From New York Times best-selling author Faye Kellerman comes an extraordinary anthology of her best short writing. Here the backdrop of contemporary California becomes fertile ground for Kellerman's riveting tales of murder, mystery, and family ties most sinister and deadly. Among the first-rate short mysteries in this collection: the brand new "Garden of Eden" and "Open House" feature the famous sleuthing duo Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus; "Bull's-Eye"...

"Atlanta, 1974. It's Kate Murphy's first day on the job and the Atlanta Police Department is seething after the murder of an officer. Before the day has barely begun, she already suspects she's not cut out for the job as a cop. Her male uniform is too big, she can't handle a gun, and she's rapidly learning that the APD is hardly a place that welcomes women. Worse still, in the ensuing manhunt, she'll be partnered with Maggie Lawson, a cop with her...

"Yule log murder: Lucy Stone is thrilled to be cast as an extra in a festive period film-until the set becomes a murder scene decorated in blood and buttercream icing. Returning to her role as a sleuth, Lucy dashes to restore peace to Tinker's Cove, unwrap a cold-hearted criminal's MO, and reveal how one ornate Yule log cake could possibly cause so much drama. Death by Yule log: Hayley Powell's holidays aren't off to a very merry start. Not only has...

1 novella & 13 superstar short stories from the finest in mystery & suspense.

It's been said that all great literature boils down to one of two stories--a man takes a journey, or a stranger comes to town. While mystery writers have been successfully using both approaches for generations, there's something undeniably alluring in the nature of a stranger: the uninvited guest, the unacquainted neighbor, the fish out of water. No matter how or where they appear, strangers are walking mysteries, complete unknowns in once-familiar...