What do you think?
Rate this book
Crime Syndicate Magazine Issue One: A Magazine of Crime Fiction
Crime Syndicate Magazine Issue One features eight of the funniest, most engaging, and most badass crime fiction short stories on the market today, including stories by Eric Beetner (this issue's Guest Editor), Art Taylor, Jeff Bowles, James Queally, Paul Heatley, Nick Kolakowski, Tess Makovesky, and C.J. Edwards.
A man takes his husbandly duties to a whole new, and quite bloody, level in "So Close," by Eric Beetner. A salesman puts the hard sell on a married couple looking for assurances in the event of the husband's violent demise in "Restoration," by Art Taylor. Criminal enforcer Jack "The Hammer" Palmer has a very public career identity crisis in "Jack The Hammer's Online Identity Crisis," by Jeff Bowles. A poker player tracks down his double-crossing ex-partner for one last game of winner-take-all poker in "On Tilt," by James Queally. A hard-drinking, loser former children's television star needs a miracle to save him from his outstanding debts in "Dee The Friendly Grizzly's Little Miracle," by Nick Kolakowski. A hard-nosed loaner exacts revenge on his ex-wife's killer in "God May Forgive You," by Paul Heatley. A piano-loving husband dishes out a different kind of tune up in "Tuning the Old Joanna," by Tess Makovesky. An honest undercover narcotics agent finds a reason to move on from his current position in "The Line," by C.J. Edwards.
A man takes his husbandly duties to a whole new, and quite bloody, level in "So Close," by Eric Beetner. A salesman puts the hard sell on a married couple looking for assurances in the event of the husband's violent demise in "Restoration," by Art Taylor. Criminal enforcer Jack "The Hammer" Palmer has a very public career identity crisis in "Jack The Hammer's Online Identity Crisis," by Jeff Bowles. A poker player tracks down his double-crossing ex-partner for one last game of winner-take-all poker in "On Tilt," by James Queally. A hard-drinking, loser former children's television star needs a miracle to save him from his outstanding debts in "Dee The Friendly Grizzly's Little Miracle," by Nick Kolakowski. A hard-nosed loaner exacts revenge on his ex-wife's killer in "God May Forgive You," by Paul Heatley. A piano-loving husband dishes out a different kind of tune up in "Tuning the Old Joanna," by Tess Makovesky. An honest undercover narcotics agent finds a reason to move on from his current position in "The Line," by C.J. Edwards.
- GenresShort StoriesCrime
116 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2015
23 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Michael Pool
28 books14 followersMichael Pool is the author of thrilling crime, mystery, and detective novels. Michael’s stories are crafted from real-life experiences, most recently from his full-time work as a private investigator.
Michael holds a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from Western Colorado University, and is the author of three full-length novels: the noir mystery novel Rose City; the Elmore Leonard-reminiscent crime novel Texas Two-Step; and the first book in the Riley Reeves female private investigator mystery series, Throwing Off Sparks (set for release in May 2020). Michael is also the author of the Seattle-set crime noir novella, Debt Crusher.
Michael’s work has been compared to writers such as Sue Grafton, Robert Crais, and Joe Lansdale.
Michael’s crime and mystery short stories have appeared in magazines such as All Due Respect, Heater, and Thuglit, as well as in multiple crime anthologies, including The Eyes Of Texas: Private Eyes from the Panhandle to the Piney Woods. Michael was the editor of the cult classic 80s-themed crime fiction anthology, Fast Women and Neon Lights: 80’s-inspired Neon Noir.
Michael lives and writes in Denver, Colorado, where he works as a private investigator by day and trains grappling martial arts by night. He can also often be found roaming the countryside in his home away from home, Vancy Pants. Find him online at www.michaelpool.net.
Michael holds a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from Western Colorado University, and is the author of three full-length novels: the noir mystery novel Rose City; the Elmore Leonard-reminiscent crime novel Texas Two-Step; and the first book in the Riley Reeves female private investigator mystery series, Throwing Off Sparks (set for release in May 2020). Michael is also the author of the Seattle-set crime noir novella, Debt Crusher.
