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A review by saareman
The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year: 2024 by Otto Penzler, Anthony Horowitz
4.0
The "Other" Best Mysteries
A review of the Mysterious Press eBook edition (September 24, 2024) released simultaneously with the hardcover/audiobook.
[3.8 average rating for the 20 stories, rounded up to a strong 4]
I call this the "Other", as its close competitor series [b:The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2024|212430496|The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2024 (The Best American Series)|S. A. Cosby; Steph Cha|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1718981320l/212430496._SX50_.jpg|218659738] (expected publication October 22, 2024) edited by author [a:S.A. Cosby|20464985|S.A. Cosby|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1593596506p2/20464985.jpg] and published by Mariner Books is due in less than a month. A comparison will be interesting and I hope I will have time to do that. I'm guessing that there is likely some cooperation between the two publishers and that there will be no duplications.
The Mysterious Press title does allow for non-American authors, although I think #12 Cuban author Leonardo Padura was the only exception to American sources and setting. The average here was very high and I enjoyed all of the stories. #3 #10 and #18 stood out for their character background and evocative writing. None were below a 3-star rating. The inclusion of an early 1897 story (see #20 Bonus Story) was a fun addition.
As is the case with the Mariner books, these stories were all actually published during the previous year (2023 in this case) and had to be submitted before a firm due date for consideration in the anthology. Series publisher Otto Penzler writes a rather strong statement about that. 2024 editor Anthony Horowitz writes about the continued allure of crime and mystery stories where answers can be determined and justice can be served in a world in which it appears harder to find every day.
Most of the authors included here were new names to me and I would hope to read further novels or short stories by many of them in the future.
Story titles, authors and original publications follow. I have added brief story setups without spoilers.
1. Stunts *** by [a:Ace Atkins|140695|Ace Atkins|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1617114365p2/140695.jpg], originally published in [b:Austin Noir|120839698|Austin Noir (Akashic Noir)|Hopeton Hay|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1681558492l/120839698._SY75_.jpg|142517839] (2023). Ne’er do well former movie stuntman runs afoul of the mobsters he borrowed money from.
2. Beat the Clock **** by [a:Michael Bracken|462466|Michael Bracken|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1591474749p2/462466.jpg], originally published in [b:Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine|195881791|Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine (March/April 2023)|Linda Landrigan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1691448296l/195881791._SX50_.jpg|197858485] (March/April 2023). Rapid fire investigation that covers a murder scene, the postmortem, witness interviews with an ‘assemble all the suspects in a room’ finale. Neatly done!
3. How to Teach Yourself to Swim ***** by [a:Fleur Bradley|5074384|Fleur Bradley|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in [b:Dark Yonder: Issue 3|188535078|Dark Yonder Issue 3|Dark Yonder|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1689211934l/188535078._SY75_.jpg|186801072] (Summer 2023). A widower teaches his grandson to swim while trying to keep him safe from his own daughter and her criminal drug trafficking boyfriend.
4. The Knife Sharpener **** by [a:Shelley Costa|4327702|Shelley Costa|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1442498203p2/4327702.jpg], originally published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine (July /August 2023). Historical fiction set behind the scenes at the Battle of Gettysburg 1863.
5. Down the Fire Road **** by [a:Doug Crandell|279063|Doug Crandell|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine (May/June 2023). There is a missing child and a missing Sheriff and the county Deputy is left to handle the situation in Georgia, USA. A well done double twist reveal and ending.
6. The Lady in My Life **** by [a:Jeffery Deaver|1612|Jeffery Deaver|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1305944481p2/1612.jpg], originally published in [b:Thriller: An Anthology of New Mystery Short Stories|123840007|Thriller An Anthology of New Mystery Short Stories (Music and Murder Mystery, #2)|Don Bruns|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1679741290l/123840007._SY75_.jpg|145222225] (July 11, 2023). An immigrant gardener is hoping to get a contract at a house where a single woman is living, but there may be something else going on. As always with Deaver’s shorts, a great twist after a shocking reveal.
7. Last Day at the Jackrabbit **** by [a:John M. Floyd|246952|John M. Floyd|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in [b:Strand Magazine LXIX 2023|199235832|Strand Magazine LXIX 2023|Andrew F. Gulli|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1696082659l/199235832._SX50_.jpg|203206915] (2023). A waitress is anticipating her final day of work at the Jackrabbit Diner until surprising events intervene.
8. Lovely and Useless Things *** by [a:Nils Gilbertson|19321064|Nils Gilbertson|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in Prohibition Papers, ed. By Michael Bracken (Down & Out) (2023). A speakeasy is being undermined during the prohibition era in the U.S.
