Thank you, Dru Ann, for hosting us today! Festive Mayhem came about when a group of ten crime writers of color all expressed an interest in working together on a holiday anthology. The idea was first raised in May 2020, when many of us were struggling with changes and challenges triggered by COVID-19 as the global pandemic upended our lives. What we ended up with is an eclectic mix of historical and contemporary mystery and crime stories ranging from cozy to noir, many of which include a diverse cast of characters. We’re so pleased at how this collection came together, and we hope it lifts your spirits as much as it did ours.

Read on to sample these never-before-published short stories.

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“The New Year’s Hex” by Carolyn Marie Wilkins. I got a sudden chill as Milicent Hicks untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. With every fiber of my being, I knew that unless I was able to stop it, something was about to go very, very wrong.

“Pipe Dreams” by S.G. Wong. Minnie scolded her heart to slow down, reminding herself she had to be cautious of two sets of eyes. For all she knew, Starke’s ghost could hear her heart beating in the ether. Surely a great partner for a private dick, but nothing but trouble for Minnie tonight.

“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.

“The Stranger in the House” by Stella Oni. Elizabeth shopped quickly and, on her way back, passed two men. One was bulky like a bouncer and the other one thin, dark and short. They stood as still as statues, and she nearly brushed them. They looked at her strangely, and that made her uneasy.

“What Lies Inside” by Kia Dennis. I grabbed her as she strode past. She screamed, though we both knew no one would come, and fought against my grip. That she does not know my touch grated, but she will learn.

“A Pub, Bed & Breakfast & A Dead Body” by Forest Issac Jones. “A man at the Spotted Owl killed himself.” The words sent something straight through me, a quick vicious shock like the touch from a doorknob on a cold day like today. I could feel my heart starting to vibrate quickly, hard and banging under my ribs.

“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.

“The Holiday Murder Mélange” by Myra Jolivet. Sarah drank a few sips and the room began to sway. She tried to call for someone, but couldn’t speak. Everything went dark. She came to in a dark, small space. The walls were hard and uneven, not like wood, more like metal. She pounded the surface. She could hear work crews and crane-like equipment. She screamed.

“Those Holiday Blues” by Jennifer J. Chow. “Betcha it was a rip. Hard to spot those suckers. And they’ll sweep you away from the shore.” My throat went dry. I shaded my eyes to watch the lifeguard slicing through the water, swimming fast, trying his hardest to reach the sandy-haired head in the distance.

“Holiday Holdup” by Paige Sleuth. The actual robbery couldn’t have lasted more than ten minutes, but Imogene was still shaken five hours later. In her mind’s eye, she could still see the glint of the revolver’s barrel as it reflected the bank lobby’s fluorescent lights. She could still taste the bile that had risen farther and farther up her throat the longer she stayed facedown on that uncomfortable marble floor.

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Did you enjoy these snippets? Pick up your copy of Festive Mayhem to read the full stories. But hurry. This is a limited-edition collection!

Ten crime writers of color have teamed up to offer you the gift of escape this holiday season. From Christmas crime capers to Thanksgiving thrillers, historical hard-boiled to contemporary cozies, mystery fans of all genres will find something to love in this limited-time collection of exclusive, never-before-published seasonal short stories.

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

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About the Authors
Ten mystery, crime, and suspense writers of color contributed to this anthology: Carolyn Marie Wilkins, S.G. Wong, Elizabeth Wilkerson, Stella Oni, Kia Dennis, Forest Issac Jones, Delia C. Pitts, Myra Jolivet, Jennifer J. Chow, and Paige Sleuth.

Giveaway 1
The authors are hosting a multi-book giveaway to celebrate their new release. Visit the Rafflecopter by November 7, 2020 to enter for your chance to win. Good luck and happy holidays!

Bonus Giveaway
Leave a comment below for a chance to win a kindle copy of Festive Mayhem. Giveaway ends October 29, 2020. Good luck!

All comments are welcomed.