Braggin' Time: BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES 2016

Yeah, I've been slacking for the past few months. It's a cryin' shame, and I'm dutifully embarassed. But I got a jolt in the arm the other day with word from Otto Penzler that "The Continental Opposite" has been selected for this year's volume of The Best American Mystery Stories. Who else will be in it? I don't know, but I've seen Internet leaks naming Megan Abbott, Todd Robinson and Robert Lopresti, so I know I'll be in good company. The book is several months away, but Amazon is already taking pre-orders. That's here: 

The Best American Mystery Stories 2016

Now in AHMM: Daffy Dill and and Candid Jones in "FLASH!" by Richard Sale!

When AHMM Editor Linda Landrigan invited me to select and introduce a story for the magazine's Mystery Classic department, the choice was a no-brainer.

"Flash!" - from the May 29, 1937 issue of Detective Fiction Weekly, is one of my pulp favorites, and a great introduction to reporter Daffy Dill (one of my favorite pulp characters) and author Richard Sale (one of my favorite pulp writers). And as a bonus, it also features Sale's number two DFW hero, hardboiled photographer Candid Jones.

The storytelling itself is special because "Flash!" contains not a single word of ordinary prose. It's told entirely in the form of letters, telegrams, news reports, radio bulletins and one-sided telephone calls. And as those familiar with Daffy have come to expect, it's both funny and fun.

You'll find all this, plus my two-page Intro yapping about Richard Sale's life and career, in the just-out June 2015 issue of AHMM. Where can you get a copy? As you may recall when I was hyping "The Continental Opposite" (in the May issue), AHMM is carried by most Barnes and Noble stores, and is offered in a variety of eFormats by Amazon (HERE), B&N (HERE), Google Play (HERE) and Magzter (HERE).

And in case you missed it, I said a few words about Mr. Sale, along with Hammett, Cleve F. Adams, Lester Dent and others on the AHMM blog a while back. That's HERE.

"The Continental Opposite" Rides Again

Recently I expressed my thanks to all the good folks who posted reviews of, spread the word about, or helped behind the scenes with, my new story "The Continental Opposite" (that's HERE).

I'm pleased to add another name to that list. Derringer Award-winning mystery writer Robert Lopresti has posted a blush-inducing review of the tale on his blog, Little Big Crimes (you'll find that HERE). Mr. Lopresti is the author of more than 50 short stories, thirteen of which - featuring his curmudgeonly fictional mystery writer Leopold Shanks - are included in the collection Shanks on Crime, and the novel Such a Killing Crime.

I wish to state categorically that Mr. Lopresti and I have never met (though we did brush shoulders three years ago in the May 2012 AHMM), we are not related by blood or marriage, and no money has passed between us. (But after that kind review, Robert, rest assured the check is in the mail.)

A lengthy free preview of "The Continental Opposite" is still playing on The Mystery Place site (HERE), and eCopies of the magazine are offered by Amazon (HERE), B&N (HERE), Google Play (HERE) and Magzter (HERE).

The Continental Op doesn't give a damn . . .

, , , but the Continental Opposite does . . .
and he (Pete Collins) and his alter-ego (me) wish to thank all those who've helped bring his story to light.

We'll start the roll call with AHMM Editor Linda Landrigan and Senior Assistant Editor Jackie Sherbow, who saw fit to include the tale in their fine magazine, and who chose to publish a lengthy excerpt (HERE) on the Mystery Place website.

Then there are those folks who've featured the story on their blogs, including Janet Reid (HERE), Don Herron (HERE), Cap'n Bob Napier (HERE) and James Reasoner (HERE). And those who've helped spread the word here and there, such as Patti Abbott, J. Kingston Pierce, Ethan Hobart and Matthew Clark.

Pete and I are equally grateful to our pre-submission readers, who included Misters Herron and Napier, Richard Robinson, Richard Prosch, John Hegenberger and my stalwart Writing Groupers (in alphabetical order): Jackie Blain, Christine Finlayson, Kassandra Kelly, Becky Kjelstrom, Doug Levin, Ann Littlewood, Marilyn McFarland and Angela Sanders.

And finally to Phil Stanford, whose book Portland Confidential introduced me to the seamy underbellly of Portland in the 1950s, and Mr. Samuel Dashiell Hammett, without whom--well, you know.

If I've forgotten anyone (as I surely have) I deserve to have the Op tie my neck in a knot (which he surely will).

The May 2015 AHMM may still be lurking on the racks of your neighborhood Barnes and Noble store, and is instantly available for your e-reader from Amazon (HERE), B&N (HERE), Google Play (HERE) and Magzter (HERE).

"The Continental Opposite" in AHMM

I'm mighty pleased to announce that the May 2015 issue of AHMM is now on sale, featuring a story inspired by Mr. Dashiell Hammett - and the great nonfiction book Portland Confidential by Phil Stanford.

 

It's 1953, and Portland's mayor, police chief and half the force are in the pocket of the mob. Things are so bad that the even the local branch of the Continental agency is corrupt, so the bosses bring Hammett's Continental Op out of retirement and send him to Portland to clean up the town. And it's going to be a big job, so this is only the first in a series . . .

