Midsummer Mysteries (edited by Martin Edwards) is a short story anthology produced by members of the Crime Writers’ Association. Despite that organizations aim toward celebrating British crime writing, their anthologies often include authors based in other locations—with this collection following that trend.
Obviously from the title, the theme linking these stories is midsummer—the equatorial celebration that occurs on or near the summer solstice. To be honest, this is only a guideline for the stories included, with some of them making the occasion more central to the plot while others simply make passing mention of midsummer. No matter, all of the stories are excellent.
Highlighting a few of my favorite stories will give readers an idea of what to expect, while also leaving plenty of surprises for you to uncover once you receive your copy of the entertaining and beautiful collection. The production value on this book is exquisite, with the hardcover having gold foil covers, beautiful end pages, and even sprayed edges.
“Long Way Down” by Helen Fields – This creepy and cleverly-plotted story begins with a man making a dangerous descent down a well located on his property. At the bottom, he makes a discovery that shocks everyone. Helen Fields maintains an ominous feeling throughout the story and readers will be forgiven for swatting at imaginary cobwebs and shivering at the chill of the damp well walls as the character travels down into the hole.
“What You Wanted” by Chris Curran – This very short story involves a “couple” on a picnic date where both parties have differing expectations of the afternoon. Readers begin to suspect something is not right immediately and will no doubt come to realize what is going on just as one of the characters does as well.
“The Widow” by Martin Edwards – In this story, a woman who recently lost her husband reminisces about their life together and is determined to defend his memory—even against the most horrific of claims. Martin Edwards allows this plot to slowly reveal itself to a powerful impact with the final reveal.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream or What Fools These Mortals Be” by Jacquie Rogers – This story’s title is almost longer than the story itself. LOL. With deft economy of words, Jacquie Rogers tells the tale of a “witch” of yore who discovers the magical power or social media.
“Fear of Missing Out by G. M. Malliet – In one of the most riveting stories in the collection, two coworkers with differing ideas of their relationship play a cunning game of manipulation. But who will come out on top? G. M. Malliet crafts two very distinct and opposite characters, sets the plot in motion, and just lets the outcome be determined almost organically.
“The Gained Ground” by Art Taylor – In this outdoorsy, environmental-set story, Henry recounts his annual hike to the top of a popular, but secluded summit. Along the way, he reflects on his friendship with Frankie. In true Art Taylor style, readers can almost feel the instability of this relationship as it is echoed in the treachery of the ascent. The conclusion here leaves much to be contemplated in only the best way possible.
“A Date on Yarmouth Pier” by J. C. Bernthal – In this subtly-ominous story, the first date for a gay couple doesn’t go quite as planned—for either party. J. C. Bernthal hooks readers with the typical first-date pleasantries before quickly making it clear that all is not what it might appear to be. With ever-increasing trepidation, the reader keeps turning the pages until all is revealed with an unexpected conclusion.
Hopefully this glimpse has intrigued you enough to warrant further exploration of Midsummer Mysteries. There’s something for everyone in this collection, with authors like Tom Mead using their series character in the short story format, while others use the anthology as a chance to write something different from their existing oeuvre. Even the most loyal of crime fiction readers is sure to discover a new author whose work they want to continuing reading after closing the covers of Midsummer Mysteries.
BUY LINKS: Midsummer Mysteries (edited by Martin Edwards)
