Short Story Reviews

Each story I review today contains a twist. This is not a spoiler alert. I won't reveal the clever way each author turns expectation on its head.

The July / August 2018 issue of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine features a variety of stories, beginning with Homework by Rebecca Cantrell. A Tiffany's heist comes off like a well-rehearsed theatrical performance, which includes a dog. The aftermath doesn't go as well, as distrust and suspicion tears the team apart. The ending contains a clever twist, and a great closing line.

The Movie Lover by Kevin Egan features Nouri, a coffee kiosk attendant and aspiring screen writer. Ray, the blind coffee shop owner, recruits Foxx, a courthouse security guard, to bust whoever has been ripping him off. The fun aspect of this story is how justice plays out in an unexpected way. 

Blue Moon by Eve Fisher is a short tale following a creepy young stalker. Scorned by his high school sweetheart, he decides if he can't have Ina, nobody can. 

I Pray the Lord My Soul to Take by David Edgerley Gates follows an action packed bank heist. Police Officer Jean Weinstock places herself in a hostage situation in an attempt to free bank employees and patrons, one of whom is her mother. The Iceman, as the bank robber is nicknamed, is not interested in negotiation or mercy.

AHMM never fails to contain variety. I'm less than a third of the way through this issue, and looking forward to finishing every story.

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