Short Story Reviews and News

There is no excuse for not reading short fiction. Not when there are magazines, e-zines, and even numerous venues offering free reads. My Channukah gift to you are these links to free short fiction.

I recently learned that short story author Joe Lansdale offers his stories on his website on a regular basis. I have been missing out. Here's where you can read some fine fiction from an award-winning author. 

Kings River Life e-zine publishes short mystery fiction. They also offer podcasts. Whether you prefer reading or listening to mystery short stories, you can find it here.

The Short Mystery Fiction Society began a special feature on their blog this year. "Back in May SMFS celebrated, as we do each year, International Short Story Month. The celebration led to the creation of the weekly short story segment SMFS Short Story Saturdays. Each Saturday we feature a SMFS list member whose work can be read online for free."   

And now for my short story review:

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I return to the library-themed anthology, Shhhh... Murder! 

Different Lights by Gwenda R. Jensen

Told in present tense, this story has a literary feel. The action unfolds at a leisurely pace, and yet there is tension from the start.

I was drawn in, wanting to know where this tale was headed. Lindsay is compelled to help her husband save an amazing private library, even though he has been hired to expedite the disposition of thousands of volumes. 

​Her husband's love of books, something the reader can relate to, drives Lindsay to seek a solution. The ending has quite a twist that brought tears to my eyes - tears of delight at such engaging writing.

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