You’d think a multi-author anthology titled Larceny & Last Chances: 22 Stories of Mystery & Suspense would only include stories of mystery and suspense. And it does. Kind of. By that I mean, just like Debra’s “It’s Not Always a Mystery” tagline for her website (where it kind of is, but isn’t), several of the stories in the collection are what I’d consider to be non-traditional mysteries.
As the publisher and editor, culling 80 submissions down to 21 (plus 1 by yours truly) was up to me. Of course, I’ve included a locked room mystery—because who doesn’t like to try and solve a clever locked room mystery? There’s even a Sherlockian-type entry, a couple of ex-cons—one at a casino, one in the hospital—and a tattoo artist drowning in ‘Red Ink.’ An old family Bible and a priceless viola. A scheming boyfriend and a cheating ex-spouse. A robbery gone wrong, and a robbery gone right.
But there are 22 stories, folks. That leaves 11 that I’d consider, if not non-traditional, bordering on it. A kid with a bag he wants to toss into the water on the Staten Island Ferry. A kleptomaniac who can’t control her urge to steal. A teenager who’ll risk everything to retrieve a thrift shop donation, and another who’d like to stop shoplifting, but desperately wants to keep a promise made to her sister. A messy child custody battle. A jilted lover in the Florida Keys. A hit-and-run accident. A python. A parrot. A charismatic uncle.
Revenge.
Larceny and last chances. Every author in the collection interpreted the theme in their own unique way. Which begs the question: Just how far would you go if you were faced with your last chance?
About the book: Sometimes it’s about doing the right thing. Sometimes it’s about getting even. Sometimes it’s about taking what you think you deserve. And sometimes, it’s your last, best, chance. Edited by Judy Penz Sheluk and featuring stories by Christina Boufis, John Bukowski, Brenda Chapman, Susan Daly, Wil A. Emerson, Tracy Falenwolfe, Kate Fellowes, Molly Wills Fraser, Gina X. Grant, Karen Grose, Wendy Harrison, Julie Hastrup, Larry M. Keeton, Charlie Kondek, Edward Lodi, Bethany Maines, Gregory Meece, Cate Moyle, Judy Penz Sheluk, KM Rockwood, Kevin R. Tipple, and Robert Weibezahl.
Buy Link: www.books2read.com/larceny
About the editor: Judy Penz Sheluk is a former journalist and magazine editor and the bestselling author of two mystery series, several short stories, and two books on publishing. She is also the publisher and editor of four Superior Shores Anthologies. Find out more at www.judypenzsheluk.com.
Judy,
Thanks for stopping by today. Once again, you’ve published a unique blend of short stories. Delightful!
Thanks so much for the invite! Always a pleasure to visit with you and your readers.
I’m always happy for a chance to appear in Judy’s anthologies, and I especially enjoyed this latest outing.
Not always a mystery? True. All I want to include when I write a short story is… a crime. Doesn’t have to be a mystery, though it often helps. Sure doesn’t have to be a murder. But a crime, by some definition. Fraud is always enticing to me. An old bad action come to light. Plagiarism is one of my favourites.
And of course, for my ending…restoration of order. Or is that retribution?
Always delighted to include your stories, Susan (as one of only 2 authors in all 4 Superior Shores Anthologies). I do like a story that offers retribution or restoration of order. Both work.
A perfect way to define a story by telling the story and the crime is part of it with the perfect ending to emphasize the twist that leads to retribution or restoration.
As the one who wrote the ex-con in the hospital tale, my primary thinking was that I had an idea, and I hoped it worked. Still surprised it did and got included.
I’m not surprised it was included – it is a very good story!
Well, I never knew the R stood for Ralton! And I loved your story from the get-go. And “Save the Texas Iguanas” made me laugh out loud.
A fun anthology. It satisfied my “one short story at bedtime” habit for nearly a month. And some of the stories are worth a re-read.
I fully agree with you. The stories were just the right size…and many are worth a re-read.
Kathleen, you and Susan have a story in every one of my anthologies and I am so grateful for your continued belief in me and the collections. thank you!
“Red Ink,” my story about a tattoo artist who takes desperate measures to solve her financial problems, was my first opportunity to work with Judy. Her editorial suggestions were spot on, and I was delighted to find myself in such excellent company between the covers of LARCENY & LAST CHANCES.
That is so nice of you to say, Wendy. I loved how clever your story was and two of my three nieces are massive tattoo fans, so that was a little nod to them as well.
Editorial suggestions can make such a difference because we are often too close to our own stories…and Judy is a master.
Life is a mystery so how could any book not be. 😏.Kat
But Kat, this book has 22 mysteries!