A Wrinkle in Crime: 10 Stories of Foul Play, Murder & Revenge

by Joel Arnold

In the Midwest, the saying goes, “Revenge is a hot-dish best served cold." In Joel Arnold’s new short story collection A WRINKLE IN CRIME, revenge is also served at a lakeside resort, in an outhouse, at a state fair, on a camping trip in the Gallatin Mountains, along a lonely snow-swept highway, an ice-covered lake, and at an old abandoned quarry with a an intriguing past. "Joel Arnold is, hands down, one of my favorite short story writers. This collection is impressive, diverse, and always great fun!” - Ellen Hart, author of the Jane Lawless and Sophie Greenway series.

152 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2014

About the author

Joel Arnold is the author of several novels. His short stories and articles have appeared in dozens of publications, including WEIRD TALES, CHIZINE, AMERICAN ROAD MAGAZINE and Cemetery Dance's anthology SHIVERS VII. In 2010 he received both a MN Artists Initiative Grant as well as the Speculative Literature Foundation's Gulliver Travel & Research Grant.

Arnold teaches writing at student workshops throughout Minnesota and has given presentations about the Ox Cart trails of Minnesota and the Dakotas to several historical societies and other groups interested in history. He also serves as the literary director for the Savage Arts Council.

Arnold lives near the Twin Cities in Minnesota with his wife, two kids, two cats, a dog and a ball python. Plus he makes a mean coffee cake.

You can sign up for his newsletter here.

Reviews

[Stephanie]

Some very good stories, some average. Only one I didn't really get the ending.

[Kathy]

This is a short book with ten well-done tales of crime. The characters in the stories are very realistic and could easily be anyone we might meet in our daily lives. I found myself hurrying through the book, eager to see what the next story held. The author has carefully thought out and written a good plot for each, and has carried out the story lines quite well. Writing short stories is not easy, since the author must have a plot, characters, setting, beginning and climax—all of which must be developed I a short amount of time. This author definitely knows the craft s telling a short story well and held my interest throughout the book. Anyone who enjoys a good story and is fascinated by crime and mystery will enjoy this one. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.

[Tracey Digilormo]

I was given a copy of this book for a honest review.

I am so glad I read this book. Yes it is 10 short stories however with each story there is nothing left for you to wonder about. Each story is well written. This is the work of a very talented author. Each story the characters are well developed, the plots are thought out. Has the suspense, twist and turns you look for in a murder suspense book. I will be looking for books by Joel Arnold. I would highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed.

[Debra Jeakins]

A WRINKLE IN CRIME 10 SHORT STORIES OF FOUL PLAY AND MURDER AND REVENGE is exactly what the title sez,no mystery here!

Seriously I loved the book. It is a short book of short stories in ranges of a few pages to just one ( what the author said was a drabble 100 words or less story) but each story odd in itself was a good read. It reminded me of Stephen King with the kinds of twists and turns he puts in his stories. I am sure I will be seeking out more from this author.


I recieved this book from LibraryThings in exchange for a review

[Joelle]

A Wrinkle in Crime is 10 short stories about everyday life and the crimes that follow. The stories could be plucked out of any ordinary life but develop into something more sinister. From marital woes, a bride to be, loss of a child, and life regrets plus much more the stories tell a tale of what may be happening right now to a neighbor, friend, or relative. A few were predictable but enjoyable nonetheless and intriguing to the end.

[Sam - Spines in a Line]

I received a copy of this book from a LibraryThing giveaway in exchange for a review.

Crime is one of my favourite genres and this collection definitely lived up to my expectations! Although there are short stories (some very, very short), each one was compelling and had well thought-out characters. Many of them have some twist, and though the first couple were predictable I found myself drawn in to try to figure it out before it was revealed. A great book all-around!!