Mystery Writers of America Presents the Mystery Box

April 29, 2013
This all-original MWA anthology includes a nice mix of big names and rising stars among its 21 offerings, all plotted in some manner around a box (literal or metaphorical) and its contents. Some writers not best known for humor tickle the funny bone, like Jan Burke in "The Amiable Miss Edith Montague," whose death reveals depths hidden in life. Karin Slaughter's "Remy Rothstein Toes the Line (annotated)" is an exceedingly offbeat and funny story about a tabloid reporter and swamp people. Mary Ann Kelly's "Angelina" delivers a neat twist in a story about young, noisy neighbors and an old woman who lives alone. Colette becomes a detective in Angela Gerst's "The Secret Life of Books," a natural for the observant and curious French writer. Charles Todd explores the theft and strange peregrinations of a box belonging to the Dundee Rifles in "The Honour of Dundee." Steve Berry, Laura Lippman, R.L. Stine, and Katherine Neville are among the others whose stories brighten this collection.

May 1, 2013

The latest entry in the MWA's thematic anthologies tackles the theme of the locked box. It includes 21 stories from ten authors handpicked by editor Meltzer (The Fifth Assassin) and 11 chosen from submissions. The result is an intriguing mix of historical, psychological, and humorous puzzles. The big name authors experiment with different settings and protagonists from their norm, but the newer names really shine here. Consider especially Stephen Ross's "The Birdhouse" for its World War II hospital setting. Or Catherine Mambretti's "The Very Private Detectress" for its Pinkerton case. Charles Todd's "The Honour of Dundee" does a particularly fine job with a box haunted by its historical significance. And Katherine Neville's "The Lunar Society" is as complex as her fans would expect. Opening with a quietly clever tale from Jan Burke ("The Amiable Miss Edith Montague") and closing with a very funny entry from Karin Slaughter ("Remmy Rothstein Toes the Line"), this is a solid collection. VERDICT Just right for commuters who want short bursts of reading, this title showcases new talent and lets loyal fans read their favorites as they experiment with different styles.

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