9. El Paso Heat by **** [a:Peter W.J. Hayes|15285819|Peter W.J. Hayes|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1617800653p2/15285819.jpg], originally published in [b:Black Cat Mystery Magazine #14|200758069|Black Cat Mystery Magazine #14|Barb Goffman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1715666710l/200758069._SY75_.jpg|205583731] (October 18, 2023). An accountant, who has been in the WitSec program for 7 years, is suddenly confronted by his past.
10. The Backwoods ***** by [a:Shells Legoullon|29752785|Shells Legoullon|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in Thrill Ride: The Magazine [b:Unlikely Partners|160980280|Unlikely Partners (Thrill Ride - the Magazine Book 2)|M.L. Buchman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1687443093l/160980280._SY75_.jpg|144560197], Summer 2023. A woman inherits her father’s farm in the backwoods and discovers treasure, danger and betrayal.
11. Kill Night **** by [a:Victor Methos|4711969|Victor Methos|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1516739936p2/4711969.jpg], originally published as [b:Kill Night|77433756|Kill Night|Victor Methos|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1673708134l/77433756._SY75_.jpg|102649403] (Amazon Original Stories, February 7, 2023). Two young lawyers are sent to Utah to defend an innocent man who is on trial for murder based on circumstantial evidence.
12. A Family Matter *** by [a:Leonardo Padura|4142981|Leonardo Padura|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1347224416p2/4142981.jpg], originally published in Southwest Review, Vol. 108, No. 3 (2023). A Cuban bookseller, former policeman, is asked to track down his nephew who is feared to be planning illegal passage to the U.S. in order to reunite with his estranged wife.
13. Snow Over Hartford *** by [a:Dan Pope|60087|Dan Pope|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1450003155p2/60087.jpg], originally published in Bellevue Literary Review, No. 44 (2023). A detective is asked to extract a confession from a former acquaintance who is in a hospital bed after being shot.
14. Dead Names *** by [a:Annie Reed|45017064|Annie Reed|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1698435258p2/45017064.jpg], originally published by WMG Publishing (2023). A waitress who was a social worker in her now past life is asked to help two street kids escape from forced labour at an illegal drug lab.
15. Billowing Down the Bayou *** by [a:Cameron Sanders|26917105|Cameron Sanders|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in [b:The Greensboro Review: Number 113, Spring 2023|128740211|The Greensboro Review Number 113, Spring 2023 (Greensboro Review, 113)|Terry L. Kennedy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1681291256l/128740211._SY75_.jpg|149130183]. An alternative history story about a woman and child on the bayou in an alternate timeline when a dust storm has destroyed Civil War era USA.
16. It’s Not Even Past **** by [a:Anna Scotti|31495125|Anna Scotti|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in [b:Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, September/October 2023|198848200|Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, September/October 2023|Janet Hutchings|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1694275074l/198848200._SX50_.jpg|202100240]. A woman in the WitSec program is suddenly recognized by a member of her family and is forced to plan an escape. Cam/Lori is a recurring character in stories by Anna Scotti. The story title is from the famous William Faulkner quote: "The past is never dead. It's not even past."
17. Good Harvest **** by [a:Archer Sullivan|51406473|Archer Sullivan|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in [b:Rock and a Hard Place, Issue 9: Winter 2023|122826834|Rock and a Hard Place, Issue 9 Winter 2023|Roger Nokes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1677365739l/122826834._SY75_.jpg|144105288]. A young girl and her baby brother are along for the ride when they witness their mother digging something.
18. Wonder Falls ***** by [a:Andrew Welsh-Huggins|3022671|Andrew Welsh-Huggins|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1557946781p2/3022671.jpg], originally published in [b:Mystery Tribune / Issue Nº20|205029604|Mystery Tribune / Issue Nº20|Jason Starr|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1704712321l/205029604._SX50_.jpg|211016195] (July 1, 2023). A son reminisces about growing up with a wayward absentee father who regularly obsessed about his failed writing career. Shocking revelations come about when both his mother and a neighbour pass away.
19. One Night in 1965 *** by [a:Stacy Woodson|16881910|Stacy Woodson|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in [b:More Groovy Gumshoes: Private Eyes in the Psychedelic Sixties|123534731|More Groovy Gumshoes Private Eyes in the Psychedelic Sixties|Michael Bracken|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1682069774l/123534731._SY75_.jpg|144926322] (April 10, 2023). A detective is sent out to prevent a Senator’s son from becoming a possible draft dodger.
20. BONUS STORY: The Suicide of Kiaros **** by [a:L. Frank Baum|3242|L. Frank Baum|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1383720421p2/3242.jpg], originally published in The White Elephant (September 1897). An early noir crime tale from the writer of [b:The Wonderful Wizard of Oz|236093|The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oz, #1)|L. Frank Baum|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1398003737l/236093._SY75_.jpg|1993810] (1900). An accountant schemes to cover his embezzling from a firm before his marriage to the owner’s daughter will reveal everything.
