Lone Star Sleuths: An Anthology of Texas Crime Fiction

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.

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.

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. --Joe O'Connell, author of Evacuation Plan: a novel from the hospice