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Floored by Twist Phelan Floored by Twist Phelan Apr. 07, 2010 Free! 4780 words Read a sample
“Floored” (Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine) is set in the natural gas pit of the New York Mercantile Exchange, and follows a female broker's introduction to the realities of the male-dominated trading floor, where morality and economics collide. The story looks at the choice faced by every trader: Where to draw the line?
VL-45 by Max M Power VL-45 by Max M Power Jun. 09, 2010 Free! 23599 words Read a sample
A gang comes to Houston, Texas, but when innocent kids are killed Detective Wyatt Earp wants the killers brought to justice. When a vigilante starts killing the same gang members who are killing kids the FBI is brought in to take over the case. Wyatt does not want to stop this vigilante because he is doing what the police can not. Will justice prevail or will the vigilante be caught?
The Baying Witness by Anna Drake The Baying Witness by Anna Drake Oct. 22, 2009 Free! 1779 words Read a sample
A missing man, a distraught sister, and a baying hound combine to send Sheriff Delton Ross on a hunt for a killer.
Gloria by David  Sartof Gloria by David Sartof Feb. 07, 2010 Free! 5319 words Read a sample
I’m dying, well that’s what I’ve been told. How has my life come to this: death, betrayal, friendship, love? Yes, love. I know it’s there somewhere, but I’m struggling to make sense of things. How can I, Oliver Beaton-Court, be here in this cabin, looking at my dead wife and holding an axe… Maybe Tom can give me the answers I need, or maybe there are no answers…
Murderous Relations by Anna Drake Murderous Relations by Anna Drake Nov. 16, 2009 Free! 62373 words Read a sample
A lost love and a murdered aunt push a shy teacher out of her shell.
Strange Bedfellows by Twist Phelan Strange Bedfellows by Twist Phelan Mar. 22, 2010 Free! 4226 words Read a sample
“Strange Bedfellows” (POLITICS NOIR anthology) is an ironic/darkly funny tale in which every character’s actions circle back so s/he gets what s/he deserves. “A wise and funny story.” – Dick Adler, Chicago Tribune
Hijos de la Siega by Bill Jimenez Hijos de la Siega by Bill Jimenez Nov. 27, 2009 Free! 67266 words Read a sample
Héctor DeSoto despierta en un hospital tras sufrir un aparatoso accidente de tráfico. Aunque ileso, sufre amnesia y no consigue recordar nada de lo ocurrido en los últimos días. Cuando la policía le refresca la memoria y se convierte en testigo de un homicidio múltiple, Héctor se debatirá entre dejarse llevar por las manipulaciones de la Ley o reiniciar el caso allí donde lo olvidó.
The Trials of a Businessman, Culminating in His Second Coming of Age (Oh! Our Sweet, Sweet Land...) by Joe Simpson The Trials of a Businessman, Culminating in His Second Coming of Age (Oh! Our Sweet, Sweet Land...) by Joe Simpson Aug. 05, 2010 Free! 131133 words Read a sample
When the president of a furtive club falls terminally ill, the fight for the vacated position begins. These desperate events precede and continue over into the plot, itself a typical example of how this club implements its power, with the greatest strain being endured by one Edinburgh lawyer, our protagonist. Has the end come for the aristocratic club's antiquated approach to the world's land?
Sky People by A. J. Balkin Sky People by A. J. Balkin Jan. 07, 2010 Free! 4194 words Read a sample
A staggering journey through the events of one man, whose life subverts time and is penetrated by symbol. Without cause, a chain of events starts to unravel a life not chosen but destined, a figure who remains hidden until the final chapter, and a revelation of syncronicities that will equate perfectly.
La última jugada by Fernando Trujillo La última jugada by Fernando Trujillo Jul. 18, 2010 Free! 26788 words Read a sample
Solo Ella podía convocarles a la cita más importante de sus vidas, y, ahora, tres hombres y una mujer, cuyos destinos han quedado entrelazados, tendrán que superar la mayor de las pruebas. Y lo único que importa es vencer.