A review of the Mysterious Press eBook edition (September 24, 2024) released simultaneously with the hardcover/audiobook.
[3.8 average rating for the 20 stories, rounded up to a strong 4]
I call this the "Other", as its close competitor series [b:The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2024|212430496|The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2024 (The Best American Series)|S. A. Cosby; Steph Cha|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1718981320l/212430496._SX50_.jpg|218659738] (expected publication October 22, 2024) edited by author [a:S.A. Cosby|20464985|S.A. Cosby|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1593596506p2/20464985.jpg] and published by Mariner Books is due in less than a month. A comparison will be interesting and I hope I will have time to do that. I'm guessing that there is likely some cooperation between the two publishers and that there will be no duplications.
The Mysterious Press title does allow for non-American authors, although I think #12 Cuban author Leonardo Padura was the only exception to American sources and setting. The average here was very high and I enjoyed all of the stories. #3 #10 and #18 stood out for their character background and evocative writing. None were below a 3-star rating. The inclusion of an early 1897 story (see #20 Bonus Story) was a fun addition.
As is the case with the Mariner books, these stories were all actually published during the previous year (2023 in this case) and had to be submitted before a firm due date for consideration in the anthology. Series publisher Otto Penzler writes a rather strong statement about that. 2024 editor Anthony Horowitz writes about the continued allure of crime and mystery stories where answers can be determined and justice can be served in a world in which it appears harder to find every day.
Most of the authors included here were new names to me and I would hope to read further novels or short stories by many of them in the future.
Story titles, authors and original publications follow. I have added brief story setups without spoilers.
1. Stunts *** by [a:Ace Atkins|140695|Ace Atkins|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1617114365p2/140695.jpg], originally published in [b:Austin Noir|120839698|Austin Noir (Akashic Noir)|Hopeton Hay|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1681558492l/120839698._SY75_.jpg|142517839] (2023). Ne’er do well former movie stuntman runs afoul of the mobsters he borrowed money from.
2. Beat the Clock **** by [a:Michael Bracken|462466|Michael Bracken|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1591474749p2/462466.jpg], originally published in [b:Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine|195881791|Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine (March/April 2023)|Linda Landrigan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1691448296l/195881791._SX50_.jpg|197858485] (March/April 2023). Rapid fire investigation that covers a murder scene, the postmortem, witness interviews with an ‘assemble all the suspects in a room’ finale. Neatly done!
3. How to Teach Yourself to Swim ***** by [a:Fleur Bradley|5074384|Fleur Bradley|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in [b:Dark Yonder: Issue 3|188535078|Dark Yonder Issue 3|Dark Yonder|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1689211934l/188535078._SY75_.jpg|186801072] (Summer 2023). A widower teaches his grandson to swim while trying to keep him safe from his own daughter and her criminal drug trafficking boyfriend.
4. The Knife Sharpener **** by [a:Shelley Costa|4327702|Shelley Costa|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1442498203p2/4327702.jpg], originally published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine (July /August 2023). Historical fiction set behind the scenes at the Battle of Gettysburg 1863.
5. Down the Fire Road **** by [a:Doug Crandell|279063|Doug Crandell|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine (May/June 2023). There is a missing child and a missing Sheriff and the county Deputy is left to handle the situation in Georgia, USA. A well done double twist reveal and ending.
6. The Lady in My Life **** by [a:Jeffery Deaver|1612|Jeffery Deaver|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1305944481p2/1612.jpg], originally published in [b:Thriller: An Anthology of New Mystery Short Stories|123840007|Thriller An Anthology of New Mystery Short Stories (Music and Murder Mystery, #2)|Don Bruns|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1679741290l/123840007._SY75_.jpg|145222225] (July 11, 2023). An immigrant gardener is hoping to get a contract at a house where a single woman is living, but there may be something else going on. As always with Deaver’s shorts, a great twist after a shocking reveal.
7. Last Day at the Jackrabbit **** by [a:John M. Floyd|246952|John M. Floyd|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in [b:Strand Magazine LXIX 2023|199235832|Strand Magazine LXIX 2023|Andrew F. Gulli|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1696082659l/199235832._SX50_.jpg|203206915] (2023). A waitress is anticipating her final day of work at the Jackrabbit Diner until surprising events intervene.
8. Lovely and Useless Things *** by [a:Nils Gilbertson|19321064|Nils Gilbertson|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in Prohibition Papers, ed. By Michael Bracken (Down & Out) (2023). A speakeasy is being undermined during the prohibition era in the U.S.
9. El Paso Heat by **** [a:Peter W.J. Hayes|15285819|Peter W.J. Hayes|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1617800653p2/15285819.jpg], originally published in [b:Black Cat Mystery Magazine #14|200758069|Black Cat Mystery Magazine #14|Barb Goffman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1715666710l/200758069._SY75_.jpg|205583731] (October 18, 2023). An accountant, who has been in the WitSec program for 7 years, is suddenly confronted by his past.
10. The Backwoods ***** by [a:Shells Legoullon|29752785|Shells Legoullon|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in Thrill Ride: The Magazine [b:Unlikely Partners|160980280|Unlikely Partners (Thrill Ride - the Magazine Book 2)|M.L. Buchman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1687443093l/160980280._SY75_.jpg|144560197], Summer 2023. A woman inherits her father’s farm in the backwoods and discovers treasure, danger and betrayal.
11. Kill Night **** by [a:Victor Methos|4711969|Victor Methos|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1516739936p2/4711969.jpg], originally published as [b:Kill Night|77433756|Kill Night|Victor Methos|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1673708134l/77433756._SY75_.jpg|102649403] (Amazon Original Stories, February 7, 2023). Two young lawyers are sent to Utah to defend an innocent man who is on trial for murder based on circumstantial evidence.
12. A Family Matter *** by [a:Leonardo Padura|4142981|Leonardo Padura|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1347224416p2/4142981.jpg], originally published in Southwest Review, Vol. 108, No. 3 (2023). A Cuban bookseller, former policeman, is asked to track down his nephew who is feared to be planning illegal passage to the U.S. in order to reunite with his estranged wife.
13. Snow Over Hartford *** by [a:Dan Pope|60087|Dan Pope|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1450003155p2/60087.jpg], originally published in Bellevue Literary Review, No. 44 (2023). A detective is asked to extract a confession from a former acquaintance who is in a hospital bed after being shot.
14. Dead Names *** by [a:Annie Reed|45017064|Annie Reed|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1698435258p2/45017064.jpg], originally published by WMG Publishing (2023). A waitress who was a social worker in her now past life is asked to help two street kids escape from forced labour at an illegal drug lab.
15. Billowing Down the Bayou *** by [a:Cameron Sanders|26917105|Cameron Sanders|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in [b:The Greensboro Review: Number 113, Spring 2023|128740211|The Greensboro Review Number 113, Spring 2023 (Greensboro Review, 113)|Terry L. Kennedy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1681291256l/128740211._SY75_.jpg|149130183]. An alternative history story about a woman and child on the bayou in an alternate timeline when a dust storm has destroyed Civil War era USA.
16. It’s Not Even Past **** by [a:Anna Scotti|31495125|Anna Scotti|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in [b:Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, September/October 2023|198848200|Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, September/October 2023|Janet Hutchings|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1694275074l/198848200._SX50_.jpg|202100240]. A woman in the WitSec program is suddenly recognized by a member of her family and is forced to plan an escape. Cam/Lori is a recurring character in stories by Anna Scotti. The story title is from the famous William Faulkner quote: "The past is never dead. It's not even past."
17. Good Harvest **** by [a:Archer Sullivan|51406473|Archer Sullivan|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in [b:Rock and a Hard Place, Issue 9: Winter 2023|122826834|Rock and a Hard Place, Issue 9 Winter 2023|Roger Nokes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1677365739l/122826834._SY75_.jpg|144105288]. A young girl and her baby brother are along for the ride when they witness their mother digging something.
18. Wonder Falls ***** by [a:Andrew Welsh-Huggins|3022671|Andrew Welsh-Huggins|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1557946781p2/3022671.jpg], originally published in [b:Mystery Tribune / Issue Nº20|205029604|Mystery Tribune / Issue Nº20|Jason Starr|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1704712321l/205029604._SX50_.jpg|211016195] (July 1, 2023). A son reminisces about growing up with a wayward absentee father who regularly obsessed about his failed writing career. Shocking revelations come about when both his mother and a neighbour pass away.
19. One Night in 1965 *** by [a:Stacy Woodson|16881910|Stacy Woodson|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], originally published in [b:More Groovy Gumshoes: Private Eyes in the Psychedelic Sixties|123534731|More Groovy Gumshoes Private Eyes in the Psychedelic Sixties|Michael Bracken|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1682069774l/123534731._SY75_.jpg|144926322] (April 10, 2023). A detective is sent out to prevent a Senator’s son from becoming a possible draft dodger.
20. BONUS STORY: The Suicide of Kiaros **** by [a:L. Frank Baum|3242|L. Frank Baum|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1383720421p2/3242.jpg], originally published in The White Elephant (September 1897). An early noir crime tale from the writer of [b:The Wonderful Wizard of Oz|236093|The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oz, #1)|L. Frank Baum|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1398003737l/236093._SY75_.jpg|1993810] (1900). An accountant schemes to cover his embezzling from a firm before his marriage to the owner’s daughter will reveal everything.