Wendy Hornsby does not write cozies, or tales about cat sleuths, or sanitized murder. Her tales explore the depths of the human psyche, and her family-crimes are decidedly uncozy. In the title story, which won the Mystery Writers of America Edgar for Best Short Story, a heart-wrenching mystery surrounds a family living on the Northern Plains during the Depression. "Ghost Caper" is probably the purest example of noir fiction by a modern mystery writer – and it is not for those of delicate constitution. "High Heels in the Headliner" is about a police groupie whose adoration turns deadly.
Wendy Hornsby's collected mysteries contains ten stories and one essay. Two of the stories, including one about former LAPD officer Mike Flint, are written especially for this volume. Two of the other tales are co-written with Hornsby's daughter, Alyson.
The book includes a new introduction by the author, and a checklist of Wendy Hornsby's mystery novels and stories. Cover painting by Native American artist, Barbara Mitchell.