Michael’s work has been compared to writers such as Sue Grafton, Robert Crais, and Joe Lansdale.
Michael’s crime and mystery short stories have appeared in magazines such as All Due Respect, Heater, and Thuglit, as well as in multiple crime anthologies, including The Eyes Of Texas: Private Eyes from the Panhandle to the Piney Woods. Michael was the editor of the cult classic 80s-themed crime fiction anthology, Fast Women and Neon Lights: 80’s-inspired Neon Noir.
Michael lives and writes in Denver, Colorado, where he works as a private investigator by day and trains grappling martial arts by night. He can also often be found roaming the countryside in his home away from home, Vancy Pants. Find him online at www.michaelpool.net.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 21, 2016
Great first entry for this new magazine. An over-the-top tale from Eric Beetner with strong entries from other crime fiction vets like CJ Edwards. A surprising number of funny stories as well in a genre that's known for deadly seriousness. I also found a new writer who I'll looking for more work from in Nick Kolakowski.
August 1, 2016
Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1 certainly delivers on their idea of “A Magazine Of Crime Fiction.” From the distinctive cover to the eight short tales selected by Guest Editor Eric Beetner and Founder/Editior-In-Chief Michael Pool the first issue delivers in all aspects. As these are short stories and therefore it is not possible to say much without creating spoilers, the barebones descriptions below will have to suffice.
After a brief introduction from Michael Pool, the issue opens with “So Close” by Eric Beetner. He knew his wife, Shelly, was having an affair with a neighbor named Robert. Their affair has been going on for awhile now so he isn’t surprised to find them together at the house. He just never thought he would find them like this.
Suppose a family member died because of a crime. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a fully loaded clone ready to resume life and relationships if the worst happened? Reporters and other folks call the idea “victim replacement.” Those who work in sales prefer to call it “Restoration” in the tale of the same name by Art Taylor. No matter what you call it, sometimes customers have to have an additional incentive to make the sale.
One of the drawbacks of social media is that you can find out what others think about you. There are even a website that serves as the “premier consumer review site for mafia thugs, hitman, and muscle. Based in Hoboken, New Jersey the man known as Jackson “Jack the Hammer” Palmer isn’t getting good reviews. For Jack, an online diary helps him vent in “Jack The Hammer’s Online Identity Crisis” by Jeff Bowles.
Marco is always a bit of a jerk when the cards are going his way. For Darius they often don’t and the Berretta next to him isn’t helping with that. The poker game just the latest clash between the two in “On Tilt” by James Queally.
Danny needs a miracle in the form of 10k by next Tuesday or some very bad men are going to come to his airstream camper and do some very bad things to him. Tyler “The Plumber” Anderson is the bookie who most definitely wants his money in “Dee The Friendly Grizzly’s Little Miracle” by Nick Kolakowski.
Zeke is out and now Don and Jackson need to get to work in “God May Forgive You” by Paul Heatley. A score needs to be settled.
The familiar theme of being cheated on is just one small piece of “Tuning The Old Joanna” by Tess Makovesky. Roy just needs to prove it by catching her in the act. To do that is going to require surveillance and that will not be easy.
Trooper Alvin Mags is working undercover in “The Line” by C. J. Edwards. The job is dangerous and that was before things got seriously complicated.
The first issue ends with an interesting interview with Eric Beetner. He talks about writing, upcoming projects, and quite a lot more.
Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1 was a mighty good read. The eight short stories selected are far more complicated than their brief spoiler free explanations above. These are reads of depth that will surprise experienced mystery readers. Notably very funny with “Jack The Hammer’s Online Identity Crisis,” each short tale has quite a lot going on. Simply put, there is not a bad one in the bunch. Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1 is a real treat for mystery and crime fiction readers.
Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1
Edited by Eric Beetner and Michael Pool
Short Stack Books
December 2015
ASIN: B01A1FRPXI
eBook (paperback available)
79 Pages
$2.99
I picked up this issue to read and review when it was recently made free at Amazon by the publisher in anticipation of publication of their second issue.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2016
After a brief introduction from Michael Pool, the issue opens with “So Close” by Eric Beetner. He knew his wife, Shelly, was having an affair with a neighbor named Robert. Their affair has been going on for awhile now so he isn’t surprised to find them together at the house. He just never thought he would find them like this.