Recycled by Cecilia  Peartree Recycled by Cecilia Peartree Jun. 17, 2010 Free! 3425 words Read a sample
What was Amaryllis doing at the rubbish tip in the middle of the night? And would she get away with it once her friend Christopher was on the case? This short tale of revenge, retribution and garden gnomes takes place in a small town in Scotland and is an introduction to a series of cosy mysteries by the same author.
Eye of the Witch by Dana Donovan Eye of the Witch by Dana Donovan Nov. 11, 2009 Free! 71472 words Read a sample
Pride, paranoia and paranormal forces all conspire to derail Detective Marcella’s investigation into a series of suspicious suicides in New Castle, Massachusetts. In this sequel to The Witch’s Ladder, Marcella learns that because of the ties that bind their pasts, every potential victim is also a possible suspect.
For Sale in Palm Springs: The Henry Wright Mystery Series by Albert Simon For Sale in Palm Springs: The Henry Wright Mystery Series by Albert Simon Jan. 25, 2010 Free! 60279 words Read a sample
A murdered real estate agent. Unsatisfied home buyers. A possible celebrity scam. A secret society! Join retired police chief Henry Wright in figuring out who killed Palm Springs real estate mogul Rex Thornbird in this page turning thriller that will keep you guessing. This first book in the Henry Wright Mystery Series takes our detective from Palm Springs to the Silicon Valley to find the killer!
Broken Dreams - Free six chapter sample eBook by Nick Quantrill Broken Dreams - Free six chapter sample eBook by Nick Quantrill Jul. 25, 2010 Free! 18814 words Read a sample
Joe Geraghty, Private Investigator, is used to struggling from one case to the next, barely making the rent on his small office in the Old Town of Hull. Invited by a local businessman to investigate a member of his staff's absenteeism, it's the kind of surveillance work that Geraghty and his small team have performed countless times...
The Hero by Kenneth Crowe The Hero by Kenneth Crowe Jun. 02, 2010 Free! 70161 words Read a sample
Ryan Garrity, winner of two Silver Stars, lost an eye and his dream of an Army career on a battlefield in Korea while leading a selected band of cowards in an experimental unit into combat. The soldier who saved his life also carried three other seriously wounded comrades to safety, but strangely his nomination for a Medal of Honor was squelched. In delving into the reason why, Ryan discovers th
Book of Business - a Novel by Will Nathan Book of Business - a Novel by Will Nathan Feb. 22, 2010 You set the price! 73286 words Sample 50%
It's the summer of 1994, and Gus Bondoc is going under. One of the best lawyers in San Francisco, he's survived by sheer cunning and strict control. But when everything goes wrong at once, Bondoc falls back on his worst instincts and the wrong people. With his business and his life at risk, with plenty of enemies and few friends, he begins the grim process of preserving himself at all costs.
Crime Wave by Twist Phelan Crime Wave by Twist Phelan Apr. 07, 2010 Free! 1502 words Read a sample
“Crime Wave” (CrimeSpree Magazine) takes an ironic look at the idea of crime being in the eye of the beholder.
El secreto del tío Óscar by Fernando Trujillo El secreto del tío Óscar by Fernando Trujillo Jun. 11, 2010 Free! 42993 words Read a sample
Nadie de la familia entendió que el tío Óscar le cediera a su sobrino Lucas, con quien apenas cruzó dos palabras en vida, su joya preferida en el testamento: el Escarabajo del ochenta y uno. Un legado que es mucho más que un coche, como descubrirán Lucas y sus amigos cuando el Escarabajo les conduzca hacia un misterio que deberán desvelar a toda costa.
Squatter with a Lexus by Tom Lichtenberg Squatter with a Lexus by Tom Lichtenberg Nov. 15, 2009 Free! 21449 words Read a sample
Pearson Holmes disappeared a long time ago, leaving behind a potentially valuable safety deposit box. Freddy the Freegan is the first to stumble across the mystery, but soon a whole cast of characters are out to find the key and claim the treasure before time runs out and the contents are forfeit to the state. Who will solve the riddle of the Squatter with a Lexus?
