In the spirit of the holiday
season, I decided to go ahead and do an FFB entry this week even if it is a
repeat review. My review of BY THE
CHIMNEY WITH CARE: A HOLIDAY CRIME ANTHOLOGY first appeared in October 2006. For the rest of the reading suggestions
for this week, head over to Todd Mason’s Sweet Freedom blog.
As
noted on the back of this very enjoyable book recently released by Wolfmont
Publishing, “Tis the season to watch out for thieves, cutthroats, liars, rogues
and con artists!” That it is as the holidays are nearly on us and it is also
the season to help others. Not that help should not go out year around, but
this is the time of year when more media attention is focused and it could be
argued that needs are the highest. With
all profits from this book going to support the “Toys for Tots” program the
twenty authors and publisher should be very proud of what they have created.
In
alphabetical order the authors are, Nick Andreychuk, Guy Belleranti, Tony
Burton, Carol A. Cole, Herschel Cozine, Margaret Fenton, Suzanne Flaig, John M.
Floyd, John L. French, Gary R. Hoffman, Joseph Ketner, Jean Lauzier, Jeffrey
Marks, Debra Gray De Noux, O’Neil De Noux, Neil Plakcy, Rob Rosen, Mike Wiecek,
John J. Wilson and Frank Zafiro. The result of their entertaining efforts,
compiled and edited by Tony Burton and released through his publishing company,
Wolfmont Publishing, take the reader on an emotional ride from hysterically
funny to incredibly moving and all stops in between. While not all stories can
be covered due to the obvious number and space limitations, there simply isn’t
a bad one in the bunch.
Starting
off the anthology on a humorous note is the short piece penned by Herschel
Cozine titled, “The Plight Before Christmas.” Little can be said without
ruining the funny read and it is good to know that Ellery Queen is on the case.
Also
funny is the short story written by Rob Rosen tiled “Murder In Toddler Town.”
The hill is steep, the grass is wet, and clearly the victim fell on his way
from fetching a pail of water. Detective Dock isn’t convinced it was all an
accident and knows this isn’t the first time such a thing has happened.
John
L. French also uses humor well in his story tiled “Surprise Package.” When an
elf is dead, the crime scene is at the North Pole or thereabouts, of course
Santa would come in a red Jeep looking for P. I. Matthew Grace. After all, he
has a body, a crime may have been committed and there are lots of suspects and
Santa doesn’t know nearly as much as we were always led to believe.
At the
other end of the emotion scale is the incredibly powerful tale titled “Popcorn
for Christmas” written by Debra Gray De Noux and O’Neil De Noux. Set in a
morgue on Christmas Eve, it is a tale of what could have been. If this one does
not get you in the heart, you simply aren’t human.
Somewhere
in the vast middle between those two extremes are tales such as the one written
by John M. Floyd titled “Christmas Gifts.” Dennis Bates has it all and is used
to being in power as well as whom to help for his own reasons.
Carol
A. Cole’s story “The Bells of Christmas” also revolves around helping others in
a way. Criminals are stopping cars and helping themselves to the victim’s cell
phones and Christmas packages before escaping by use of a City Cab.
While
those detectives are dealing with a mortal problem, the paranormal makes
another appearance in this anthology through Gray R. Hoffman’s tale, “In the
Chimney With Love.” A few presents are missing from the Wallen’s tree but there
really is a logical explanation and heartfelt explanation.
Those
familiar with Frank Zafiro’s novel “Under A Raging Moon” as well as his
numerous interconnected short stories also set in “River City” won’t be
disappointed in his story titled, “Three Days of Christmas.” The thief stealing
Christmas presents is going to be stopped in the officers involved have their
way.
Also
putting a hard stop to crime is the theme behind the story “Secret Santa” by
Jean Lauzier. Sometimes the best gifts are those that we do not know where they
come from and never know who to thank.
The
above gives you a small sampling of this excellent anthology as well as glimpse
into some personal favorites. Your choices may and most likely will vary. However, you certainly won’t be disappointed
in this book as each and every story in it is a good one whether a new tale or
a favorite reprint. The result is an excellent anthology dedicated to a worthy
cause and a book well worth owning.
BY THE
CHIMNEY WITH CARE: A HOLIDAY CRIME ANTHOLOGY
Edited
By Tony Burton
Wolfmont
Publishing
September
2006
ISBN
0-9778-4023-9
Large
Trade Paperback
208
Pages
Kevin
R. Tipple © 2006, 2019
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