LUCY BURDETTE: It's my pleasure to welcome Ang Pompano to the blog. He's a longtime friend and part of my writer's group plus an author and part of the Best New England Crime Stories coop.
ANG POMPANO: Thanks so much, Roberta! I’m thrilled to be back on Jungle Red Writers, this time with a behind-the-scenes peek into the making of Devil’s Snare. As you may know, short stories—especially short crime fiction—have enjoyed an exciting resurgence in recent years.
If you love mysteries and short stories, Best New England Crime Stories is an anthology you won’t want to miss. As one of the three editors, alongside Susan Oleksiw and Leslie Wheeler, I’m excited to share how Devil’s Snare came together. Published annually by Crime Spell Books, this anthology highlights some of the best mystery fiction with New England ties. This year, we have even more reason to celebrate: Crime Spell Books was added to the Mystery Writers of America’s Approved Publisher list, a milestone we’re incredibly proud of.
Bringing Devil’s Snare to life was both a long and rewarding process. Each of us read through more than 125 submissions, with every story offering a unique take on crime fiction. Some were chilling thrillers, others quirky cozies. Narrowing the field to just 24 stories was tough. Some pieces surprised us, others gave us goosebumps, and many lingered long after reading. The stories that made the cut stood out for their strong storytelling, authentic sense of New England, and memorable emotional impact.
Working together as editors, Susan, Leslie, and I each brought different perspectives to the table. While we didn’t always agree, those discussions made the project even better by challenging us to carefully consider each story’s layers and meet readers' high expectations.
One of the things we value most is giving both new and seasoned writers a platform. In this edition, we’re excited to feature fresh voices alongside familiar favorites like Kate Flora, Bruce Robert Coffin, Stephen D. Rogers, and Clea Simon. Striking that balance keeps the anthology dynamic and ensures readers discover something unexpected.
One of the anthology’s highlights is the inclusion of the Al Blanchard Award winner, given annually to an outstanding short story with a New England connection. Featuring the award winner strengthens our bond with the New England Crime Bake conference, a vibrant annual gathering of mystery writers, readers, and fans. Many of our contributors and readers attend Crime Bake, making it a natural extension of the anthology and reinforcing the sense of community we cherish.
Building buzz for Devil’s Snare was another exciting part of the journey. In past years, we kept the cover a secret until Crime Bake, but this time we had an early reveal on Dru Ann Love’s blog, Dru’s Book Musings, a favorite among mystery lovers. It was the perfect way to introduce the book and a major moment for everyone involved.
We couldn’t be prouder of what Devil’s Snare represents. This anthology reflects the depth and variety of New England’s mystery-writing community, capturing the landscapes, quirks, and characters that make this region unique. From a suspenseful murder on a rocky shore to a cleverly plotted heist in a small-town café, there’s something for everyone.
We hope the 24 stories in Devil’s Snare will entertain, surprise, and inspire you, just as they did for us when we first read them. It’s been an honor to be part of this project, and with Crime Spell Books preparing to celebrate its fifth year of publication in 2025, we’re excited for what the future holds. We believe the best of New England crime fiction is still to come.
We hope you enjoy reading Devil’s Snare as much as we enjoyed creating it. Reds, do you enjoy reading and/or writing short mystery fiction? Let me know in the comments below and you’ll be entered in a drawing for a free copy of Devil’s Snare.
Ang Pompano is a mystery author, editor, and publisher. He created the Blue Palmetto Detective Agency and Reluctant Food Columnist series, both published by Level Best Books. His Agatha-finalist novel, When It’s Time for Leaving, will be re-released in January 2025, followed by a new book, Blood Ties and Deadly Lies, in February 2025.
In addition to his writing, he is a co-founder of Crime Spell Books, alongside Susan Oleksiw and Leslie Wheeler. Together they publish the Best New England Crime Stories anthology. The latest installment, Devil’s Snare, featuring stories from both established and emerging New England writers has just been released and is available at this purchase link.
Congratulations to you, Ang, and to your co-editors, Susan and Leslie . . . "Devil's Snare" sounds like an exciting book of mysteries.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy short stories . . . it's always exciting to see how the mystery elements come together in the short story format.
Thank you, Joan! Susan, Leslie, and I are so glad you’re excited about Devil’s Snare. We love how short stories bring a quick, satisfying mystery, and we had a great time choosing these for the collection. Hope you enjoy the twists and surprises!
DeleteI always have to adjust my mindset when I pick up a short story. It's not going to be as complex as a fully novel. But once I get into the short story space, I enjoy reading them.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new collection.
Thanks, Mark! I know what you mean—short stories have a different rhythm, but once you’re in that space, they really pack a punch.
