Best Crime Stories of the Year: 2021

The twenty best short stories of 2021, chosen by Lee Child, explore the depths of human psychology and provide fertile grounds for aberrant circumstances and poor choices. The writers present diverse methods and motivations, original perspectives, and perils, including stories by Doug Allyn, Jim Allyn, Ambrose Bierce, Michael Bracken, James Lee Burke, Martin Edwards, John Floyd, Jacqueline Freimor, Alison Gaylin, Sue Grafton, Paul Kemprecos, Stephen King, Janice Law, Dennis McFadden, David Marcum, Tom Mead, David Morrell, Joyce Carol Oates, Sara Paretsky, Joseph Walker, and Andrew Welsh-Huggins.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2021
Publisher: Head of Zeus

The short story is a perfect medium for crime, as it allows for a quick discovery, revelation, and significance determination within a limited number of pages. The classic mystery tale, invented by Edgar Allen Poe, popularized by Arthur Conan Doyle, and perfected by Agatha Christie, has been a beloved genre for both aficionados and casual readers alike. However, mystery fiction has evolved significantly over the years, and the writers within these pages present far more than a simple case of crime and resolution.

These stories delve into the depths of human psychology, exploring the extremes of despair, hate, greed, fear, envy, insanity, or love. They offer diverse methods and motivations, original perspectives, and perilous situations. The writers present a tapestry of tales that are anything but predictable, providing fertile grounds for aberrant circumstances and the poor choices they lead to.

The selection of stories in this anthology showcases the talent of numerous authors, including Doug Allyn, Jim Allyn, Ambrose Bierce, Michael Bracken, James Lee Burke, Martin Edwards, John Floyd, Jacqueline Freimor, Alison Gaylin, Sue Grafton, Paul Kemprecos, Stephen King, Janice Law, Dennis McFadden, David Marcum, Tom Mead, David Morrell, Joyce Carol Oates, Sara Paretsky, Joseph Walker, Andrew Welsh-Huggins. Each story is a testament to the power of the short form and the endless possibilities it holds for storytelling.

Whether you are a seasoned mystery enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection will captivate and intrigue you with its diverse range of characters, plots, and settings. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the twenty finest short stories of 2021, as selected by the acclaimed #1 bestselling author Lee Child.

Weight: 720g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801105736