Suppose a family member died because of a crime. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a fully loaded clone ready to resume life and relationships if the worst happened? Reporters and other folks call the idea “victim replacement.” Those who work in sales prefer to call it “Restoration” in the tale of the same name by Art Taylor. No matter what you call it, sometimes customers have to have an additional incentive to make the sale.
One of the drawbacks of social media is that you can find out what others think about you. There are even a website that serves as the “premier consumer review site for mafia thugs, hitman, and muscle. Based in Hoboken, New Jersey the man known as Jackson “Jack the Hammer” Palmer isn’t getting good reviews. For Jack, an online diary helps him vent in “Jack The Hammer’s Online Identity Crisis” by Jeff Bowles.
Marco is always a bit of a jerk when the cards are going his way. For Darius they often don’t and the Berretta next to him isn’t helping with that. The poker game just the latest clash between the two in “On Tilt” by James Queally.
Danny needs a miracle in the form of 10k by next Tuesday or some very bad men are going to come to his airstream camper and do some very bad things to him. Tyler “The Plumber” Anderson is the bookie who most definitely wants his money in “Dee The Friendly Grizzly’s Little Miracle” by Nick Kolakowski.
Zeke is out and now Don and Jackson need to get to work in “God May Forgive You” by Paul Heatley. A score needs to be settled.
The familiar theme of being cheated on is just one small piece of “Tuning The Old Joanna” by Tess Makovesky. Roy just needs to prove it by catching her in the act. To do that is going to require surveillance and that will not be easy.
Trooper Alvin Mags is working undercover in “The Line” by C. J. Edwards. The job is dangerous and that was before things got seriously complicated.
The first issue ends with an interesting interview with Eric Beetner. He talks about writing, upcoming projects, and quite a lot more.
Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1 was a mighty good read. The eight short stories selected are far more complicated than their brief spoiler free explanations above. These are reads of depth that will surprise experienced mystery readers. Notably very funny with “Jack The Hammer’s Online Identity Crisis,” each short tale has quite a lot going on. Simply put, there is not a bad one in the bunch. Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1 is a real treat for mystery and crime fiction readers.
Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1
Edited by Eric Beetner and Michael Pool
Short Stack Books
December 2015
ASIN: B01A1FRPXI
eBook (paperback available)
79 Pages
$2.99
I picked up this issue to read and review when it was recently made free at Amazon by the publisher in anticipation of publication of their second issue.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2016
January 4, 2016
Hard-hitting yet big-hearted, this new series of crime fiction kicks off with a collection of hardboiled tales of corruption, adultery, payback, intrigue and outrage. This issue’s editor is Eric Beetner who is big on contemporary neo-noir, on cynical protagonists and gritty, witty, bitter-sweet storylines. He’s the master of the triple-switch plot-twist so it’s no surprise that his own story – which kicks off this compilation – is simply stuffed full of surprises. Beetner’s skill is in enhancing the action with the moral ambiguity of his characters; delicately demonstrating how easily some humans can shed their skins when it suits them.
The other seven stories are, in the main, similarly sophisticated. You can read them as uncompromising accounts of justified revenge and betrayal, or see past the blood-spatter, baseball bats and bullets to the subtle subtext. Art Taylor does this brilliantly in ‘Restoration’ where he neatly skewers the fear-mongering tactics of insurance industry without so much as bruising a knuckle. The action is similarly cerebral in the entertaining On Tilt by James Queally, where a game of Texas Hold ’Em is played for the highest stakes. Things turn a little lighter in ‘Tuning The Old Joanna’ by Tess Makovesky, while The Line by CJ Edwards is a stylish interpretation of undercover policing, a la The Wire.
Some of these stories are outright violent, explicit both in word and deed, but there was only one instance which felt as if the brutality of the characters was the core of the story. The majority manage to cram complex sub-plots concerning redemption, betrayal and human dignity into their scant number of pages. None are very long, and none out-stay their welcome. An interview with Beetner rounds out the anthology and makes for fascinating reading.
