Terrific Tales

Jul 2022 9

Cyclists Hit the Road: A Mystery Short Story

2022 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Terrific Tales

by Mary Jo Robertiello

Patty stepped off the curb at Second Ave and Fourteenth Street. A bike headed the wrong way crashed into her left thigh. She keeled over. As the biker sped down Second, Patty lay on the street circled by concerned citizens taking iPhone shots and mouthing platitudes. She kept her mouth shut. Did he hit her on purpose? Who cares? He hit her. Two buxom traffic cops took their time disengaging from their cells before strolling over.

Jun 2022 4

Morning Murder: A Mystery Short Story

2022 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Terrific Tales

by Guy Belleranti

My partner Detective Danny Dayton and I stared across the table at Larry Walton in his murdered sister’s kitchen. Apparently, Walton had discovered his sister shot to death in her living room and had then called 911.

May 2022 7

The Sleuthing Silvers and The Mystery of the Missing Reading Glasses: Mystery Short Story

2022 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Terrific Tales

by Ron Katz

“Have you seen my reading glasses, Barb?” inquired Bernie Silver.
“Which of your twelve pairs?” asked Barb Silver with a sigh. Bernie’s wife of thirty years and his business partner in Silver Investigations since the company’s founding five years ago, Barb had fielded this inquiry from Bernie many times. They had met when both were investigators for Alpha Insurance Company.

Apr 2022 9

A Rat’s Tale, Remembering Magawa

2022 Articles, Rodent Ramblings, Terrific Tales

by Pamela Ebel

“You did well in your previous life, my friend.”
Magawa looked up into the smiling face of the King of Rats, who sat in an ancient rocking chair made of teeth-hewn cypress. As he rocked, the Rat King looked at those assembled around, he and Magawa, who thought there must have been hundreds of other rats staring at him.

Apr 2022 2

A Failure to Communicate: Mystery Short Story

2022 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Terrific Tales

by Jan Christensen

"I wish you could have met my son," Jessica said. She took a bite of her sandwich. "But he's dead."
I swallowed my own bite of sandwich with difficulty. "I'm sorry to hear that. You only had the one child?"
"Yes. No daughters, either. I always wanted a daughter."

Mar 2022 19

Deadline: Mystery Short Story

2022 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Terrific Tales

by Joseph S. Walker

“All we need now is a way to ditch the body,” Phil Lawton said. He was tilting so far back in his chair that he seemed to be addressing the ceiling.
“What body?” Ray Hargraves asked out of pure reflex. He was leaning against the edge of the window, looking out at the street.

Jan 2022 22

Committing Suicide: A Mystery Short Story

2022 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Terrific Tales

by Gay Toltl Kinman

"You ate all the fat on those lamb chops!" Selena stared down at her husband stretched out on the recliner. "I can't believe you did that."
Matt smiled like a cat lapping cream. "Mmmm and it was good."

Jan 2022 1

Tourist Trap: A Mystery Short Story

2022 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Terrific Tales

by Guy Belleranti

Mac pointed out the garish road sign as S.J. accelerated the noisy stolen car up the wooded two-lane highway. “That could be the perfect spot to jack a better set of wheels, S.J. We’ll hang out front and wait for the right tourist.”

Dec 2021 29

The Home Front: A Short Story

2021 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Terrific Tales

by John M. Floyd

Dear Margaret,
Arrived at Elmendorf on Friday. Barracks are okay, but it’s sure not as good as home. Miss you already.
Enjoying the scenery. When the weather’s clear you can see Mt. McKinley (Denali), and it’s 150 miles away. Drove around some yesterday, saw a real moose. Will send pictures.

Dec 2021 18

Aunt Jewel and the Christmas Spirits: A Christmas Mystery Short Story

2021 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Terrific Tales

by Bobbi A. Chukran

Right after Thanksgiving, Jewel Moore, my aunt, proclaimed: “What we need is some good old-fashioned Christmas spirit, with lots of peace and quiet, no drama, no chaos, or I’ll have a hissy fit!”