I know I’ve been underground of late, it doesn’t mean I’m not reading fine NOIR, I just haven’t had the time to write much of it myself.
There were plenty of contenders for my top five list this year and once again it is the women who top my list. Four of my top five faves are from the gals. What does that tell you? Dunno either except that I do fancy the lassies on and OFF the page. Here are my picks for the best of lot this year:
1. Mapping the Territory by Jane Hammons http://www.fictionaut.com/stories/jane-hammons/mapping-the-territory Jane tops my list again this year and for good reason. Her work is poetic and intricate in its telling and unveiling. This one is darkly spiritual and filled with Indian folklore. It is the campfire tale that makes the sky just a bit blacker and keeps you up all night long. A stunner.
2. Killing Hope by Ron Earl Phillips http://a-twist-of-noir.blogspot.com/2011/07/twist-of-noir-672-ron-earl-phillips.html the only hombre on my list, REP tells on nasty tale in a very crafted and finely honed way. Who says you can’t kill Hope?
3. Sorry Bastard by Hilary Davidson http://a-twist-of-noir.blogspot.com/2011/07/twist-of-noir-678-hilary-davidson.html Hilary Davidson just plain and simple is a story teller extraordinaire. Plot, dialogue, setting and payoff. All there. Every time. This is a fine example of a tome with all the goods.
4. God’s Gift by Lily Childs http://theflashfictionoffensive.blogspot.com/2011/09/guest-writer-spot-lily-childs.html How can it get better than plunging syringes into peep’s necks in paragraph three? It does. Way better.
5. Bloody Truce by Erin Cole http://thrillskillsnchills.blogspot.com/2011/11/bloody-truce-by-erin-cole.html?zx=22e5e38e400919d5 EC always delivers the goods and with Bloody Truce she shows how mastery of dialogue elevates a story right through its sordid conclusion.
Hey, thanks MJS! Will definitely check out your other faves.
ReplyDeleteChoices that are hard to beat, Michael. Read 'em all except for Erin's. That will be remedied immediately. Cool.
ReplyDeleteNice to hear from you and I have a little catching up to do on this one.
ReplyDeletenigel
Michael, you sweetheart!
ReplyDeleteSoul of Solender reviews 'em with texture and clout. Son'of'a'bitch knows what he's talkin' about. Lady Jane up there should be smilin' mighty fine, along with the other spiffy pickems.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rat-a-tat for stirring up such superb remembrances of readings to delve into once again by year's end. Authors honourinig authors is the coolness of it all.
~ Absolutely*Kate
Let's hear it for the girls!!! And Ron also. another terrific list.
ReplyDeleteMichael, you just made my day! It's a great list to be on, and I'm so glad you liked Killing Hope.
ReplyDeleteWe were so thrilled to publish Jane's Mapping Her Territory over at Shotgun Honey. If I had a short list Hilary's story Sorry Bastard would be right in there. I enjoyed reading it over at ATON.
I will have to go back and read Lily's and Erin's stories. I probably have, but this is a good time for a refresher.
Chris this is a fantastic segment you've hosted here at Death By Killing. Lots of good stories and writers passing it on.
Thank you so much for this Michael. Must revisit the other four tales in the line-up by fabbie writers whose work I love.
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