The Best American Mystery Stories 2020

The Best American Mystery Stories 2020 continues the anthology series' tradition of gathering notable mystery and crime fiction published in North American periodicals. Guest editor Alafair Burke selected twenty stories from hundreds of candidates, creating a collection that represents diverse voices and approaches to the mystery genre. The anthology spans multiple crime fiction subgenres, from police procedurals to psychological suspense to hardboiled noir. Authors range from established names in mystery writing to emerging voices publishing their first major works. Each story stands alone while contributing to the collection's broader examination of crime, justice, and human nature. The collection features work from both traditional mystery publications and literary magazines, demonstrating the genre's evolution and vitality. Settings vary from urban landscapes to small towns, with characters facing moral dilemmas and grappling with consequences. These stories explore themes of accountability, redemption, and the complex relationship between truth and justice in modern society. The anthology reflects current social concerns while remaining grounded in the fundamental elements that define compelling mystery fiction.

Readers consistently note the diverse range of stories and writing styles in this collection. Many appreciate the inclusion of both established and emerging authors. Likes: - Well-curated selection with strong opening and closing stories - Mix of traditional mysteries and crime stories with contemporary themes - Standout stories "Unforgiven" and "Tough Guy Ballet" received specific mentions - Clean, straightforward writing across most entries Dislikes: - Some readers found several stories predictable - A few reviewers noted uneven quality between selections - Multiple readers mentioned the collection skews darker than previous years - Some stories described as more crime fiction than true mysteries Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (142 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (89 ratings) One reader on Goodreads summed it up: "Like most anthologies, there are hits and misses, but the hits here are strong enough to make it worthwhile."

The Best American Short Stories 2020 by Heidi Pitlor and Curtis Sittenfeld. This collection presents contemporary American short fiction with themes of crime, deception, and moral complexity from established and emerging writers.

The Big Book of Modern Fantasy by Ann VanderMeer, Jeff VanderMeer. The anthology compiles short stories blending mystery, fantasy, and suspense from the past century.

The Best Horror of the Year Volume Twelve by Ellen Datlow. This compilation features dark, unsettling tales with elements of crime and psychological suspense from international authors.

The Year's Best Crime and Mystery Stories 2020 by Kristine Kathryn Rusch. The collection presents crime fiction from both new and established voices in the mystery genre.

Murder Most Fowl: Tales of Birds and Murder by Martin Edwards. This British Library Crime Classics anthology combines bird-themed murder mysteries from the golden age of detective fiction.

🔍 Editor Alafair Burke comes from a crime writing family - her father is James Lee Burke, acclaimed author of the Dave Robicheaux detective series 📚 This anthology features 20 carefully selected stories from over 3,000 submissions published in North American magazines and journals ✍️ Otto Penzler, the series editor, founded The Mysterious Press in 1975 and owns New York City's famous Mysterious Bookshop, the oldest mystery specialist book store in America 🏆 The 2020 edition includes works by both established mystery writers and emerging voices, showcasing stories originally published in venues ranging from Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine to The New Yorker 🎭 Unlike many mystery anthologies that focus solely on detective fiction, this collection embraces diverse subgenres including psychological suspense, domestic noir, and criminal heist stories