Killer Year: Stories to Die For... from the Hottest New Crime Writers

This book gave me a chance to sample some writers that I had never heard of. I have purchased books by 2 of the writers since reading their short stories. Best Regards and Kudos to all. David

What a fabulous collection!! I bought the book because Gregg Olsen is one of my favorite non-fiction writers. Last year he ventured into the fiction genre and therefore he was included in this anthology. This book introduced me to many other rising stars in the `thriller' arena. I will be buying more books by the authors included in this fine work.

This novel is an excellent collection of short stories fr0m up and coming crime writers that are new to the trade. You have 13 writers who feature a short story in this book. The novel si edited by one of my favorite authors Lee Child. The first story that drew my attention in this collection was a "Perfect Gentleman" by Brett Battles. This is a story about murder and revenge in a foreign country. The next story in the novel was "Killing Justice" by Allison Brennan. After failed attempts toget child protective laws passed a mother takes matters into her own hands. Another good story was "Time Of The Green" by Ken Bruen. A con man goes to Ireland to pull a con and gets a surprise. Another story was "Bottom Deal" by Robert Gregory Browne. A former ppoliceman discovers a porno ring linked to a former associate. There was a short story by Bill Cameron called "Slice Of Pie". A man makes a wrong assumption. All in all this was a very interesting book. It doesn't take long to read and you will be entertained.

Nothing like getting together to promote a worthwhile cause... Books and the joy that comes from reading them. M. J. Rose states it clear as day, "For an industry losing readers to video games, movies, digital cable, blogs, and a creeping apathy about books..." there is no better book to grab your attention and reel you in than "KILLER YEAR"! The unbelievable talent within this book is amazing! I mean come on it is edited by Lee Child! Good start, right? Then you start reading and you come across authors such Brett Battles and wow! Sean Chercover with introductions and praise from well known and well loved authors such as Tess Geritsen, Ken Bruen, Allison Brennan, Jeffrey Deaver and so many others that you just cannot go wrong when you add this book to your collection!!!!! I hope you enjoy!

This interesting anthology predominantly showcases new authors whose first crime-thriller tale was published in 2007. There are also two well written essays; "The Class of Co-opetition" by MJ Rose explains the state of the publishing industry was in trouble even before the recent economic crunch so much so that grandmasters like Lee Child agreed to mentor talented wannabes; Laura Lippman adds a historical "Coda" to the compilation and what led to it. The entries are for most part strong with no clinkers and prove a delightful way to meet some of the rising stars in the crime-thriller genres. The contributions run the gamut of the two genres with the emphasis on crime. The well written tales include a messenger from Rutgers (see "Righteous Son" by Dave White) to the wheelchair philosopher who understands that one is the difference between a burden of love and a bond of love (see "Gravity of Need" by Matthew Sakey) to Jason Pinter's on the mark "The Point Guard" to the knife wielding female in "Runaway" by Derek Nikitas. Although M.J. Rose paints a gloomy pessimistic state for the industry, she is on target with her optimism that talent abounds as affirmed by this anthology in which surely someone sliced off the top of the glass so that it is no longer half but filled to the brim. Harriet Klausner