I’m happy to announce that my latest mystery short story, “Jumbie Tea,” is in the June 2013 issue of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, arriving in bookstores (real and online) and newsstands this week and available for a month. “Jumbie Tea” is set in my hometown–St. Thomas, VI–and it involves a young tourist couple with a sinister, one-eyed old Obeah woman. When she serves them her magical potion, they get more than they bargained for: sun, sand, Voodoo, walking dead people, and…murder? The story is accompanied by a clever pen-and-ink illustration by Hank Blaustein that really captures the mood and atmosphere of the setting.
Also in the issue are stories from two mystery masters, Rex Burns and Terence Faherty, and excellent débuts from two up-and-coming mystery writers, plus reviews of new crime books, a mystery-related crossword puzzle, a contest, and a reprint of a classic mystery from the Golden Age. And if you go to the AHMM website, you’ll find an essay I wrote for their blog, explaining the origins of “Jumbie Tea” and my writing process. Also, their cool new podcast section has several mystery writers reading their own stories from the magazine–including yours truly, reading my award-nominated 2005 story, “The Method In Her Madness.” You can listen to it here. My AHMM blog entry is here.
If you’re a big fan of mystery short stories, you probably already subscribe to AHMM and its wonderful sister, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. If not, consider doing so: you’ll get a lot of great stories by the best writers around, delivered to you (paper or online) each month. And you’ll be supporting two of the oldest and best (and last!) magazines in America dedicated to publishing work by the authors of mystery fiction. Please support them, and tell your friends. Enjoy!
Tom! Congrats on the AHMM sale! I’m scouring the nabe to find a paper copy so you can sign it.
Been a long time since we had contact. Liz and I mention you often. Hope all’s well.
Hi, Steve. I’m glad you found my site. (Hi, Liz!) Your best bet for a paper copy of AHMM might be the magazine itself–their link is on my homepage. Or B&N. Not many newsstands in NYC carry it anymore. Happy hunting!
So glad you’re online, Tom! Can’t wait to read your story in AHMM!
Okay, I got paper copies (one to read, one for you to sign) from the publisher. Love the story! Would easily have been suitable for AH’s old TV series and would still work today. Had a very “Roald Dahl” feel to it. The climax called for some deft language regarding points of view, but you achieved it without being forced or uneven.
I hope this means you’ll be doing more short stuff!