DeleteANG: Congratulations on the latest anthology!
ReplyDeleteI like that you three have provided a place where such a diverse set of NE short stories are assembled.
Thanks so much, Grace! We’re really proud to showcase a range of New England voices and stories in Devil’s Snare. It’s exciting to bring together such diverse perspectives, and we hope everyone enjoys the collection!
DeleteAng, congratulations to you, Leslie and Susan on your latest anthology. I love short stories but rarely set aside the time to read them as I spend so much of my reading time catching up on long running series. I really enjoyed being at Crime Bake last November and hope to attend again. It will be fabulous, I am sure! Congratulations also on your upcoming new releases. Keep us in the loop on your Connecticut appearances.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judy! I completely get it—long-running series can be hard to put down! But I hope you’ll find a little time to enjoy the short stories in Devil’s Snare. It was great seeing you at Crime Bake last year, and I hope we’ll see each other there again soon.
DeleteCongratulations on the new volume, Ang (and Susan and Leslie). I was honored to have a story in the second anthology, back when it was run by the original Level Best Books, and have had tales in many collections since (but my story didn't make the cut this year, sniff - don't worry, I can handle rejection!).
ReplyDeleteThe quality of editing and production is consistently high, and I'm sure readers will snap up this year's edition. I know I will!
Thank you so much, Edith! It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of those early Level Best Books anthologies—your contributions helped set the standard we strive for. We had such a high volume of amazing submissions this year, making the selection process tougher than ever. We’re grateful for your support and your great stories over the years. Hope you enjoy Devil’s Snare!
DeleteWhat a beautiful cover! Congratulations on finishing the herculean task putting together an anthology must be!
ReplyDeleteThe summer I was 14 I discovered Ellery Queen and Alfred Hitchcock mystery magazines. I took them with me on my first long car vacation with my aunt and two younger cousins, and they kept me entertained and able to ignore the rowdy boys. For many years I would always have one or both nearby for a quick read. If I get hold of new ones, or anthologies now I put them in my Little Free Library when I have read them, they are always a popular item.
Thanks, Karen! Putting together the anthology was a huge task, but so rewarding—glad you like the cover! I love hearing about your memories with Ellery Queen and Alfred Hitchcock magazines; they really are timeless. Annette and I also have a Little Free Library, and it’s great to see how popular mystery anthologies are there. Hope Devil’s Snare finds a place in yours soon!
ReplyDeleteYes, that was almost 60 years ago! (Eeek!) I'm so pleased to know they are still going strong.
DeleteCannot wait to see you all at Crimebake, and grab my copy! The anthology signing is always such a highlight of the event, and the authors all line up to put their signatures on everyone’s books, and I am always so touched by how happy everyone looks.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Ang! I know it is tough to choose the winners… Did the best ones shine through? That often happens in judging, and don’t you think it’s fascinating? Congratulations!
Thanks so much, Hank! You’re right, picking the stories was tough, but the best ones really did shine through. I’m looking forward to seeing you at Crime Bake this weekend! The anthology signing is always a blast, and your roundtable on "Brainstorming Your Way to Success" sounds fantastic—I know everyone will walk away with valuable insights.
DeleteCongratulations, Ang! It's fascinating to hear the behind-the-scenes story of how the anthology came together.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lisa! I’m glad you enjoyed the behind-the-scenes peek. It was such a rewarding process, and we’re excited to finally share the result with everyone.
DeleteCongratulations Ang (and Susan and Leslie)! The cover is gorgeous, and it sounds like a fabulous anthology. I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eileen! We’re so glad you like the cover. Each anthology is named after a different poisonous flower that grows in New England. Devil's Snare is one of the most beautiful and deadly.
DeleteAng, lovely interview. Happy to say my story, "Fish Eyes,"" is in this year's anthology. Looking forward to meeting you on Saturday. Paula
ReplyDeleteThank you, Paula! We're so thrilled that your wonderful story, "Fish Eyes," is part of Devil’s Snare! Can’t wait to meet you in person on Saturday. See you soon!
DeleteHi, Ang! This is fascinting. I've never been a part of an anthology so I really enjoyed the peek behind the curatin! Can't wait to snap DEVIL'S SNARE up.
ReplyDeleteHey, Jenn! Glad you liked the behind-the-scenes peek! Being part of an anthology is such a fun experience. You should give it a try. Hope you enjoy Devil’s Snare.
DeleteANG: Welcome to Jungle Reds! And congratulations to you, Susan and Leslie on your new collection of short stories!
