As a big fan of mystery short stories, I anxiously wait every year for the “best of” anthologies to come out. They are packed with great stories from a selection of well-known mystery authors and new names to follow.

This year, I’m especially excited to announce the release of The Best Mystery Stories of the Year, edited by Amor Towles. And that’s because this year, one of those stories is mine!

An impressive Table of Contents

I am unspeakably thrilled to be a part of this marvelous series and to have my story rubbing elbows with an incredible group of mystery writers.

Jeffery Deaver, for instance. I have loved reading his books for decades, and the surprise twists in his short stories are supreme.

I’ve also been a long-time fan of Brendan DuBois, ever since I read his remarkably moving short story, “The Dark Snow.”

It’s an honor to be included alongside Doug Allyn, T.C. Boyle, and Lee Child’s brother, Andrew, who is rapidly staking out his own territory in the mystery realm.

I must also mention my friend, Annie Reed, a truly fantastic writer and a kind and wonderful person.

And Leah Cutter, the editor of Mystery, Crime, and Mayhem magazine, who made the Honor Roll of outstanding stories published in 2022.

I’m excited to read the rest of the stories and meet some new mystery writers whose work I can enjoy.

Cold Hands, Warm Heart

I’m so delighted that the inimitable Amor Towles chose my story, “Cold Hands, Warm Heart,” as one of the year’s best mysteries. It still feels like a dream, as I’ve been reading this series of books since my long-ago college days and regarding it almost as the “holy of holies” for mystery short fiction.

I can’t even express how tickled and how grateful I am to have a story included. “Cold Hands” is a Steadman and Frost story, part of my series that began with the thriller novel Steadman’s Blind, and is continuing with a number of short stories and more thriller novels to come.

“Cold Hands” was originally published in Mystery, Crime, and Mayhem: Cold Cases. It’s an extraordinary edition which also includes not only Annie’s Best Mystery story, “The Promise,” but Leah Cutter’s story, “The Missing,” as well.

Don’t miss out on this excellent volume!

The Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2023, edited and with a superb Introduction by Amor Towles, is now available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover. The audiobook will be released on December 12th.

I hope you’ll scoop it up and read it as soon as possible. I think you’re going to love it!

How about you? Are you a fan of the”best mystery” books? Have you read the latest? Tell us about it in the comments.