If the title isn’t clue enough, then the opening line should warn you—Dance Among the Flames sizzles. Sit down, grab a glass of wine, and even for readers who disdain prologues, begin there.
The 22 tales in this anthology, although inspired by the songs of the ’60s, don’t all take place in that decade. Some will step you back in time, others contemporary, all evoking the sense of the song or its meaning in tales of theft, robbery, kidnapping, dating, family, and other relationships. From the UK to Canada and the US, these authors crafted stories that range from nostalgic to humorous, but all deadly and inspired by songs whose opening riffs are mostly familiar. If not, pull out your old LPs or CDs or log onto YouTube and have a listen as you read Peace, Love, and Crime: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of the ’60s.
“Hi Honey, I’m home.” George placed his briefcase on a chair and his keys and driving glasses on the kitchen table.
“In here, dear. Bring me that crepe paper on the counter, would you?”
“Geez, kid. What’d you have to go and shoot him for?” Willie took Bobby’s gun and stuffed it in his jacket pocket, almost crushing the three packs of cigarettes and map he’d stolen from the convenience store.
