Back a few months
ago I stopped doing FFB Reviews because I felt bad that so many of the reviews
were repeats from the archives. I am not reading/reviewing anywhere near what I
used to do. That had led to a lot of repeat reviews. In recent weeks with all
the pandemic stress that is part of our lives every single day, it has come to
mind that maybe reminding you of good reads is not a bad thing. When this
review came up on my memories deal on FB the other day, it seemed like a good
place to start. So, for this final Friday in July 2020, I offer you my review
of the first issue of a short lived and very good magazine that featured short
tales of Crime Fiction.
Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1 certainly delivers on their idea of “A
Magazine Of Crime Fiction.” From the distinctive cover to the eight short tales
selected by Guest Editor Eric Beetner and Founder/Editior-In-Chief Michael Pool
the first issue delivers in all aspects. As these are short stories and therefore
it is not possible to say much without creating spoilers, the barebones
descriptions below will have to suffice.
After a brief
introduction from Michael Pool, the issue opens with “So Close” by Eric
Beetner. He knew his wife, Shelly, was having an affair with a neighbor named
Robert. Their affair has been going on for awhile now so he isn’t surprised to
find them together at the house. He just never thought he would find them like
this.
Suppose a family
member died because of a crime. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a fully loaded
clone ready to resume life and relationships if the worst happened? Reporters
and other folks call the idea “victim replacement.” Those who work in sales prefer
to call it “Restoration” in the tale of the same name by Art Taylor. No matter
what you call it, sometimes customers have to have an additional incentive to
make the sale.
One of the drawbacks
of social media is that you can find out what others think about you. There are
even a website that serves as the “premier consumer review site for mafia
thugs, hitman, and muscle. Based in Hoboken, New Jersey the man known as Jackson
“Jack the Hammer” Palmer isn’t getting good reviews. For Jack, an online diary
helps him vent in “Jack The Hammer’s Online Identity Crisis” by Jeff
Bowles.
Marco is always a bit
of a jerk when the cards are going his way. For Darius they often don’t and the
Berretta next to him isn’t helping with that. The poker game just the latest
clash between the two in “On Tilt” by James Queally.
Danny needs a miracle
in the form of 10k by next Tuesday or some very bad men are going to come to his
airstream camper and do some very bad things to him. Tyler “The Plumber”
Anderson is the bookie who most definitely wants his money in “Dee The Friendly
Grizzly’s Little Miracle” by Nick Kolakowski.
Zeke is out and now
Don and Jackson need to get to work in “God May Forgive You” by Paul Heatley. A
score needs to be settled.
The familiar theme of being cheated on is just one small piece of “Tuning The Old Joanna” by Tess Makovesky. Roy just needs to prove it by catching her in the act. To do that is going to require surveillance and that will not be easy.
The familiar theme of being cheated on is just one small piece of “Tuning The Old Joanna” by Tess Makovesky. Roy just needs to prove it by catching her in the act. To do that is going to require surveillance and that will not be easy.
Trooper Alvin Mags is
working undercover in “The Line” by C. J. Edwards. The job is dangerous and
that was before things got seriously complicated.
The first issue ends
with an interesting interview with Eric Beetner. He talks about writing,
upcoming projects, and quite a lot more.
Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1 was a mighty good read. The eight short
stories selected are far more complicated than their brief spoiler free
explanations above. These are reads of depth that will surprise experienced
mystery readers. Notably very funny with “Jack The Hammer’s Online Identity Crisis,”
each short tale has quite a lot going on. Simply put, there is not a bad one in
the bunch. Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1 is a real treat for mystery
and crime fiction readers.
Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1
Edited by Eric Beetner and Michael Pool
Short Stack Books
December 2015
ASIN: B01A1FRPXI
eBook (paperback available)
79 Pages
Kevin R. Tipple ©2016, 2020
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2 comments:
A worthy review. Unfortunate, we have so few mystery magazines these days.
Thank you. I agree on the limits of the market. I think the lack of monetary support from readers is the main reason for that.
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