There are 19 wildly varied stories in this collection from the Mystery Writers of America, and each one packs a punch of plot and character, bound so tightly in the short story format that their power can be explosive. Or, on the other hand, haunting ... That’s the marvel of really fine short stories: Despite the intensity, the demand that everything important take place in a handful of pages, these authors provide vivid details of character and location and terrible situation so that...there’s a fresh demand for attention, excitement, and even compassion. When a Stranger Comes to Town will give you the very best of what crime fiction should deliver. Means, opportunity, and obsession—right?
... original and highly rewarding tales ... Joe Hill's 'Last Fare'...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.'
The stories by well-known authors span a wide range under the umbrella of 'mystery.' Mystery enthusiasts will be hard-pressed to find a story they don't like. Recommended for readers interested in all facets of mystery, suspense, crime, or detective fiction.
This collection offers the best of both worlds: expert storycraft from genre stars (Unger, Michael Connelly, and Steve Hamilton, among them) and standout entries from some new faces in crime fiction.
