Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Back in Black is an interesting collection of previously unpublished short fiction by some top-shelf authors, arranged to coordinate with the songs of the iconic AC/DC album, edited by Don Bruns. Due out 16th July 2024 from Blackstone, it's 242 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
A glance at the story contributors on the cover will provide most readers of mystery/thriller fiction with enough motivation to pick up and give the anthology a try. Readers should be aware that although listed as mystery, there are only a couple of stories which really fit the mystery mold, they are mostly thriller and non-mystery fiction selections. There are 10 stories, one to correspond with each of the songs on the album.
As with any anthology, some stories hit better than others depending on readers' moods, but they're all from well known authors writing at a high level of competency. One good thing about short fiction anthologies is that if a story doesn't grab the reader, there's another story in just a few pages.
Four stars. Well written and thrilling. The stories generally have only the very loosest connection to the eponymous song tracks.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reviewed by annieb123 on
Reading updates
- 7 July, 2024: Started reading
- 7 July, 2024: Finished reading
- 7 July, 2024: Reviewed