Two of the Deadliest: New Tales of Lust, Greed, and Murder from Outstanding Women of Mystery

George's all-original anthology showcases 18 stories by established women mystery writers and five by relative unknowns. While not every entry is a winner, the wide variety of styles and settings will please most mystery fans. Especially strong are Linda Barnes's “Catch Your Death,” a classic tale of love gone wrong told by an appealing narrator, and Stephanie Bond's satisfyingly twisty “Bump in the Night.” In “Gold Fever,” Dana Stabenow fits quick characterizations, an exotic locale (Alaska) and a tidy plot into a few pages. Marcia Talley's tightly written “Can You Hear Me Now” is modest in ambition—but who doesn't like to see a rude cellphone user get his comeuppance? Among the newcomers, Z. Kelley's “Anything Helps” is particularly notable for its charm. Other contributors include Carolyn Hart, Laura Lippman and S.J. Rozan. (Aug.)