADIES’ NIGHT, an anthology by Sisters in Crime Los Angeles, includes stories by Julie G. Beers, Julie Brayton, Sarah M. Chen, Arthur Coburn, L.H. Dillman, Bengte Evenson, Cyndra Gernet, Andrew Jetarski, Micheal Kelly, Susan Kosar-Beery, Jude McGee, Gigi Pandian and Wendall Thomas. The anthology is edited by Naomi Hirahara, Kate Thornton and Jeri Westerson. Award winning L.A. crime novelist Denise Hamilton wrote the introduction.

Following in the tradition of the best selling Black Pulp, from Today's Best Authors and up and coming writers comes Asian Pulp from Pro Se Productions! A collection of stories featuring characters of Asian origin or descent in stories that run the gamut of genre fiction! Asian Pulp includes works from Don Lee, Naomi Hirahara, Kimberly Richardson, Percival Constantine, William F. Wu, Gary Phillips, Calvin McMillin, Mark Finn, Dale Furutani, Steph Cha, Henry Chang, Sean Taylor, Gigi Pandian, Louise Herring-Jones, Alan J. Porter, and David C. Smith. The anthology opens with an introduction from Leonard Chang, novelist and writer and co-producer of the TV crime drama Justified. Mysteries, westerns, stories of crime and noir, and more, all with Asian characters in the lead! Between these covers are 17 tales of action, adventure, and thrills featuring heroes and heroines of a different shade that will appeal to audiences everywhere! Asian Pulp! From Pro Se Productions!

From Sierra Madre and Altadena to South Pasadena and Old Town, the long-awaited third edition of Hometown Pasadena is a new kind of city book that provides a fresh look at everything this world-class small city has to offer, created by an all-star team of longtime locals who dig deep to reflect the place they find so special. Featuring lots of interviews and features, it inspires readers to both explore the famous destinations (the Huntington, the Norton Simon, Caltech, the Rose Bowl) and the lesser-known joys (the architectural walks, the hidden gardens, the off-the-beaten-path cafes and shops).

“Yes, this is a violent world that Nate inhabits, but he steers a true and moral course through the layers of deception, skullduggery and sometime worse that make these stories such high-density entertainment.”T. Jefferson Parker, author of The Room of White FireIn this rollicking collection private investigator Nate Hollis, a routine visit to the dentist sends him into an underground world of addictive vices; hunts a killer in the dead of winter in Chicago; uncovers secrets from the buried past; stalks the stalker of super hero street performers in the back alleys of Tinseltown; braves the unforgiving streets of New York City to stop a killer, and more in this electric-charged assortment of stories.New York Times bestseller Sara Paretsky, Edgar winner Naomi Hirahara, Deadly Ink nominee Sarah M. Chen, hardboiled adept Scott Adlerberg, and new pulpster Phillip Drayer Duncan along with Hollis’ creator and 2018 Anthony Award winner Gary Phillips (Black Pulp, Peepland) deliver tales of a P.I. who Kevin Burton Smith in Mystery Scene magazine said was “Slick as spit, big-shouldered Hollis walks the walk and talks the talk…” This edition also includes two previously published Hollis stories by Phillips, “King Cow” and “Hollywood Killer.”Praise for the previous Nate Hollis collection, Hollis P.I.“Each story entertained and what was a little bit surprising to me was the consistency of voice, from our author collective presenting our intrepid investigator Nate.”Goodreads review “…excellent stories that really filled the bill!”Amazon review

HOW WILL YOU REMEMBER THE PANDEMIC? 40 authors from around the world set out to record their innermost feelings-- to offer inspiring, heartfelt, creative takes on the Covid-19 pandemic. Crime fiction, elegant and angry poetry, and gut-wrenching personal essays: all paint a picture of the year and help us make sense of the sacrifices we've made in 2020. Thank you for your generous support: all profits donated to charity. A brainchild of editor Lise McClendon, the anthology was shepherded by her with her co-editors— Taffy Cannon, Kate Flora, and Gary Phillips— to bear witness to the events taking place all around us, and especially within us, as we grapple with disease, isolation, death, and, yes, a healthy dose of chaos. Some writers chose to mine their own psyches and experiences, whether the challenges of life in lockdown or their struggles with productivity and focus. Others felt called to wry, dark fiction or poetry. Across the globe the reactions portray a similar anger, pain, and struggle from writers from the US, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Northern Ireland, Spain, Italy, and Romania. Our lives have been forever changed by these times. Whether a chance encounter with a mural on a utility box, to the lockdown in New York City and dystopian fiction, these writers never stopped imagining and exploring their worlds. Stuck at home, watching the news in horror, helping others: these writers' imaginations kept clicking right along (although their productivity sometimes took a hit.) As mystery writers the editors found many of their fellow crime writers willing to contribute, as was the well-known Romanian journalist and writer George Arion, true crime writer Caitlin Rother, German mystery writer Tatjana Kruse, thriller writer Robin Burcell, travel writer Tim Cahill, and many more. Poetry by 92nd St. Y Literature Director Wendy Salinger, Irish poet Paul Jeffcutt, haiku poet Z.J. Czupor, and crime writers Jim Nisbet, Gerald So, and Keith Snyder adds its own special punch between essays and stories. Illustrations are included. STOP THE WORLD Contributors: George Arion Meredith Blevins Eoghan Egan John Shepphird Gary Phillips Adriana Licio Mike Monson Merrilee Robson John Clark Piet Tiegeler Travis Richardson Richard Cass Tim Cahill Jody Jaffe Caitlin Rother Naomi Hirahara Kate Flora Donna Moore Lise McClendon Tatjana Kruse Dan Fesperman Tami Haaland Taffy Cannon Matt Coyle Marian Stanley John Rember J. Madison Davis Sarah M. Chen Wendy Hornsby Robin Burcell Sharan Newman Jacqui Brown Craig Lancaster Z.J. Czupor Gerald So Allen Morris Jones Wendy Salinger Jim Nisbet Paul Jeffcutt Keith Snyder

