I’m pleased to announce my short story, “The Best Laid Plans,” has been accepted for inclusion in this year’s Bouchercon anthology.

This particular story is special to me for a few reasons, not the least of which is that I think it’s the best short story I’ve ever written. I actually wrote the bulk of it many years ago as part of a novel set primarily in 1948 Philadelphia, with action in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Miami, Florida. As sometimes happens, the book never got finished–it was one of those projects I set aside in favor of something else because I couldn’t figure out where I wanted to take it. Recently, though, it occurred to me I might be able to salvage it for parts.

Bouchercon 2018 is in St. Petersberg, Florida, which means this year’s anthology, edited by the fabulous Greg Herren, was looking for stories set in Florida. When the call for submissions was announced, I knew I’d found the perfect opportunity (and challenge) to upcycle my novel-in-progress into a kick-ass short story.

In “The Best Laid Plans,” Bev Marshall is the driver in a criminal gang run by her boyfriend, Joe Scullion. The crew makes a good living burglarizing affluent neighborhoods on the eastern seaboard, but when Bev learns of Joe’s recent infidelity, she decides she’s through with him and the crew. She comes up with a plan to make sure this job will be her last. The story opens with Bev’s foot on the gas pedal, ready to make a break for it.

When I saw the list of other contributors to this project, I was even more thrilled. I’ll be sharing space with some good friends and some of my favorite authors. I am so proud to be a part of this anthology.