Thank you, Dru Ann, for hosting us for the third year in a row! This year’s anthology features four brand-new stories, two reissued favorites from the first Festive Mayhem, and one reprinted story not published in either 2020’s Festive Mayhem or 2021’s Festive Mayhem 2. Not all of the stories in Festive Mayhem 3 are holiday themed this year, but the anthology will only be available this holiday season. Please keep reading to sample these seven short stories, then grab the full collection at your favorite online retailer before it disappears forever!

“Black Easter” by Francelia Belton. I considered myself a young lady then, no longer a little girl. Though a little girl I still was, because back in those days, children were raised to be seen and not heard. And more often than not in my case, I was not seen either. That’s how it happened that I know everything that happened that day, even though most people in my family wanted to forget.

“A Deadly First” by Delia C. Pitts. A man died on my watch. Whether he was good or bad, I didn’t know. He died and it was a helluva sad thing. Now I’d learned something. Seen a scant thing, a few blood-red smears caked on a slim motive. Not much. But enough to make a difference.

“Whiteout Wipeout” by Paige Sleuth. It wasn’t until Imogene drew closer that she realized he had uncovered something. And when she registered what it was, her shock drew her up short. Against the stark backdrop of the white snow lay a black boot. And the sock that stretched above it left no doubt it was still attached to someone’s foot.

“The Troublesome Rich Girl” by Stella Oni. Two teenage girls and a staff member had disappeared from the Mews hotel. Elizabeth had to find them, or she was in deep trouble. It all started when fifteen-year-old Tayo Adelaja arrived at the Mews like a turbulent, dark storm.

“Trace of Lace” by Barbara Howard. Traci pulled a Birston Bulletin from the purple and green campus newsstand. “They found the body of the fourth girl.”

“A Christmas Tip” by Elizabeth Wilkerson. Sweat prickled Brianna’s armpits. She had dared herself to go forward with her plan, but part of her still couldn’t believe what she was doing. Was it going to work? It’s now or never.

“Serenade for Suicide” by Carolyn Marie Wilkins. With shaking hands, I pulled out my cell phone and called 911. Ten minutes later, Dr. Grant, Eva, and I watched helplessly as a heavy-set female paramedic began to administer CPR, blowing into Terry’s mouth and thumping vigorously on his chest. After several minutes of feverish activity, she stood up and shook her head. “I’m very sorry,” she said. “This man is dead.”

Did you enjoy these snippets? Pick up your copy of Festive Mayhem 3 to read the full stories. But hurry. This collection is only available through the end of January!

Seven crime writers of color have teamed up for the third year running to offer you the gift of escape this holiday season. This limited-edition collection includes brand-new stories set throughout the year, as well as some reissued seasonal favorites. Whether you enjoy humorous cozy mysteries with plucky amateur sleuths, or hard-boiled noir starring gritty private investigators, this anthology is for you.

Click here to find the book at your favorite online retailer.
(Available in e-book format only.)

About the Authors
Seven mystery writers of color contributed to this anthology: Francelia Belton, Delia C. Pitts, Paige Sleuth, Stella Oni, Barbara Howard, Elizabeth Wilkerson, and Carolyn Marie Wilkins.

All comments are welcomed.