East Coast by John McFetridge East Coast by John McFetridge May. 07, 2010 Free! 8721 words Read a sample
EAST COAST is THE WIRE in a rural setting as RCMP Sgt. Jerry Northup works to keep his narcotics squad motivated in the seemingly unwinnable war on drugs while raising three kids with his wife, Isobel.
Sweet Dream, Silver Screen by Moxie Mezcal Sweet Dream, Silver Screen by Moxie Mezcal Sep. 09, 2009 Free! 16474 words Read a sample
A young woman searches for her missing twin sister in a foreign country called America. On the road, she encounters a series of strangers who help her navigate its topography, including a cowboy in a pink Cadillac, a sadistic law enforcement agent, a pulp fiction novelist, the regulars at a nuclear bomb-themed dive bar, and a man who befriends mannequins.
Natale Calibro Dodici by P.A. Gardinali Natale Calibro Dodici by P.A. Gardinali Dec. 26, 2009 Free! 8250 words Read a sample
Un omaggio al mio scrittore noir preferito. Un incubo natalizio in una realtà parallela appena più bizzarra della nostra. (Traduzione dall'inglese di Alessandra Buccheri)
Vanilla Heart Publishing's Mystery/Thriller Sampler Fall 2009 by Vanilla Heart Publishing Vanilla Heart Publishing's Mystery/Thriller Sampler Fall 2009 by Vanilla Heart Publishing Aug. 25, 2009 Free! 40329 words Read a sample
These sample chapters are works of fiction. This sampler is intended to introduce you to our authors and and their available works. Enjoy!
Don't Blink by Jasmine Giacomo Don't Blink by Jasmine Giacomo Apr. 22, 2010 Free! 5527 words Read a sample
Sara sees things that others don't always appreciate her noticing. When she visits the traveling circus one night, will she be able to solve a murder that occurs in plain sight?
Baiting & Fishing by Meredith Rae Morgan Baiting & Fishing by Meredith Rae Morgan Apr. 25, 2010 Free! 96263 words Read a sample
A newspaper reporter investigates the circumstances of a corporate scandal, and finds the woman of his dreams. Is she his perfect match or a murderess? Is he a heel or a hero?
The Defective Detective : Murder on the Links by Adam Maxwell The Defective Detective : Murder on the Links by Adam Maxwell Mar. 08, 2010 You set the price! 6403 words Sample 50%
Murder. Intrigue. Alcohol. Detectives. Clues. Golf. Laxatives. What else do you need? When a body is discovered on the golf course the identity of the killer seems obvious. The question is can Clint get to the bottom of the mystery before the stag party catches him?
Ransom X by I.B. Holder Ransom X by I.B. Holder Oct. 30, 2009 Free! 148398 words Read a sample
Martin Legacy was a top field interrogator before his life was shattered by a random crime. He withdrew to a basement post in the FBI, developing a mythic reputation as a brilliant malcontent. An agent brings him an active case. An abduction ring is preying on women, using them in adult films, ransomed for the price of pornography. They just took the daughter of an old friend, the head of the FBI.
Historia de un Crimen Perfecto by Mikel Santiago Historia de un Crimen Perfecto by Mikel Santiago Mar. 30, 2010 Free! 18471 words Read a sample
Me llamo Eric Rot y escribo estas últimas líneas de mi vida para confesarme: Soy un asesino. Yo lo hice. La maté. Linda Fitzwilliams está muerta. Ni huida con su amante, ni jugando a esconderse para irritar a su familia, como apuntaron en su momento las revistas del mundo rosa...
Easy Come, Easy Go by Lauren A. Johnson Easy Come, Easy Go by Lauren A. Johnson Jan. 25, 2010 You set the price! 4436 words
Rosa is an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), who learns the circumstances under which her superior, Paul an RN (Registered Nurse) has quit. Soon after he quits, a resident dies under mysterious circumstances. The same resident who recently put Paul into her will. Rosa stumbles into a situation she didn't look to be a part of. Will she make the right decisions?