If you can't find a print copy of this issue at your local Barnes & Noble, there are several places you can grab an e-copy. And it's cheaper. Here are a few I know about:

- Amazon offers single issues for Kindle, iPad or PC for $3.49. That's HERE.

- Barnes & Noble sells it for Nook, also $3.49, HERE.

- Google Play has it for android devices, $3.49, HERE. 

- Magzter sells it for $3.99, HERE. 

And here's a preview. It's FREE. 

FREE PREVIEW: "Mr. Crockett and the Longrifle"

For a limited time, Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine is offering a lengthy preview of Davy's latest adventure on their website, The Mystery Place. The screenshot above is just a sample. Davy and I would be mighty proud if you took a squint at the whole excerpt, right HERE. 

The whole adventure, in case I've been bashful about mentioning it, is now appearing in the May 2014 issue, available from select retailers and purveyors of fine eMagazines. 

PULP FICTION: Embracing the Inner Smart-Aleck

When Alfred Hitchcock editor Linda Landrigan asked if I'd like to to a post discussing how pulp fiction has influenced my writing, my response was a hearty "You betcha!"

Some of those influences are pictured above, and the whole soul-baring story is now playing over at the official AHMM blog, Trace Evidence.

I invite you all to bop over and take a squint at it. It's HERE! 

AHMM May 2014: Mr. Crockett and the Longrifle

My friend Davy is crowing about the fact his latest adventure is now playing in the shiny new May issue of Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine. The story is really about his great-great-great-great-great grandson, Tennessee State Representative David Crockett, but Old Davy is along for the ride, and in his mind he's the star. 

In this one, Rep. Crockett is a celebrity judge at a black powder shooting tournament, and having a tolerable good time until the reigning champ turns up dead - and the murder weapon appears to be Davy's legendary rifle Old Betsy. When Crockett's old friend (and major campaign contributor) is arrested, Davy insists Crockett be a hero and solve the crime. Mirth and mayhem ensue. 

On a scale of one to five stars, Davy gives it a seven. But then he would. 

The print edition is available at selected Barnes and Noble stores, and digital editions are offered by Amazon, Magzster, iTunes, Google Play and Barnes and Noble.

Davy Crockett Rides Again! (in AHMM)

Davy and I were mighty pleased when Linda Landrigan, editor of Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, accepted "Mr. Crockett and the Bear" and served it up to the world last May. But we're even happier to report that she's accepted a second adventure, "Mr. Crockett and the Longrifle," to appear in a future issue. Now we can accurately call these stories a series.

Mr. Crockett, for those who missed the first tale, is Tennessee State Representative David Crockett, and a direct descendant of old You-Know-Who. He'd be a happy man if not for the little voice constantly yapping in his head - a little voice claiming to belong to Old Davy himself. In the new story, Dave and Davy attend a black powder shooting match on the outskirts of Memphis, and encounter a rifle trumpeted to be Davy's famous "Old Betsy." Is it really? You'll have to wait and see.

If this Dave and Davy concept sounds oddly familiar, you may have been exposed to one my Crockett westerns, in which the spirit of Old Davy bedevils his grandson, a strapping young giant striving to mind his own business in the Old West. Two of those westerns are readable online, HERE and HERE, and a third appeared in the anthology A Fistful of Legends, available HERE. I've written two more of those yarns, and hope to make them available someday soon in an eBook with the stout and wolfish title Too Many Crocketts.

Meanwhile, here's a pic of someone who looks (except for the suit) strangely like me, with Davy's new favorite person - Linda Landrigan!

"Too Many Crocketts" now at BEAT to a PULP

“Too Many Crocketts,” now playing over at BEAT to a PULP (that’s HERE) is what happens when I read too many of Robert E. Howard’s Breckenridge Elkins stories. Something about old Breck uncorks my inner Davy, and he won’t go back in the bottle until I write a story about him.

That’s happened several times now, so I’m putting together an eCollection called Too Many Crocketts and Other Tales that will feature five Dave and Davy adventures and a Crockett-free bonus story. Coming soon, I hope.

(About this photo exposing my inner Davy: A friend of mine says all it needs is a cigar and glasses to turn it into Groucho Crockett. Yikes! He's right.)

Meanwhile, Davy manifests himself in other ways. “Mr. Crockett and the Bear,” in the May issue of Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine introduced his modern-day namesake, a Memphis attorney and Tennessee State Representative who (like me and the hero of “Too Many Crocketts”) just can’t seem to get Old Davy out of his head. There will be more stories in that series too.

The May AHMM is still available in a variety of eFormats from Fictionwise. (That’s HERE)
P.S. Fictionwise also offers the Sept/Oct ish of EQMM, featuring “Skyler Hobbs and the Garden Gnome Bandit.” (HERE)

Mr. Crockett meets Mr. Hitchcock

Linda Landrigan of Alfred Hitchock's Mystery Magazine did me the honor of accepting a story recently, and it's now on sale for all the world to see.

