2024 (and 2025) News from Debra H. Goldstein

 2024 (and 2025) News from Debra H. Goldstein

In 2024, my five book Sarah Blair series, about a woman who is more frightened of the kitchen than murder, ended. I was previously orphaned by two publishers. First, after writing 2012 IPPY winning Maze in Blue, a mystery set on the University of Michigan in the 1970’s. Then, following publication of Should Have Played Poker, a Mah Jongg related book about a young lawyer looking for the truth when her mother comes back into her life, gives her a mysterious note, and dies hours later. What I’d learned from being orphaned was that I had to write something new. 

So, I did. Unfortunately, the book I wrote didn’t sell – probably because it belongs in the bottom drawer of my dresser. At that point, finding myself somewhat depressed and needing to provide more caregiving attention to my husband, I concentrated on writing short stories.

Seven short stories appeared in 2024 and eight are already accepted for anthologies and periodicals that will be published in 2025. I’m proud of all my stories, but if you are going to Malice Domestic, I hope you’ll consider making one of your five short story nominations, “You Can’t Kill the Cat,” which appeared in First Comes Love, Then Comes Murder, edited by Teresa Inge and Heather Weidner. It is a perfect cozy story dealing with the impact a cartoon cat has on two marriages. Above and below are graphics the wonderful Gabriel Valjan designed for that story and one for possible Bouchercon Anthony nomination for “Just Four Minutes to Get Even” from Dark of the Day: Eclipse Stories edited by Kaye George.

What I’m most excited about will be available in February! Jay Hartman’s White City Press, a division of Misti Media, LLC, is releasing a collection of my early short stories. Many of them were finalists for awards, including Agatha, Anthony, and Derringers. Keep an eye out for the print and e-book, not to mention the cover reveal. If you like stories that take an indirect look at human nature through crime fiction, I’ll be happy dancing at the opportunity to share these literary crime tales with you.