(reviewed by JD Jung)
When I started reading Miscreants, Murderers, and Thieves, I was hoping for raw and gritty stories. I immediately discovered that I would have to change my expectations. Once I did that, I appreciated this eclectic collection.
Thirteen undiscovered and independent authors showcase their writing in these thirteen stories. After the story is a bio of each author.
My favorites are quite diverse. “Murder at Magic Castle” by Gabriel DiDomenico features a retiring detective who can’t shake a cold case in which a thirteen -year- old girl was murdered twenty- five years ago. This case is finally solved in a strange and unexpected way.
I was pleasantly surprised with “Mercy in the West” by David Beeler where a nineteenth century medicine man has an unusual and macabre pastime.
For a change of pace, I enjoyed the humorous “Plastic Crap” by Ethel Lung where cat burglars often leave more than they receive in a crime-ridden area in Taiwan.
To round out my favorites, a wife is faced with the thankless job of caring for her dying husband in “The Win” by Dori Ann Dupre. This heart -wrenching story will surprise you in the end.
Not all the stories hit the mark though, even though they are all well-written. Since I prefer edgy stories, some initially gave me hope, but I was disappointed how the concept wasn’t taken far enough.
That said, Miscreants, Murderers, and Thieves has something for everyone. I’m looking forward to discovering more works from these select authors.
