Anthony nominations are now open! The Anthony Award is one of the most prestigious in crime fiction and is awarded each year during the Bouchercon fan convention. Attendees who registered for Bouchercon in 2019 or 2020 are eligible to nominate candidates through June 5, 2020.
This year, I have stories in two anthologies which are eligible for an Anthony nomination. The first story is “Lust to Love” in Murder-A-Go-Go’s: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Music of The Go-Go’s (Down & Out Books).
Aside from being an excellent writer, Holly West is just a kick-ass person. As editor, Holly strove to make this anthology as diverse as possible. Inside, you will find gems by Greg Herren, Sarah M. Chen, Wendell Thomas, Josh Stallings, Diane Vallere and Dharma Kelleher among others.
I think the diversity of stories is what makes Murder-A-Go-Go’s such a rich and compelling read. Special thanks to Holly West and Down & Out Books for editing and publishing this totally awesome book!
My story, “Lust to Love,” was inspired by the semi-creepy lyrics of The Go-Go’s song as well as a move to Lake Minnetonka. Below is a wonderful review by BOLO BOOKS:
This story of Lulita Conchita García de Bergen, a wronged wife taking destiny into her own hands would have been entertaining on its own, but because Jessica Ellis Laine adds all the clever references to the 1980s to the mix, it is even more wickedly delightful. Everything from C.H.U.D and cabbage patch kids to “the clapper,” Guess clothing, and iconic slang gets a shout out next to an inspired reference to Belinda Carlisle. Thankfully, having this much fun in a serious crime story hasn’t been outlawed.
Bolo Books Murder-A-Go-Gos Review (3/19)
Murder-A-Go-Go’s: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Music of The Go-Go’s edited by Holly West is eligible for an Anthony for Best Anthology.
“Lust to Love” by Jessica Laine in Murder-A-Go-Go’s: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Music of The Go-Go’s is eligible for an Anthony for Best Short Story.
To read The First Two Pages discussion of “Lust to Love,” click here.
Sisters in Crime award winner and Crime Writer of Color Jessica Laine writes contemporary crime fiction with a Latinx twist. She tweets @msjessicalaine. Learn more at https://jessicalainebooks.com/.
Writer Jessica Laine 