You’ll never see voting the same way again after reading the 22 short stories in the anthology Low Down Dirty Vote: Volume 2. In this collection the vote is a chance to be visible for Megs, the otherwise unseen homeless woman in Purged, by award-winning author Ann Parker. In Travis Richardson’s The Cost of Ethics, the vote has the potential to turn John Clemens into a hero for what, in John’s world, is an unlikely cause. It has the ability to save the country from a dystopian future in Sometimes It Makes a Difference by Ben Harshman, and can grant voice to the voiceless in Faye Snowden’s One Bullet. One Vote.
The tales in this anthology are set in the past, present, and future, in small American towns and far away countries. You’ll meet everyday citizens, con men, assassins, thieves, forgers, fixers and spies both young and old.
Some of the collected stories come straight out of the noir tradition. But this dark mood is lightened by others such as that of a granddaughter who takes her conservative, ornery grandfather from an Alaskan small town to the polls in Three Funny Things Happened on the Way to Vote by award-winning cozy author Camille Minichino. And then there is the mystery of the candidate who is caught on camera voting in the opposing party’s primary in Kane and the Candidate by Bev Vincent.
With an introduction by New York Times best selling author Scott Turow, Low Down Dirty Vote: Volume 2 is scheduled for release on July 4th, 2020. All profits will be donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center to support their ongoing efforts to fight voting suppression, because every stolen vote is indeed a crime.
Meet other characters from this anthology:
“Nicking Votes” by Stephen Buehler
He once again checked his rear-view mirror. Nobody behind him. As usual he closed his eyes for a moment and thanked the small statue he had on his dashboard, Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, merchants, pawn brokers, brewers, prostitutes and especially thieves.
“Voting Block” by Tim O’Mara
Martin was surprised how easily the gray bag slid over the banker’s head and how it seemed to go rather well with the man’s dark blue suit and red tie.
“Two Dead, Two Wounded” by Jackie Ross Flaum
The campaign for Espy County sheriff caused so many fights that the owner of the sawmill where young Charlie Adams worked threatened to fire the next man who talked about it on his property.
“A Moral Assassin” by Frank Rankin
I am not a psychopath. I feel. I have a heart. One might doubt that since I’ve killed dozens of people for my country and several as an assassin. I’ve pondered whether I’m destined for hell. Time will tell.
“An ERA of Inequality” by David Hagerty
Duncan Cochrane stared out his office window at the Illinois state Capitol. As governor, he enjoyed the best view, the one overlooking the front steps and the mall rolling out before them, with its broad walkways and wide gardens.
“High Sheriff Blues” by Gary Phillips
Wayson Clements answered edgily, “What made you think he was going to fall for the deal to begin with?” From his black cigar he puffed a stream toward the high ceiling of the Yazoo Basin Club. The institution had been around since the violent end of Reconstruction.
“Numbers Don’t Lie” by James McCrone
I guess I felt bad about it, but not bad enough not to do it. The money was right. The phone call came in three days before the election: “Are you the consultant?”
“Benevolent Dictatorship” by Madeline McEwen
Myra Handy, a bookkeeper, perfected forging her husband’s signature during his many, lengthy deployments overseas. This overcame a wide variety of practical hurdles during those lonely months, especially elections since their affiliations, Myra’s and Buck’s, differed greatly.
“Shanks Gets Out the Vote” by Robert Lopresti
It was amazing, Leopold Longshanks thought, what people would do for the sake of love. Or to keep peace in the household.
“The Lord of LaValle” by Jim Doherty
There wouldn’t’ve been a problem if Geoffrey Parrish hadn’t released the election results when he did. The primary run-off election to select the Democrat candidate for US Senator for Texas had been held on August 28, 1948.
“Unit 805” by Sarah M. Chen
I’m in great physical shape so naturally I walk up the four flights of stairs to enter my condo, Unit 805, which is just down the hall. The heart’s pumping and oxygen is flowing. My mind is sharp.
Other included stories:
“The Sentencing Conundrum” by S.B. White
“No Statute of Limitations” by M.J. Holt
“Somebody Else’s Game” by Puja Guha
“Pro Bono” by Terry Sanville
“Goodbye, Beautiful” by Gabriel Valjan
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Meet the author
Faye Snowden is the author of three mysteries with Kensington. She has published short stories and poems in various literary journals and small presses including The African American Review. A new book, A Killing Fire (Flame Tree Press) was released in August, 2019, with a second in the series underway. Faye is a member of Sisters in Crime and serves as secretary for SinC National. Aside from her publications, she managed two boys, a husband, five dogs and three writing fellowships over the years. Today, Faye works and writes from her home in Northern California. Learn more about Faye at fayesnowden.com.