Lone Star Sleuths: An Anthology of Texas Crime Fiction (Southwestern Writers Collection Series) (Paperback)

~ Bill Cunningham (Editor), Steven L. Davis (Editor), Rollo K. Newsom (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Review

An overdue showcase for serious, clever, sometimes rambunctious talent who fracture clichés and face up to the state's dirty laundry...The editors' choices largely reflect a real, not formulaic, Texas: its history, hazards, topography and weather...does what a good anthology should - send us running to read more of the works and authors excerpted in its pages. -- Dallas Morning News

well-chosen selections...good, often vivid, writing...can make one see, feel, hear and taste everything from intense heat to shivers of fear... -- San Antonio Express-News

Product Description

This sampler of Texas-based mystery fiction features 30 top writers who have set their sights on the Lone Star State. Among them are Nevada Barr, James Crumley, Jim Thompson, Steven Saylor, Jesse Sublett, Ben Rehder, Susan Wittig Albert, Kinky Friedman, David L. Lindsey, D. R. Meredith, Joe R. Lansdale, Walter Mosley, Carolyn Hart, Rick Riordan, Jeff Abbott, and Mary Willis Walker. Texas makes a great setting for crime fiction. In addition to criminal elements and the unpredictable weather Texas sleuths confront a variety of natural hazards: mountain lions, tarantulas, rattlesnakes, fire ants, alligators, mosquitoes, and killer bees.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 282 pages
• Publisher: University of Texas Press (November 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0292717377
• ISBN-13: 978-0292717374
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,305,264 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Taste of Texas, April 7, 2008

By	Sidney W. Frost (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I found this anthology to be an excellent source of information about mysteries set in Texas (perhaps the only source). It is divided into eight parts, mostly by geographical areas of the state. Before each excerpt, the editors provide insight about the story or the author or both. In addition, notes are provided within excerpts when the editors chose to omit sections of a book to get to a conclusion.

This book could be useful to everyone who loves mysteries, especially those with a taste of Texas. Now if they could just include a way to order the rest of the book, it would be perfect.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Taste of Texas, March 8, 2008

By	Lloyd R. Mardis (Memphis, TN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Short and just enough to whet one's appetite for the rest of the stories. So, now, I'll have to buy a bunch more books. Really enjoyed the tantalizing taste.

5.0 out of 5 stars What to do in Texas when you're dead, October 28, 2007

By	Joe M. O'Connell "author of EVACUATION PLAN, ... (Texas) - See all my reviews

It's 1984 and Martin Fender is about to rejoin his old band in the first chapter of Jesse Sublett's "Rock Critic Murders." Austin is full of hipsters and ill-prepared rock journalists. And we can be sure someone will end up dead soon. Sublett's noirish tale is a standout in a book full of bit-sized tastes of Texas mystery writing that leaves you wanting the full meal. Try a side order of James Crumley's literary grit and a supersized Mary Willis Walker mug of fear. Top it off with a little Joe Lansdale for a twisted East Texs dessert. This collection makes it clear that Texas mystery writers are on the job and there are plenty of dead bodies left for a sequel.