Publishers Weekly
09/20/2021
Jakubowski (Venice Noir) has gathered some of the most notable winners of the Crime Writers’ Association Short Story Dagger Award for this strong anthology. The best of the 19 selections come with a sting in the tail that undermines readers’ expectations, as in Danuta Reah’s “The Dummies’ Guide to Serial Killing,” which features a would-be murderer’s step-by-step plan, including his search for a memorable nickname, to launch a career as a serial killer. Phil Lovesey’s “Homework” presents the unexpected impact on a high school student of learning Shakespeare through viewing Mel Gibson’s movie version of Hamlet, which spawns a devious plan for revenge. His father, Peter Lovesey, also impresses, with “Needle Match,” focused on a baffling murder committed before thousands of witnesses during a 1981 tennis match at Wimbledon that claims the life of a participant. Martin Edwards, himself a prolific anthologist, weighs in with the memorable “The Bookbinder’s Apprentice,” in which a British tourist who comes to Venice is offered the opportunity to learn a real trade, instead of desperately scratching out a living doing puppet shows and posing as a living statue of Charlie Chaplin. Fans of literate crime fiction will hope for a follow-up volume. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
"A well written sharp, incisive crime story (much like a dagger thrust should be) is a thing of beauty. There are many in this anthology. Read and enjoy."
– Frost Magazine
"Quality and variety... are guaranteed."
– Morning Star
"Chilling and crafty, and full of devious characters. Not all of the victims are innocent, and the effects of each story will linger long after you close the volume."
– The Girl Who Reads
"It’s good to see earlier contributions from such luminaries as Peter O’Donnell, Julian Rathbone and Larry Beinhart among the star-studded cast which features Ian Rankin, Jeffrey Deaver, Denise Mina and John Harvey."
– Shots Mag
"The daggers are drawn, business ends out. An absolute must read for all crime fiction fans."
– Advance the Plot
"Edgy, twisted and disturbing, Daggers Drawn is a visceral and thrilling collection showcasing the very best modern crime fiction has to offer."
– Book Lover's Boudoir
"[A]n overall entertaining tale of short stories with quite a few enjoyable tales to entice the reader."
– Run Along the Shelves
"I'd definitely recommend this great collection for anyone who is a crime fiction fan."
– Snazzy Books
"[A]n engrossing and entertaining read."
– Annarellix Review
DECEMBER 2021 - AudioFile
Nineteen prize-winning crime and mystery short stories are narrated by nine highly experienced voice actors. The stories dating from 1985 to 2020 were compiled by Maxim Jakubowski; the gravelly voiced Stefan Rudnicki narrates Jakubowski's detailed introduction about The Crime Writers’ Association Dagger Award for crime short stories. The stories begin with two Sherlock Holmes spin-offs, followed by 17 other thrilling, spine-tingling mysteries. While the deep tones of Stefan Rudnicki and John Lee may be the most familiar to listeners, all the narrators vocally embrace these stories filled with tantalizing twists and surprising conclusions. The short story format provides ample opportunity to cogitate on endings, contemplate ironic turns, and revel in the mastery of short stories by outstanding writers of mysteries and thrillers. M.B.K. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