Murder at Summerset by Edward St Amant Murder at Summerset by Edward St Amant Oct. 19, 2009 Free! 102022 words Read a sample
“In spite of technological advances that allow life to survive on other planets, human being’s quest for power hasn’t changed over a century’s time.”
The Peahen by Twist Phelan The Peahen by Twist Phelan Apr. 07, 2010 Free! 2720 words Read a sample
“The Peahen” (Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine) is a homage to Pete Dexter. Written in Dexter’s understated, linear style—much happens that isn’t on the page—the story looks at the tension that arises from the influx of things foreign on formerly all-American endeavors.
What a wonderful world by Becky Miller What a wonderful world by Becky Miller Apr. 20, 2009 Free! 2664 words Read a sample
The foreign student Rebecca meets a mysterious man during her stay in Hull. Thoughts race through her head and her mind tells her not to go with him. Will she listen to her head or her heart?
The Fallen Tree by David Hoogterp The Fallen Tree by David Hoogterp Dec. 14, 2009 Free! 2822 words Read a sample
It began with a gesture of kindness but soon I was at odds with my creepy new neighbor. When I began to suspect him of something more sinister things got ugly.
Bronx Style(브롱크스 스타일) by Red Angel Bronx Style(브롱크스 스타일) by Red Angel May. 31, 2010 Free! 2785 words Read a sample
911테러에 관한 픽션입니다.
Lavoro di Natale (un racconto di Sandrone Dazieri) by P.A. Gardinali Lavoro di Natale (un racconto di Sandrone Dazieri) by P.A. Gardinali Dec. 26, 2009 Free! 5879 words Read a sample
Lavoro di Natale l'ho scritto diversi anni fa, subito dopo aver terminato il primo romanzo del Gorilla, o forse in contemporanea. Il racconto rimase nel cassetto, lo pubblicai con qualche variante quattro anni dopo in un'antologia dalla circolazione limitatissima.E mi fa piacere ridarlo a voi, miei lettori e amici, mettendolo idealmente sotto il vostro albero di Natale.   
Marilyn Celeste Morris Fall 2009 Sampler by Vanilla Heart Publishing Marilyn Celeste Morris Fall 2009 Sampler by Vanilla Heart Publishing Oct. 23, 2009 Free! 9597 words Read a sample
Enjoy a good taste of Marilyn Celeste Morris' novels, The Women of Camp Sobingo, Forces of Nature, My Ashes of Dead Lovers Garage Sale, Sabbath's Gift, and her most recent release, Sabbath's House.
Making Dylan Maxwell by Moxie Mezcal Making Dylan Maxwell by Moxie Mezcal Sep. 26, 2009 Free! 12754 words Read a sample
Meet Dylan Maxwell, billionaire dot-com CEO and world class deviant. Tired of the same old thrills, he dreams up a new game for the rich & powerful, convincing them to put everything on the line – their fortunes, their reputations, even their lives.
Times of Trouble by Victoria Rollison Times of Trouble by Victoria Rollison Jun. 01, 2010 Free! 103717 words Read a sample
Ellen’s sister is in trouble. She knows something she shouldn’t and people want her dead. Ellen wants to help her. But how do you find someone who doesn't want to be found? Ellen's determination to find her sister leads to dead ends and near misses, lucky breaks, personal danger and devastating betrayal.
Concrete Underground by Moxie Mezcal Concrete Underground by Moxie Mezcal Mar. 13, 2010 Free! 92208 words Read a sample
An idealistic journalist sets out to expose corruption among the city's elite and soon finds himself immersed in a conspiracy of murder, blackmail, espionage, and human trafficking. Pitted against the enigmatic CEO of one of the world's largest tech companies, he must play a deadly game threatens to unearth its players' darkest secrets.
EAST VILLAGE NOIR by Russell Atwood EAST VILLAGE NOIR by Russell Atwood Dec. 20, 2009 Free! 6770 words Read a sample
"Finding a runaway teenager in New York City is easy. The hard part is finding the one your looking for." Private eye Payton Sherwood is hired by the parents of a runaway girl, and while searching for her through the shadowy sidestreets of the East Village, he comes across a connection to a murdered autograph expert. Short story originally published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, July 1997.
