Then There Were More

Anyone who claims that they dislike short stories is certainly missing a trick. I mean how else can you find yourself reading a manageable collection of stories which are not only from a diverse group of crime writers (from the last century) but also narratives that unsettle the reader, as they provoke contemplation?

The title of this latest collection of short stories (edited by the great and indomitable editor Martin Edwards) Then There Were More is a riff on that well-known Agatha Christie novel And Then There Were None. The eclectic stories range from the Golden Age of crime fiction to contemporary themes which make for a varied and thought-provoking read. It is great to see CWA Diamond Dagger luminaries such Andrew Taylor, John Harvey, Ann Cleeves, Simon Brett and the late Peter Lovesey and Catherine Aird, [as well the collections’ editor Martin Edwards] alongside authors who may not be as well-known – but all are excellent writers of short-form crime fiction.

Endorsed by The Crime Writers Association, it is unsurprising that this concise collection is evocative, with a profound sense of place - but a warning - some of the narratives contained within are very dark.

All the stories explore themes of death, justice, and the value of individual lives, past relationships and their consequences; some feature established series characters such as anti-heroes William Dougal, Anna Lee, and Charlie Fox But all are populated by mysterious [and dangerous] antagonists and protagonists.

This collection is highly recommended for your bookshelf. Miss it at your peril.

The full list of featured authors: Anne Perry, Christine Poulson, Andrew Taylor, Amy Myers, Judith Cutler, Gillian Linscott, Martin Edwards, Bernie Crosthwaite, Catherine Aird, Simon Brett, Yvonne Eve Walus, John Harvey, Kate Ellis, Zoe Sharp, Bill Knox, Cath Staincliffe, Liza Cody, Ann Cleeves, and Peter Lovesey.