{"product_id":"bound-by-mystery-celebrating-20-years-of-poisoned-pen-press-short","title":"Bound by Mystery: Celebrating 20 Years of Poisoned Pen Press - Short","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Bound by Mystery: Celebrating 20 Years of Poisoned Pen Press, the reviewer finds a thoughtfully curated anthology ideal for readers who appreciate variety within crime and mystery fiction. Commissioned to mark two decades of the press, the collection gathers original short stories from thirty-five authors, making the single biggest reason to buy its range of voices and the chance to sample both familiar and lesser-known writers in compact, rewarding reads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal short fiction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each contribution was written for this anthology, giving readers fresh work not available elsewhere and showcasing contemporary mystery craft.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWide author range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thirty-five contributors span veterans and emerging names, offering a breadth of tone, setting, and approach that keeps the collection lively.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnniversary focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book celebrates Poisoned Pen Presss 20th anniversary, highlighting the presss editorial voice and its relationship with crime fiction readers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccessible samples:\u003c\/strong\u003e Short stories provide quick entry points for readers curious about authors like Kerry Greenwood or Laurie R. King without committing to a full novel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCross-appeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Selections include authors who have translated success to other media or publishers, creating interest for readers who follow rising or established careers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBound by Mystery will appeal most to mystery aficionados who enjoy anthologies and sampling multiple voices in a single volume. Fans of Kerry Greenwood and Laurie R. King will appreciate new, shorter work from authors they recognize, while readers who follow boutique crime presses will value the editorial curation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders seeking a single continuous narrative or an in-depth novel experience should look elsewhere; this anthology is strongest as a sampler and celebration of authorship, not as a novel-length story experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGenerous roster of thirty-five authors offers variety and frequent tonal shifts that keep the reader engaged.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal content means collectors and longtime fans get new material from favorite writers and discoveries alike.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe anthology format makes it easy to read in short sittings and to revisit favorite stories at will.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVaried quality and tone across so many contributors can feel uneven to readers seeking a consistent mood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBound by Mystery: Celebrating 20 Years of Poisoned Pen Press\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEditor \/ Curator\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommissioned by Poisoned Pen Press\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eContributors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThirty-five authors, past and present\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eContent\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOriginal short stories\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnniversary\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20th anniversary collection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGenres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMystery, crime, short story anthology\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBound by Mystery is a worthwhile anthology for mystery readers who enjoy variety and discovery; its original stories and mix of notable and emerging authors make it good value for sampling new work and celebrating a specialized presss contribution to crime fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre the stories new or previously published?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll stories in this collection were commissioned for the anthology and are original to this volume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this anthology tied to a single series or character?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, the collection gathers standalone short stories from multiple authors rather than focusing on a single series or recurring character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho will enjoy this book most?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReaders who like short fiction, mystery anthologies, and sampling a wide range of authors will find the collection most rewarding.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Diane D. DiBiase","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48601960480987,"sku":"1525237349","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51SPtXX6ocL._SL1360.jpg?v=1778753266","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/bound-by-mystery-celebrating-20-years-of-poisoned-pen-press-short","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}