I would’ve preferred there to be a couple more stories in the collection – maybe ten, or even a dozen – because it did feel as if the fun ended just as I was getting into the swing of things. In any case, I’ll definitely be coming back to CSM for second helpings when Issue Two is released…
8/10
There's more detail on this book and other crime fiction over at
https://murdermayhemandmore.wordpress...
The other seven stories are, in the main, similarly sophisticated. You can read them as uncompromising accounts of justified revenge and betrayal, or see past the blood-spatter, baseball bats and bullets to the subtle subtext. Art Taylor does this brilliantly in ‘Restoration’ where he neatly skewers the fear-mongering tactics of insurance industry without so much as bruising a knuckle. The action is similarly cerebral in the entertaining On Tilt by James Queally, where a game of Texas Hold ’Em is played for the highest stakes. Things turn a little lighter in ‘Tuning The Old Joanna’ by Tess Makovesky, while The Line by CJ Edwards is a stylish interpretation of undercover policing, a la The Wire.
Some of these stories are outright violent, explicit both in word and deed, but there was only one instance which felt as if the brutality of the characters was the core of the story. The majority manage to cram complex sub-plots concerning redemption, betrayal and human dignity into their scant number of pages. None are very long, and none out-stay their welcome. An interview with Beetner rounds out the anthology and makes for fascinating reading.
I would’ve preferred there to be a couple more stories in the collection – maybe ten, or even a dozen – because it did feel as if the fun ended just as I was getting into the swing of things. In any case, I’ll definitely be coming back to CSM for second helpings when Issue Two is released…
8/10
There's more detail on this book and other crime fiction over at
https://murdermayhemandmore.wordpress...
October 2, 2021
An Enjoyable Collection of Crime Noir
A great of violence in theses short stories but none of it were over the top. I especially enjoyed the story about the man who kidnaps the man who murdered his ex-wife and proceeds to leave the man bleeding in the woods to be attacked and eaten by wild animals.
A great of violence in theses short stories but none of it were over the top. I especially enjoyed the story about the man who kidnaps the man who murdered his ex-wife and proceeds to leave the man bleeding in the woods to be attacked and eaten by wild animals.
May 20, 2017
All these stories were pretty good but nothing really blew me away. Good quick reading if you need a crime fix.
December 17, 2022
Just a lot of fun!
August 1, 2016
Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1 certainly delivers on their idea of “A Magazine Of Crime Fiction.” From the distinctive cover to the eight short tales selected by Guest Editor Eric Beetner and Founder/Editior-In-Chief Michael Pool the first issue delivers in all aspects. As these are short stories and therefore it is not possible to say much without creating spoilers, the barebones descriptions below will have to suffice.
After a brief introduction from Michael Pool, the issue opens with “So Close” by Eric Beetner. He knew his wife, Shelly, was having an affair with a neighbor named Robert. Their affair has been going on for awhile now so he isn’t surprised to find them together at the house. He just never thought he would find them like this.
Suppose a family member died because of a crime. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a fully loaded clone ready to resume life and relationships if the worst happened? Reporters and other folks call the idea “victim replacement.” Those who work in sales prefer to call it “Restoration” in the tale of the same name by Art Taylor. No matter what you call it, sometimes customers have to have an additional incentive to make the sale.
One of the drawbacks of social media is that you can find out what others think about you. There are even a website that serves as the “premier consumer review site for mafia thugs, hitman, and muscle. Based in Hoboken, New Jersey the man known as Jackson “Jack the Hammer” Palmer isn’t getting good reviews. For Jack, an online diary helps him vent in “Jack The Hammer’s Online Identity Crisis” by Jeff Bowles.
Marco is always a bit of a jerk when the cards are going his way. For Darius they often don’t and the Berretta next to him isn’t helping with that. The poker game just the latest clash between the two in “On Tilt” by James Queally.
Danny needs a miracle in the form of 10k by next Tuesday or some very bad men are going to come to his airstream camper and do some very bad things to him. Tyler “The Plumber” Anderson is the bookie who most definitely wants his money in “Dee The Friendly Grizzly’s Little Miracle” by Nick Kolakowski.