"Mr. Crockett and the Bear," in the May 2012 issue, is narrated by a modern day descendant of The King of the Wild Frontier (an attorney currently holding his ancestor's old seat in the Tennessee State Legislature), but the real star of the story is Old Davy himself, who serves as a sort of sidekick, mentor and all around pain in the ass. And if that's not enough, it features a cool woodcut-style illustration by artist Tim Foley.

The mag should be going on sale at fine retailers like Barnes and Noble just about now, and is also available in a variety of electronic formats from Fictionwise. Because this is a new release, Fictionwise is offering 15% the normal price, for only $3.39. That offer is good only until Monday morning at 10am Eastern, so if you're interested you should beat feet over there right away. That's HERE.

Davy and I will also be eternally grateful to Mr. Robert Lopresti, who said kind things about the tale on his blog, Little Big Crimes. That's HERE. (And the eagle-eyed among you may have already noted that this issue's star attraction is another of Mr. L's great Leopold Longshanks stories, so even if you don't give a hoot about Mr. Crockett, you'll want it for Mr. Longshanks.)

The Edgar Awards, Part 1: Breakfast with the Stars

At left, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine Editor Janet Hutchings.

At right, some dude I don't recognize wearing my name tag.

After arriving in the Big City on Tuesday evening, my wife Irene and I were up and at ‘em on Wednesday morning. First up, we took in the first panel at the Edgar Week Symposium. With Larry Light moderating, the panelists were Robert Goddard, Laura Lippman, David Morrell and S.J. Rozan.

One topic of discussion was what inspired these folks to become writers. For Morrell, it was the TV series Route 66. For Rozan, Howard Pyle’s stories of Robin Hood. Goddard cited the works of Wilkie Collins, and Lippman (no fan of Nancy Drew) recalled a fondness for Harriet the Spy. Yeah, they talked about other stuff too, and whole thing is now available in either mp3 or DVD format on the MWA website. My favorite bit was a story Robert Goddard told about a reader who insisted on believing one of his protagonists was real. It furthers his contention, Goddard said, that “fiction is a higher form of fact.”

Doug Allyn. And no, that's not an Edgar design on his vest.

That's the real thing!

At 10am, we had to bug out of the Symposium and head for the Tramway Diner for breakfast with several soon-to-be friends. The soiree was hosted by EQMM Editor Janet Hutchings and AHMM Editor Linda Landrigan, and the freeloaders, along with me and Irene, were Doug and Eve Allyn and Stephen Ross. Doug and Stephen were two of the five nominees for Best Short Story, Doug for “The Scent of Lilacs” in EQMM and Stephen for the AHMM story “Monsieur Alice is Absent.”

Much witty chitchat followed, most of it of a non-professional sort. I did learn, though, that both Janet and Linda personally lay eyes on every story submitted to their respective magazines - and that’s a lot of stories. I admire their dedication, and sympathize with their eyestrain.

Direct from New Zealand, it's . . . Stephen Ross.

Doug, who has now written 105 short stories and at least seven novels, unwitting revealed the answer to that age-old question, Where do you get your ideas? The answer is . . . he pulls them out of thin air. Even during breakfast, he couldn’t resist stopping to write them down. And Stephen, who had come all the way from New Zealand, spilled the beans that on the heels of his Edgar nomination an enterprising agent tracked him down and signed him up. I have no doubt editors will soon be fighting over his first novel.

In other news, Eve Allyn informed Irene she is now a Fish Wife. That's the price she pays for being (like Eve) hitched to a Robert L.Fish Award winner. 

After Janet and Linda left (no doubt to peruse more submissions), Doug graciously hung around to share some of his insight on the writing biz with Stephen and I. Thanks again, Doug! And thanks again to Linda and Janet for the hearty breakfast (I had my first ever pizza omelette).

Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine Editor Linda Landrigan

with that same Evan Lewis impersonator.

When the party broke up, Irene and I returned for another session at the Symposium, an entertaining and advice-packed presentation by MWA President Lisa Scottoline called How to Write a Novel. Shucks, I thought I knew, but I learned stuff. Thanks, Lisa.

A note about the photos: I was too star struck to even think about taking pictures at breakfast, so these are mostly from the reception and banquet on the following evening. I say mostly, because one of the photos is a phony. I wanted to have my picture taken with both Janet and Linda after the banquet, but one of them had to hotfoot it out of the hotel to catch a train. So three of these photos are real, and one ain’t. Can you spot the fake?

Tomorrow: The Agents and Editors Party

EQMM/AHMM Story Videos by Stephen Ross

Hey, here's something really cool. YouTube videos promoting mystery short stories.

I recently read stories by Stephen Ross in these two issues (both great, by the way), and discovered he'd posted videos for them. And according to the blurb in one of the mags, he even composed the music.

The Ellery Queen story, "The Man with One Eye," would have been a great entry for one of the Damn Near Dead anthologies. And the Alfred Hitchcock tale, "Monsieur Alice is Absent," is one of the five Edgar nominees for Best Short Story of 2010.

Best of luck to you, Mr. Ross. And keep those videos coming!

Here are links to the vids:
The Man With One Eye
Monsieur Alice is Absent