Sinister Shorts
NOTE:
This collection was written differently than the novels. As per our promise, we include initials for the primary writer for each of the stories. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
The Long Walk
P O
in which detective John Fleck returns with his sweet girlfriend from Atlanta to a Berkeley crime scene—his? This story won the MWA’s 50th Anniversary Golden Mystery contest, 2nd place for a published author, even though it was published before our first novel.
Success Without College
M O
a drive-by shooting or something more? Investigator Paul van Wagoner takes it on.
Dead Money
P O
After ages in recovery and years of living right, Timberlake Sheriff Tim Breen is tempted to stray when a local goes missing. This story has been optioned twice by filmmakers but sadly, has never been filmed.
O’Shay’s Special Case
M O
Distinguished attorney Patrick O’Shay risks his reputation, his marriage and the loyalty of his staff for a disquieting client.
House Afire
M O
Mom finds life tepid after her precious son leaves home, but life is full of surprises.
His Master’s Hand—Dostoevsky resurrected
P O
A new underground man digs up graves, and comes up against his modern, female match.
Gertrude Stein Solves a Mystery At Bilignin
P O
Alice B. Toklas and Gertrude Stein entertain and uncover a mystery and solve it entertainingly uncovering a mystery. Honoring Gertrude’s inimitable style.
The Furnace Man
M O
Mrs. Rodriguez has plenty of troubles without having to cope with the nasty furnace man, who shows up unexpectedly one dark night.
Trio
M O
Victoria plays games with love but in real life, love is elemental, not a game.
The Second Head
M O
In pain after a horrendous car accident, a hospital patient plots revenge. Then comes along a man who had a second head.
Chocolate Milkshake
P O
An affair with sweets leads an ashamed woman to desperate measures.
Chocolate Milkshake
P O
An affair with sweets leads an ashamed woman to desperate measures.
The Young Woman
M O
Her teacher asks about point-of-view, and it’s the key to understanding her, and all the trouble she might bring him.
Juggernaut
P O, M O
The power of law in the form Nina Reilly takes on a man bent on making money by staging a fatal accident.
The Couple Behind the Curtain
M O
Gretchen’s broken her ankle. Her alienated husband Craig is there to get her home and out of his hair. He believes he can leave her. Ha.
Sandstorm
P O
An overwhelmed soul feels sand blowing through her head and cannot get with the program anymore.
Tiny Angels
M O
An FBI agent tries to foil a kidnapping but it’s not that easy without the assistance of his astute partner. Here’s a modern homage to Susan Glaspell’s “A Jury of her Peers” 1917.
To Still the Beating of Her Heart
M O
They loved each other utterly, and utterly failed when circumstances changed who they became. So then what? Poison?
Lemons
P O
The fecund tree in the backyard sends Doris around to the neighbors with freebies they don’t want, need, or recognize as serious offerings.
A Grandmother’s Tale
P O
Sometimes even fairy tales come true. That’s how it went for Jane until a worm began to burrow deep in her heart.