Death's Memory (A Short Story) by Matt Williams Death's Memory (A Short Story) by Matt Williams Jul. 11, 2010 Free! 3024 words Read a sample
Panic strikes as a man wakes to find a dead body - and no answers. Has he been framed? A knock at the door triggers a series of events threatening to expose the truth...and the identity of the murderer.
Time Will Tell by Twist Phelan Time Will Tell by Twist Phelan Apr. 07, 2010 Free! 5098 words Read a sample
“Time Will Tell” (MWA PRESENTS THE PROSECUTION RESTS anthology) explores a certain kind of relationship. Publishers Weekly, starred review; BY HOOK OR BY CROOK AND 29 MORE OF THE BEST CRIME AND MYSTERY STORIES selection; Finalist, Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Short Story (Crime Writers of Canada).
Let Sleeping Gods by Aaron Ross Powell Let Sleeping Gods by Aaron Ross Powell Nov. 29, 2009 Free! 863 words Read a sample
A detective races to prevent catastrophe in this short story. Part horror, part science fiction, "Let Sleeping Gods" is powerful and tough fiction with a heart of deepest mystery.
Free to Die by Bob McElwain Free to Die by Bob McElwain Dec. 06, 2009 Free! 63932 words Read a sample
Brad Ashton fled three years ago to avoid a conviction for murder. Now he's back. And his hope for freedom appears to be within reach. Unfortunately there are those who have no interest in his legal status; they only want him dead or on the run once more...
Talk To Me by Twist Phelan Talk To Me by Twist Phelan Apr. 07, 2010 Free! 4560 words Read a sample
“Talk to Me” (ACWL AMERICA PAST, AMERICA PRESENT anthology) tells the tale of an antiques dealer who wakes up with a bump on the head, a serious case of amnesia, and a gallery full of furniture that talks to him—about murder.
Not A Fire Exit by Christopher Finlan Not A Fire Exit by Christopher Finlan Dec. 03, 2009 You set the price! 62943 words Sample 50%
Written to help raise money to fight Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Not A Fire Exit is a comedic love story wrapped in a mystery as Jim and Sarah Knox deal with marriage, Nolan's Knockouts, Texas, Felines for Frederick's and the mysterious Dr. Schad. A portion of the profits will be donated to the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation.
Barbotte by John McFetridge Barbotte by John McFetridge May. 20, 2010 Free! 4322 words Read a sample
Montreal 1946. Jackie Robinson is playing for the Royals, the jazz clubs are hopping and the backrooms are full of people losing money at the barbotte tables. Nat Lawson is home from the war working for the phone company and moonlighting running 'silent' lines for bookies when Leah Aidelbaum asks him to play private eye.
For the Good of the Game by Twist Phelan For the Good of the Game by Twist Phelan Mar. 01, 2010 Free! 1679 words Read a sample
Red Herring Mystery Magazine; The Mystery Review. An athlete takes team loyalty to the extreme.
The Hunt for Sunan by Brian Davis The Hunt for Sunan by Brian Davis Mar. 07, 2010 You set the price! 63513 words Sample 75%
Yanus's fascination with UFO's amused his engineering colleagues, until he vanishes on a business trip to Louisiana. Colleagues, Daniel and Nadine, dig for answers in a strange town to search for Yanus. Was there more to his UFO obsession than just curiosity? Was he leaving clues for Daniel and Nadine? An immigrant, did Yanus bring more with him than the desire for freedom and prosperity?
The Witch's Ladder by Dana Donovan The Witch's Ladder by Dana Donovan Nov. 10, 2009 Free! 99918 words Read a sample
A group of individuals proficient in the psychic academia of clairvoyance, mental telepathy and bilocation work together to understand life’s most unusual secrets. But in a world where secrets among psychics are hard to keep, they soon realize that even their abilities of mind over matter cannot save them from the blade of the surgeon stalker. Book one in a series of Detective Marcella mysteries