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Thirteen detective stories - twelve reprints and one original sent this reader into a craving state, wanting more stories from these authors. I strongly recommend this book and send high regard to Robert Randisi for the excellent editing. Not a customary reader of short stories, this book was started with reservation but that changed very shortly, as I became so involved in each and every one of these well-written narratives. The stories were devoured! We begin with "The Night I Died." How aptly to begin with Mickey Spillane and his infamous Mike Hammer. I had forgotten how much Mike Hammer did not have to worry about the rules. In this reading, I was reminded and reminiscent of the old radio show. You can bet there was a lovely lady in the story. In 1962, Michael Collins' story, "If The Whiskey Don't, the Women Will" debuted in Mike Shayne Mystery Magazine. The protagonist is a one armed PI who likes booze and dames. The first Captain Leopold story written by Stephen Dentinger appeared in 1962. This writer is really Edward D. Hoch, known and respected for his numerous mystery contributions. I was fortunate to be able to see Mr. Hoch at a couple of mystery conventions and am extremely impressed with both his writing longevity and his talent. This tale, "Circus" involves a young boy's death. It reminded me how much I liked Ed Hoch's writing. Warren Murphy's "Looking for Mr. Green" has PI Devlin Tracy investigating a woman who pushed a car onto her husband and is accused of killing him. Tracy is paired with a person retained by WIT (Women in Trouble). They present a comedic duo even though they are on opposite sides of the fence. A will that is delivered is the backdrop for Lia Matera's "Dream Lawyer." A car accident changes everyone's life in a "Dead Man's Curve," written by Judith Van Gieson. John Harvey's "Now's the Time" sports Nottingham's Detective Inspector Charlie Resnick. Resnick is described by the author as Rockford dressed by Colombo's tailor. A jazz theme is incorporated into this page turner. "Second Fiddle" is a J. P. Beaumont installment by J.A. Jance. This was of particular interest to me since I enjoy Jance's Beaumont and Brady characters. First appearing at the 1995 Nottingham, England's Bouchercon, this is one of my favorites. If you are not familiar with the character Beaumont, he is a Seattle homicide detective who in this story recognizes the victim as one of the people in his AA group. Sharon Zukowski has integrated quickness and humor in "The Amazing Technicolor Leisure Suit." Blaine investigates a murder in which a childhood friend has been accused. "Confession" by Stuart M Kaminsky has Chicago Police Detective Abe Lieberman at a Temple when a man tells his confession of murder. Martin and Annette Meyers (husband and wife) collaborated as Maan Meyers to write "The High Constable and the Visiting Author." This features the Captain of the Constables and the high constable meeting Charles Dickens. Irene and Frank Kelly help a musician friend in Jan Burke's "A Fine Set of Teeth." The last insertion in this wonderful book is Terence Faherty's "The Triple Score." Owen Keane, a bartender, gives a friendly ear to an elderly female customer. Loss of family, a scam, Scrabble and murder are all components of the plan. Simply said, I say, Thumbs Up! I had read only four of the authors previously in other formats and how happy am I to add more of these writers to my "to be read" list. Enjoy!
Reviewed by Rita Ratacheck, January 2002
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