I’m excited to share with you the cover reveal for Level Best Books latest anthology, coming August 2025 and now up for preorder.

Publication Date: August 26, 2025
Format: Digital (Print to follow)
Genre: Short Mystery Fiction Anthology
Editor Website: deborahlacy.com

Book Synopsis
Fun. Games. Murder.

Playful short mystery fiction in delightful, digestible chunks you can read anywhere. Twenty-two tales of short mystery fiction featuring games of all kinds – from mind games to an escape room to pickleball.

Contributing authors are Heather Graham, K.C. Selby, Shawn Reilly Simmons, Alan Orloff, Shannon Taft, P.M. Raymond, L.L. Kaplan, Rebecca Lugones, BV Lawson, Stephen M. Pierce, Maya Corrigan, Bruce Kubec, JD Allen, Jane Limprecht, donalee Moulton, Kirlagh James, Kerry Hammond, Robert Lopresti, LaToya Jovena, Sharyn Kolberg, Chris Chan, and Daphne Silver.

“Anyone who loves Mysteries, Puzzles, and Games–as I do–will be intrigued and dazzled by the (22) fabulous stories collected in this unique anthology. A colorful romp through the world of gamesmanship, The Most Dangerous Games will leave readers breathless. A must-read!”
—Katherine Neville: New York Times and #1 Internationally Bestselling Author of The Eight and The Fire.

Purchase Link

About the editor
Deborah Lacy learned to strategize eight moves ahead by playing chess in a cutthroat league during childhood. She now applies those skills to life and writing. Her short stories have appeared lots of places. Putting this anthology together was super fun.