Love and Death

January 1, 2001
Happy Valentine's Day. Hart has assembled 14 mystery authors with proven track records as short story writers. The result is a collection of original tales that offers wildly varying takes on the trials, tribulations, comedy and mayhem that accompany our search for love. Most authors have eschewed series characters, but Dorothy Cannell's sly offering features Hyacinth and Primrose Tramwell. Gar Anthony Haywood puts his fine touch on a last-laugh type of story as a rich, suspicious husband and his oh-so-patient wife approach the end game of their married life. Peter Robinson leaves the usual haunts of his Alan Banks novels for an affecting story of love and murder during the student-led rebellion in Paris in 1968. Sisters in Crime is well represented by founding members and past presidents (Susan Dunlap, Nancy Pickard, Marilyn Wallace, Margaret Maron and Hart). Maron's delightful story uses a Manhattan setting as a hassled mother and her latchkey daughter overcome a major glitch in their careful plans. Ed Gorman adds a touch of fantasy to his story of lost love, while Eve K. Sandstrom goes native with an island tale of a woman forced to sacrifice her child unless the shaman's verdict can be overcome. M.D. Lake, Kathy Hogan Trocheck, Jean Hager and the team of Robert J. Randisi and Christine Matthews complete the roster. (Jan. 9) Forecast: A strong anthology by veteran authors who have a slew of major awards for their short stories, this title should get a boost from its pre-Valentine release and is a natural for prominent display around Feb 14th. A colorful cover featuring hearts (including one on a smoking gun) will attract browsers.