CRIME IN THE CITY

edited by Martin Edwards

The Do-Not Press £6.99

Reviewed by Ayo Onatade

Crime in the City is the latest in The Crime Writers Association’s published series of anthologies. Over the last couple of years these anthologies have been going from strength to strength and this latest edition is no exception. Under the capable hand of Martin Edwards we have stories ranging from well-known luminaries such as John Harvey, Reginald Hill, Val McDermid and Andrew Taylor to authors such as Carol Anne Davies, Mat Coward and Anne Cleeves, as well as newcomer Kathryn Skoyles. The stories are set not only in the past but also the present and the future

Crime in the City is the type of anthology that crime readers will love. The stories are varied and interesting with unexpected twists that stop them from being seen as just a collection of short stories. It is sometimes difficult to pick out those that stand out but in Crime in the City I found three little gems. They were Val McDermid’s White Knight, Black Magic. The Egyptian Garden by Marjorie Eccles and A Friend In Need by newcomer, Kathryn Skoyles. That is not to say that the other stories were not worth reading but these three stuck in my mind after I read them. This anthology is a treasure trove of goodies and one is bound to find at least one story to suit one’s taste or occasion.

For those who enjoy anthologies, this is a welcome addition from a bevy of our finest crime writers.