It’s that time of year, again. Time for the annual release of Best New England Crime Stories published by Level Best Books. I have to say, as a now former editor, the announcement this year is bittersweet for me.
Here’s the blurb.
Red Sky at Morning
Readers Take Warning!
Red Dawn brings new meaning to the old sailors’ adage with thirty-three brand new stories from some of New England’s most acclaimed mystery writers, along with several exciting new voices.
Some spine-tingling, some rib-tickling, from cons and capers to conundrums and classic whodunnits and everything in between, Level Best Books thirteenth anthology presents a boatload of the best original regional crime writing.
With stories from Mark Ammons, Gary Braver, John Bubar, Lucy Burdette, Dorothy Cannell, Shelly Dickson Carr, Louisa Clerici, Bruce Robert Coffin, Deborah Dolby, Stef Donati, Gerald Elias, Sanford Emerson, Christine Eskilson, Katherine Fast, Kate Flora, Rae Padilla Francoeur, Angela Gerst, Judith Green, Vy Kava, Chris Knopf, Gin Mackey, Cheryl Marceau, Ruth M. McCarty, Peggy McFarland, Alan D. McWhirter, Susan Oleksiw, Dale T. Phillips, A.J. Pompano, Margaret Press, Barbara Ross, Alan Vogel, Annelisa Johnson Wagner, and Leslie Wheeler.
Cozies, what say you about Level Best’s latest?
Sherry: I can’t wait to read it! Another great line up of authors and stories! Editors Mark Ammons, Katherine Fast, Leslie Wheeler, and Barbara Ross are going out with a spectacular bang!
Julie: Level Best was my first publisher. I’ve had three stories in their anthologies over the years. These four editors–Mark, Barb, Kat, Leslie–have done such an amazing job, and they are going out on a high. I bought my copy (and a couple of others for gifts) at Crime Bake, and can’t wait to dive in. Congratulations to everyone included in this wonderful book!!
Edith: My review will be in local papers on Friday, but I can say it was a great read. Every story a winner! And such a treat to see the line of authors signing Saturday at Crime Bake, as they do every year. I’m sure it’s bittersweet for the outgoing editors. They can retire from the job with pride in many years of a job well done, though.
Jessie: Level Best has such a community feel to it. Not only is it providing a showcase for quality short stories, it is sharing the joy of being published in such a tangible way. I love that the editors arrange for group signings and that the anthology is such an important part of launching careers. Congratulations!
Liz: This anthology is so important for so many reasons – it’s the beginning step on the road to publication for many crime fiction authors. Barb, Leslie, Kat and Mark have done an amazing job and I’m so excited for the new group to take over and continue the tradition. Congratulations, guys, on a job so well done!
Readers: Have you read every volume since the beginning? Do you like short fiction, or prefer longer form?
Just ordered it!
Thanks, Carol!
I enjoy both short stories and longer ones. These books have been great so far and I’m looking forward to this one.
Thanks, everyone. It was, indeed, a bittersweet book launch. I am sure all four of us will miss being the editors, though it probably won’t hit us until submissions open again in January. Meanwhile, we have a lovely book to support. Thanks to all the authors who submitted their great stories and to all the readers who enjoyed them.
Congrats on another fine job, Level Best! I’m sure the new editors will ably carry on the tradition.
Congrats to all involved!