#1 Amazon New Release, The Silver Waves of Summer is a compulsively readable collection of crime stories by New York Times and International best-selling writers, and Edgar and Shamus Award winners. “Olsen has masterfully gathered an established crew of writers to maximum effect...A potent assemblage of briskly paced tales that will satisfy mystery and crime noir fans." -Kirkus Reviews “The Silver Waves of Summer is perfect reading for long, hot days. It was incredibly satisfying and reassuring to read [such] intelligent and thoughtful work. – Amazon review “ This is a truly impressive collection of “surf noir” stories .” -Amazon Review In “Lighthouse Scene for Miles ,” internationally best-selling writer Michael Scott Moore ( The Desert and the Sea: 977 Days Captive on the Somali Pirate Coast ) takes us back to the famed Lighthouse Cafe in 1950’s Southern California, in a story featuring the great jazz legend, Miles Davis. NY Times best-selling writer Tod Goldberg ( Gangsterland, Living Dead Girl ) brings us a compelling new short story, “The Summer of ’86,” where a recently released bank robber, Mitch Lenney, travels to a sleepy seaside town on the Monterey Bay to help his sister run a bike shop after her boyfriend suddenly disappears. This is a crime noir short not to be missed. In “Off the 405,” Edgar Award winner Naomi Hirahara ( Snakeskin Shamisen, Clark and Division ) takes us on a beach excursion where three families meet on a hot, sunny day in Southern California that ends with a high-speed chase up the 405, against traffic. In a murder mystery that rivals Agatha Christie, “The Naked and the Dead” by Shamus Award winner Charles Ardai ( Songs of Innocence, Little Girl Lost ) transports us to a private nude beach on the East Coast, where a member is murdered in an impossible fashion. It is up to private detective Susan Jaffe to solve the case. In “In the Bank” by Antoine Wilson ( Panorama City, Mouth to Mouth ), two friends embark on an adventure to intercept a drug cartel’s shipment by disguising an old fishing boat as US Coast Guard to disastrous consequences. In “The Five Thieves of Bombay Beach” by Rob Roberge ( Liar, More than They Could Chew ), we follow Duane Reed to the Salton Sea with its postapocalyptic landscape in a search of a missing person: Duane’s father, Walt Reed, who disappeared years before somewhere in Bombay Beach. Things take a sinister turn in a new horror story by the talented Samantha Tkac. In “Sundays are for Robberies,” two sisters have each other’s back at all costs, including when it comes to murder.

*An Anthony Award 2023 Finalist* The newest anthology from Mystery Writers of America explores the theme of home and the crimes that endanger it, with stories by Ellen Hart, Naomi Hirahara, Walter Mosley, Sara Paretsky and more. Everyone comes from someplace. Everyone has somewhere they feel safe. Some people have found their home and are content where they are. Others feel trapped and yearn to go somewhere else. Many are somewhere else and yearn to go back. But evenin these safest of places, sometimes…crime hits home. What happens then? In this volume, MWA brings together some of today’s biggest crime writers—and some of our most exciting new talents—to consider this question. Each writer has defined home as they see fit: a place, a group, a feeling. The crime can come from without or within. What happens when crime hits home? Featuring stories from: Naomi Hirahara David Bart Sara Paretsky Susan Breen Gary Phillips Neil S. Plakcy Renee James Connie Johnson Hambley Gabino Iglesias A.P. Jamison Walter Mosley Tori Eldridge Ellen Hart G. Miki Hayden Jonathan Santlofer Jonathan Stone Ovidia Yu Bonnie Hearn Hill Steve Liskow S.J. Rozan