Far too late, with nothing left but bitter regrets.
Suspense Magazine, a leading mystery/crime magazine, has accepted my short story, Prodigal Son, for publication. Many thanks to publisher/CEO/editor-in-chief James Raab for giving me the good news. This is the eighth Alec Pargrew story to be published. Each one has appeared in a different magazine. I also must note that the story was excerpted with some slight revision from the first Alec Pargrew novel, Sticky Wicket, a taut 59,000 word thriller set mainly in the Caribbean for a change of scenery, hence the British cricket term title. While it’s always gratifying to get a story published, this is particularly satisfying. A writer always relishes it when he finds something that appeals to readers. Alec Pargrew, cowhand PI, just seems to have that quality. Bless the day I ever thought of his tough old hide. Here’s a news flash too. I’m already at work on another, new Pargrew novel, titled Cadaver With A Red Dress On. I give my solemn word to make it a real humdinger.
I’ll let everyone know when Prodigal is up online. I hope everyone enjoys this holiday season (true devotees will of course receive my special seasonal greeting via antique snail mail). And if you have any prodigals who wander far from home this year, put a lantern in the window to guide them on home.
PS: The picture is from a work by Thomas Hart Benton.