Publisher: Orenda Books

15 November 2017

276 pages

Source: Advanced Reading Copy

The CWA Anthology of Short Stories has been edited by author Martin Edwards and is available in ebook, hardback and paperback.  I’m delighted to be sharing my review for this tour spot and please do check down at the end of the post as I have a giveaway for a signed paperback copy courtesy of contributing author William McCormick.

|   About the Book   |

Crime spreads across the globe in this new collection of short stories from the Crime Writer’s Association, as a conspiracy of prominent crime authors take you on a world mystery tour. Highlights of the trip include a treacherous cruise to French Polynesia, a horrifying trek in South Africa, a murderous train-ride across Ukraine and a vengeful killing in Mumbai. But back home in the UK, life isn’t so easy either. Dead bodies turn up on the backstreets of Glasgow, crime writers turn words into deeds at literary events, and Lady Luck seems to guide the fate of a Twickenham hood. Showcasing the range, breadth and vitality of the contemporary crime-fiction genre, these twenty-eight chilling and unputdownable stories will take you on a trip you’ll never forget.

 

Contributions from:
Ann Cleeves, C.L. Taylor, Susi Holliday, Martin Edwards, Anna Mazzola, Carol Anne Davis, Cath Staincliffe, Chris Simms, Christine Poulson, Ed James, Gordon Brown, J.M. Hewitt, Judith Cutler, Julia Crouch, Kate Ellis, Kate Rhodes, Martine Bailey, Michael Stanley, Maxim Jakubowski, Paul Charles, Paul Gitsham, Peter Lovesey, Ragnar Jónasson, Sarah Rayne, Shawn Reilly Simmons, Vaseem Khan, William Ryan and William Burton McCormick

|  My Thoughts  |

Although I sometimes read a short story as a filler between books, I don’t often read a complete book of them.  Not because I don’t like them but I would usually rather get my nose into a full length book. BUT this collection was irresistible and I couldn’t say no.   An array of stories written by some of my favourite authors – what’s not to like!

All the stories have a travel theme.  From a deserted Thai island, to Iceland, to Prague – a cruise to the islands around New Zealand.  You really will feel as though you are armchair travelling.

Some of the stories are longer than others, one in particular is less than 2 pages however more fear and suspense has been conveyed in those few paragraphs than you might find in a full length novel.

I had my favourites and as I suspected, there were one or two that although so well executed didn’t quite do it for me but for a short story crime collection this was a brilliant showcase for both well known authors and those who work is not so well known.

I don’t know if anyone else remembers the TV programme from yesteryear, ‘Tales of the Unexpected’. That haunting theme tune was often in my head when reading these.  That ‘twist in the tale’ concept was very much prevalent here with many stories having a theme of revenge and retribution.

This is an excellent collection of stories that you can either read one after the other, or, as I did – dipping in and out and reading a mixture of authors both known and new to me.

One final thought – if Susi Holliday ever invites you on a hiking trip – just say no!

My thanks to Karen Sullivan and Anne Cater for the review copy and for including me on the tour.

|   About the editor|

Martin Edwards has published eighteen novels, including the Lake District Mysteries. The Golden Age of Murder won the Edgar, Agatha, H.R.F. Keating, and Macavity awards. He has edited thirty-five crime anthologies and has won the CWA Short Story Dagger, the CWA Margery Allingham Prize and the Poirot award. He is president of the Detection Club and current chair of the CWA.

***   GIVEAWAY   ***

Thanks to author William McCormick for offering a signed paperback copy of the CWA Anthology to one winner.  The giveaway is open internationally and the publisher will be responsible for sending the book.

The giveaway will end at midnight on 3 December 2017 (UK time) and I will notify the winner by email and/or Twitter asking for their postal address in order that I can pass on to the publisher.  If no response is received within 72 hours then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner.

Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below – please do ensure you complete the options correctly otherwise your entry won’t be registered.

Good luck!

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