ReplyDeleteInteresting question about short stories. I submitted my story for a short story contest. Friends read my story and I learned several valuable lessons. Main point: I had TOO many characters in my short story. When I read the short story by the winner, I noticed there were only two characters, including the main character! My story also had too many subplots!
For me, writing stories is an ongoing learning experience. An author friend once told me that short stories are very difficult to write and she published several novels in a series. Since then, she wrote three different series.
Thanks so much, Diana! It’s great to hear about your experience. Short stories can definitely be tricky—some authors have said they’re as difficult as writing a novel because every word and detail counts. It sounds like you’ve learned some valuable lessons, and I’m sure they’ll help you in your future writing. Keep going—every story is a chance to grow!
DeleteWelcome to a fellow Connecticut resident!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger I read a lot of short stories. I don’t know why I stopped. In recent years I’ve begun reading them again. I’m definitely enjoying them, and I look forward to reading this new anthology.
DebRo
Thanks, Deb! It’s always great to connect with a fellow Nutmegger! I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying short stories again. They’re such a unique form of storytelling—compact but still able to deliver a full experience. I think Devil’s Snare will fit right into that enjoyment. I’d love to hear what you think!
DeleteCongratulations, Ang! I do love a good short story.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary (Liz)! I’m so glad to hear you enjoy short stories. I think you’ll find some great ones in Devil’s Snare!
DeleteI thought I had seen a picture of the devil's snare a/k/a jimsonweed on the cover of the anthology, and went looking for it. Horrors! Along with being poisonous and hallucinogenic, it's an invasive heading towards Maine. As if we don't have enough to deal with already...
ReplyDeleteI devoutly hope at least one of the stories deals with the pharmaceutical effects of datura stramonium, or at least has a beleaguered gardener offing her neighbor, who has planted burning bush, wisteria and Japanese barberry next door.
Julia, I feel your pain! Burning bush has taken over our woods here in Connecticut too—thanks to it being planted along highways years ago. And don’t get me started on wisteria! I’m constantly battling it back, so I can totally understand how those plants could drive a character to murder. Now that you mention it, a humorous, suspense-filled story about a gardener seeking revenge would be perfect for a Best New England Crime Stories anthology! And speaking of that, submissions for next year’s edition open in January!
DeleteAng, you are the supreme marketing guru!
DeleteHaha, thanks, Roberta! I’m just trying to spread the word about some fantastic stories. But I’ll take the compliment! As always, I appreciate your support!
DeleteCongrats! I find short stories collections to be an excellent way of finding and sampling new-to-me authors. I've gone looking for other works after reading, I've even been rereading an old anthology with a story I particularily liked and and realizing it was one of the first stories by a now very popular author, one I read frequently. So you never know what you'll run into with short fiction.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alicia! That’s one of the best parts of short story collections—they’re a great way to discover new authors and characters. Many writers do use short stories to introduce readers to their series, and it’s exciting to stumble upon early work from authors who later became favorites. You really never know what gems you’ll find!
DeleteCongratulations Ang! I enjoy short stories very much. They are always special and captivating. Anthologies give me great enjoyment and pleasure since each story is unique.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Traveler! I’m glad to hear you enjoy short stories. There’s something about the way anthologies bring together such unique tales that makes them so special. Susan Oleksiw spent a lot of time arranging them so they complement each other. She even asked Leslie Wheeler and me for our opinions on the order, which made the process even more fun. I hope you enjoy Devil’s Snare—each story definitely has its own flavor!
DeleteCongratulation to you, Susan, and Leslie on another fantastic anthology! Got my copy and can't wait to dig in!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Chris—I mean, “Anonymous”! Somehow, I had a feeling it was you! Enjoy Devil’s Snare, and I can’t wait to hear what you think.
DeleteThe above anonymous comment is me Chris Falcone
ReplyDeleteI used to read and enjoy a lot of short story collections when I was in junior high and high school. Saki could make you laugh or break your heart. Alfred Hitchcock's collections could freak you out. I recently read Elly Griffiths' collection and was reminded how enjoyable short stories can be.
ReplyDeletePat, I didn't know that Elly Griffiths wrote short stories!
DeleteI totally get what you mean, Pat! Saki had that perfect mix of humor and heartbreak. And I’m with you on Elly Griffiths—just got The Man in Black and can’t wait to start it right after Crime Bake.
DeleteHi Ang! Sorry to be so late checking in today, but just wanted to say congratulations on the book! Short story anthologies are such a great way to meet new authors, and such a great opportunity for the same!
ReplyDeleteHi Deborah! No worries—great to hear from you! Thanks so much, and I totally agree—anthologies are the perfect way to discover new voices and bring writers and readers together.
ReplyDelete