The Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime‘s sixth anthology of short stories, “Homicidal Holidays” will be available October 7th. The editorial panel who selected the books include: Christina Freeburn, John Gilstrap and Alan Orloff. The coordinating editors were: Donna Andrews, Barb Goffman and Marcia Talley.

Rhys Bowen wrote the introduction and in it she states, “One thing I’ve learned during a long career as a writer is a good short story is one of the hardest things to write. To capture mood, character, tension, and a satisfying climax in a few pages requires more skill than having the luxury of a novel to get things right.”

The Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime is full of award winning authors. In addition to the best-selling author Donna Andrews, there are Agatha, Anthony, Derringer and Macavity award winners. Many of the stories in their previous anthologies have been nominated and won short story awards. I wouldn’t be surprised to see many from this anthology be nominated in the future.

The topic of “Homicidal Holidays” is ripe for the imagination.

Barb Goffman – Groundhog Day – “The Shadow Knows” offers a humorous mystery about a groundhog who always sees his shadow and prolongs winter for all of us.

Rosemary and Larry Mild – Valentine’s Day – “Seeing Red” is a story about infidelity and revenge.

E.B. Davis – President’s Day “Compromised Circumstances” provides a moral tale about something that happened in 1979.

Shaun Taylor Bevins – St. Patrick’s Day – “I Will Survive” addresses how far you should go to protect yourself or a friend.

Cathy Wiley – Talk Like a Pirate Day – “Dead Men Tell No Tales” features street actors with a clever plot.

Art Taylor – Halloween – “Premonition” is a master class in how to create tension.

Shari Randall – Halloween – “Disco Donna” looks at the mystery of a girl that died when she was in high school.

Meg Opperman – Halloween “Monster Party” is a disturbing tale about a family and an old friend.

Carla Coupe – Halloween – “Shadow Boxer,” set in an art gallery, offers an intriguing twist.

Timothy Bentler-Jungr – Halloween – “Last Rights” is a poignant tale about an estranged son and his mother.

Linda Lombardi – Christmas – “Hoppy Holidays” is set in a zoo where employees still have to work on Christmas feeding the animals.

Debbi Mack – Christmas – “Jasmine” is a haunting mystery centering on a rape victim.

Clyde Linsley – Christmas – “Sauce for the Goose” offers a clever mystery with neighbors who are the complete opposites.

Donna Andrews – Christmas – “A Christmas Trifle” features Donna’s beloved Meg Langslow in a mystery involving a drama queen cat.

The anthology offers a mystery for everyone, there are stories that are funny, sad, terrifying and thought provoking. I’d love for you to share with me your favorites.

This is a great book to give for any holiday.

Five stars out of five.

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In accordance with FTC guidelines for reviewers, I would like to clarify that this book was provided to me by the publisher free of charge.  I am not compensated by the author or publisher for my review. All they expect is an honest review of the work.