Zeke is out and now Don and Jackson need to get to work in “God May Forgive You” by Paul Heatley. A score needs to be settled.
The familiar theme of being cheated on is just one small piece of “Tuning The Old Joanna” by Tess Makovesky. Roy just needs to prove it by catching her in the act. To do that is going to require surveillance and that will not be easy.
Trooper Alvin Mags is working undercover in “The Line” by C. J. Edwards. The job is dangerous and that was before things got seriously complicated.
The first issue ends with an interesting interview with Eric Beetner. He talks about writing, upcoming projects, and quite a lot more.
Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1 was a mighty good read. The eight short stories selected are far more complicated than their brief spoiler free explanations above. These are reads of depth that will surprise experienced mystery readers. Notably very funny with “Jack The Hammer’s Online Identity Crisis,” each short tale has quite a lot going on. Simply put, there is not a bad one in the bunch. Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1 is a real treat for mystery and crime fiction readers.
Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1
Edited by Eric Beetner and Michael Pool
Short Stack Books
December 2015
ASIN: B01A1FRPXI
eBook (paperback available)
79 Pages
$2.99
I picked up this issue to read and review when it was recently made free at Amazon by the publisher in anticipation of publication of their second issue.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2016
After a brief introduction from Michael Pool, the issue opens with “So Close” by Eric Beetner. He knew his wife, Shelly, was having an affair with a neighbor named Robert. Their affair has been going on for awhile now so he isn’t surprised to find them together at the house. He just never thought he would find them like this.
Suppose a family member died because of a crime. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a fully loaded clone ready to resume life and relationships if the worst happened? Reporters and other folks call the idea “victim replacement.” Those who work in sales prefer to call it “Restoration” in the tale of the same name by Art Taylor. No matter what you call it, sometimes customers have to have an additional incentive to make the sale.
One of the drawbacks of social media is that you can find out what others think about you. There are even a website that serves as the “premier consumer review site for mafia thugs, hitman, and muscle. Based in Hoboken, New Jersey the man known as Jackson “Jack the Hammer” Palmer isn’t getting good reviews. For Jack, an online diary helps him vent in “Jack The Hammer’s Online Identity Crisis” by Jeff Bowles.
Marco is always a bit of a jerk when the cards are going his way. For Darius they often don’t and the Berretta next to him isn’t helping with that. The poker game just the latest clash between the two in “On Tilt” by James Queally.
Danny needs a miracle in the form of 10k by next Tuesday or some very bad men are going to come to his airstream camper and do some very bad things to him. Tyler “The Plumber” Anderson is the bookie who most definitely wants his money in “Dee The Friendly Grizzly’s Little Miracle” by Nick Kolakowski.
Zeke is out and now Don and Jackson need to get to work in “God May Forgive You” by Paul Heatley. A score needs to be settled.
The familiar theme of being cheated on is just one small piece of “Tuning The Old Joanna” by Tess Makovesky. Roy just needs to prove it by catching her in the act. To do that is going to require surveillance and that will not be easy.
Trooper Alvin Mags is working undercover in “The Line” by C. J. Edwards. The job is dangerous and that was before things got seriously complicated.
The first issue ends with an interesting interview with Eric Beetner. He talks about writing, upcoming projects, and quite a lot more.
Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1 was a mighty good read. The eight short stories selected are far more complicated than their brief spoiler free explanations above. These are reads of depth that will surprise experienced mystery readers. Notably very funny with “Jack The Hammer’s Online Identity Crisis,” each short tale has quite a lot going on. Simply put, there is not a bad one in the bunch. Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1 is a real treat for mystery and crime fiction readers.
Crime Syndicate Magazine: Issue 1
Edited by Eric Beetner and Michael Pool
Short Stack Books
December 2015
ASIN: B01A1FRPXI
eBook (paperback available)
79 Pages
$2.99
I picked up this issue to read and review when it was recently made free at Amazon by the publisher in anticipation of publication of their second issue.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2016
June 15, 2016
Favorites: SO CLOSE by Eric Beetner and TUNING THE OLD JOANNA by Tess Makovesky.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews