Murder-a-Go-Go’s edited by Holly West: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Music of The Go-Go’s Murder Go-Go. Publisher: Down & Out Books, coming March 25, 2019.
The Go-Go’s made music on their own terms and gave voice to a generation caught between the bra-burning irreverence of the seventies and the me-first decadence of the eighties. Anthems like “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” and “Vacation” are an indelible part of our collective soundtrack, but more than that, they speak to the power and possibility of youth. Inspired by punk but not yoked to it, the Go-Go’s broke important musical ground by combining cheeky lyrics, clever hooks, and catchy melodies, perfectly capturing what it feels like to be young and female in the process.
But beyond the Go-Go’s effervescent sound and cheerful pop stylings, a darkness underlies many of their lyrics and melodies, hinting at the heartache and frustration inherent in growing up. In other words, plenty to inspire murder and mayhem.
With a foreword by Go-Go’s co-founder Jane Wiedlin and original stories by 25 kick-ass authors, editor Holly West has put together an all-star crime fiction anthology inspired by one of the most iconic bands of the eighties and beyond.
This anthology of short stories was modeled on songs from the Go-Go’s and I liked how the author made their tales fit the song. The visually descriptive narrative told all that was needed to encompass what was happening where nefarious deeds were deservingly warranted. Well written, concise and meticulous, the authors did a great job in telling a complete story in such a short space with the right amount of mischief and mayhem that kept me engaged and riveted to the drama being showcased. Overall, this is a good collection with different levels of intrigue to keep one in suspense.
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FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the editor.