Release: April 20th, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Hanover Square Press
Source: Amazon
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, Kobo.
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The latest Mystery Writers of America story collection, featuring terrifying tales of encounters with strangers from some of the top bestsellers and award winners in crime fiction
It’s been said that all great literature boils down to one of two stories. A man takes a journey, or a stranger comes to town. Always mystery writers have been successfully using both approaches for generations. However, there’s something undeniably alluring like a stranger either as an uninvited guest, the unacquainted neighbor, or the fish out of water.
No matter how or where they appear, strangers are walking mysteries. They are complete unknowns in once familiar territories who disrupt our lives with unease and wonder. In the Mystery Writers of America’s newest collection of stories, each author weaves a fresh tale. An eerie feeling comes when a stranger enters our midst—these feature stories by prolific mystery writers such as Michael Connelly, Dean Koontz, and Joe Hill.
About the Author:
Michael Koryta is the New York Times-bestselling author of 14 suspense novels. Stephen King and many others have praised his work. They have been translated into more than 20 languages. His books have won nominations for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize etc. Various publications as diverse as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal have selected them as “best books of the year.”
His recent thriller Those Who Wish Me Dead was the summer’s best thriller in Amazon and Entertainment Weekly.
Before turning to write full-time, Michael worked as a private investigator and as a newspaper reporter. And he taught at the Indiana University School of Journalism. As a journalist, he won numerous awards from the Society of Professional Journalists.
Michael was from Bloomington, Indiana, and graduated from Bloomington North High School in 2001. Later he graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Michael’s passions outside of writing and reading involve various outdoor pursuits like hiking, camping, boating, and fishing when he’s not working on a new book. Some of his favorite spots in the world are the Beartooth Mountains, the setting of Those Who Wish Me Dead, and a place to which he returns at least twice a year.
When a Stranger Comes to Town Review:
“When a Stranger Comes to Town” was such a treat to read.
I enjoyed reading this anthology of mystery and thrillers. The book contains an eclectic selection of stories that kept me entertained. This book has a wide variety of stories, from assassins to U.F.O.s. Moreover, the tone of each level is different from one another. You have tales like “Assignment: Sheepshead Bay,” “Avalon,” and “Exit Now” that fills with adventure. Then, there were stories like “Kohinoor,” which I appreciated for its brutal depiction of Indian exotic club dancers. Similarly, even “Tokyo Stranger” moved my heart as it came across as an emotional tale. However, while I enjoyed all the stories, the below topped my list and made the book memorable.
A Six-Letter Word for Neighbor: I loved the slow burn mystery and Jay as the main character. The author wrote it in a thrilling, cozy mystery fashion glued to the pages (particularly when they get in the basement).
Here’s to New Friends: Probably one of my favorites! A simple tale with just three people on a train. But, I was at the edge of my seat throughout, and the ending shocked me!
A Different Kind of Healing/Solomon Wept: I loved both these stories for their tale of revenge and justice, and it reminded me of “Kill Bill.”
P.F.A.: Janice made this story memorable and had me laughing. I loved her snarky attitude towards the new neighbors, and it had a delightfully twisted ending too.
The remaining stories were also fun, like “Seat 2C” and “Room for one more,” but felt short and light compared to the others. Nevertheless, this is a beautiful selection of novellas which I highly recommend if you are a fan of mysteries and thrillers!
