Update on Santa Rage 2

Acceptances went out Saturday morning into the early afternoon. Make sure to check both your inbox and your spam folder if you submitted. 

Rejections have also been sent out as I only had 12 slots and received over 30 submissions. A lot of good stuff did not make the cut. 

The result should be one heck of a read. 

Update on Santa Rage 2

Submissions closed last Monday night. I received nearly three dozen submissions for twelve slots. All the stories have been read once.

 

My plan is to let things sit and then read everything a second time, starting early next week. Once that is completed, hopefully by the middle of the week, I will start reaching out to folks to make absolutely sure their stories are still available as well as letting other folks know their status.

 

If you submitted, and wish to now withdraw for whatever reason, please let me know so I can remove your story from consideration.

 

Please and thank you.

Market Call: Santa Rage 2: More Tales of Murder and Mayhem

As you may have recently seen on social media, Jay Hartman of Misti Media announced four submission calls. One of the four is for the anthology, Santa Rage 2: More Tales of Murder and Mayhem. Yours truly has been given the privilege and the honor of editing the project.

 

Yes, you read that correctly. I am the editor.

 

Guidelines are at https://www.mistimedia.com/calls-for-submission/santa/

 

And, of course, check out the first book for ideas.

 

I look forward to reading your submissions. Deadline is August 31st. 

Short Story Wednesday Review: The Perp Wore Pumpkin II: A Humorous Crime Anthology to Benefit Second Harvest Food Bank

 

The Perp Wore Pumpkin II: A Humorous Crime Anthology to Benefit Second Harvest Food Bank is the new release from White City Press, an imprint of Misti Media. Published by J. Alan Hartman, edited by Sandra Murphy, the anthology contains eleven tales of the season where crime, food, and humor are in large supply. There are also three recipes from the Mr. Hartman’s sister, Lisa Lynn.

 

It should be noted that the anthology includes the short story, Choked on Love, by yours truly. I am breaking my long-standing policy of not reviewing books I am in because this is a charity anthology. The mission here, and one I believe in, is to help others with food insolvency in some way. I am unable to do much, but I can do this, and so I am.  

 

After an introduction from the publisher, J. Alan Hartman, it is on to the stories. “A Trifle Too Far” by Shari Held kicks things off where Aunt Sadie is well known for bringing inedible concoctions to the holiday dinner. For example, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without her pumpkin whoopie pies. She soon arrives in her red Mustang with yet more surprises for this year. She isn’t the only one with surprises.

 

Editor Sandra Murphy is next with “And a Thanksgiving Turkey Names John Glenn.” Ronnie and Buddy are private detectives and on a stakeout. Neither one of them wants a repeat of last year when Buddy got shot. Though that did bring Sharon into his life and a lot of other changes.

 

My story, Choked on Love, is next. Enough said about that.

 

After a recipe for “Easy Poultry, Rice, and Carrot Soup” it is back to the stories with “What Cranberry Relish Can Add to Your Holiday” by Vicki Erwin. Like the main character in the last story, she had plans to for dinner, a bit of reading, and television at home. But, little sister Jenna refuses to take no for an answer and knows her weak spots.

 

Fedora Amis is up next with “A Faery Tale Thanksgiving” where Rodney and his buddy have significant expenses. They have bills to cover as professional criminals and the lifestyle is not cheap. Grabbing the daughter of a rich guy sounds like just the ticket.

 

Alice and Lorna are going to spend time with Lorna’s family in “The Turducken Murder” by Lisa Krystosek. Upon arrival, they discover the police and a lot more is already going on at the house of Lorna’s parents. They also still have to participate in all the family traditions that some folks would also consider crimes.

 

After a recipe for “Quick Black Beans” it is on to “Easy as Pie” by Mike Rusetsky. Big brother Dusty Bruiser and Davey have the huge bag of potatoes after it fell off a farmer’s truck with nobody the wiser. Now, if they could just get their hands on some pies. Dusty Bruiser has a plan.

 

He wants no part of the Rehabilitation Center in “Gelatin and Soda” by Stephen M. Pierce. But, his mom in in the place after a bad fall. Sandra King is also now missing a shoe. There will be no peace for him or anyone else until his mom’s shoe is found.

 

Ruth Harper used to be an attorney. She retired, got bored, and took a job as a sales rep for New Orleans Naughty and Nice. Basically, she sells erotica products at small parties in homes. The latest event was a fun evening. Until it wasn’t in “Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler” by donalee Moulton.

 

After a recipe for “Fruit Crumble” it is back to the stories with “Great Aunt Martha’s Pumpkin Pie” by Sally Milliken. Instead of the annual football game, these folks play a soccer game. They also do it full costumes. Dad might be having cognitive issues and some folks might be trying to take advantage of that fact.  

 

NYPD Officer Sumi Lin is a rookie and working her first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in “What the Dicken’s Is Going On?” by Wendy Harrison. She is pretty sure there is some criminality going with the folks on the float she has been assigned to be with, but Sergeant Arlo Harris won’t listen to her at all.

 

The list of authors and their short bios bring the enjoyable anthology to a close.

 

A fun read full of crimes, hijinks, shenanigans, foods, and more, The Perp Wore Pumpkin II: A Humorous Crime Anthology to Benefit Second Harvest Food Bank, delivers in all aspects. It definitely will make you laugh and it will make you hungry as food is everywhere in the read.

 

Publisher Purchasing Link: https://whitecitypress.com/product/perp2/

 

Amazon Purchasing Link: https://amzn.to/4pfI5nV 

 

My reading copy was several proofs during the editing process because of my contribution as well as a digital ARC.

 

 

Kevin R. Tipple ©2025

DriveThru Fiction: Benefit for St. Louis Tornado Recovery (MO Authors) [BUNDLE] From Misti Media

News from Sandra Murphy:

"I showed Jay video clips of the aftermath of the tornado that caused over a billion dollars in damages in St Louis and suggested we help. With Matt from DriveThruFiction, we've created a bundle of titles from St Louis writers. Please help us promote. So far, this is for the month of June only. There are three collections and one anthology in the bundle.

This benefit is exclusive to DriveThruFiction. All editor and publisher proceeds will be donated to the ongoing recovery efforts. We'll be running this through the entire month of June. Anything you are able to do to help boost this would be much appreciated.

Titles included are Dark Hearts and Tattletales (Jane Gwaltney), From Hay to Eternity (mine), Harrigan's Price (Chris Bauer), and Yeet Me in St Louis (anthology of all St Louis authors).

https://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/524515/

 

Sandy in St Louis (I'm fine, my house is fine, but I did get caught on the edge of it, in the car - pretty darn scary)"

The Publishing Game: Feels Like the First Time (YouTube)

"Guess who’s back? It’s been a hot minute, but Jay Hartman and his cohost Sandra Murphy are back to teach you how to successfully play The Publishing Game. TONIGHT: Find out what’s been going on for the last year, why the novella is maing a surprise comeback and some BIG news you’re not going to want to miss!

Contact Jay Hartman: jhartman@mistimedia.com Zeke's fur coat supplied by: His Parents Please support Second Harvest Food Bank!"

The Publishing Game: Feels Like the First Time (YouTube)