In the Key of 13: An anthology of music and murder by Mesdames of Mayhem
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
If you’re looking for a talented group of authors, either collectively or individually, you need look no further than the Mesdames of Mayhem and their “13” anthologies. But, to paraphrase Tom Hanks, anthologies are often like a box of chocolates. There are some, like the cashew clusters, that leave me wanting more, and others, like the orange cream-filled centres, that simply aren’t to my taste. That said, most chocolates, or in this case, short stories, usually satisfy my craving.
That wasn’t entirely the case with this collection, at least for me. There are standouts to be sure. Sylvia Maultash Warsh’s ‘None Shall Sleep,’ ‘Brainworm’ by MH Callway, ‘Solace in D Minor’ by Donna Carrick, and my personal favorite, ‘Bad Vibrations’ by Rosalind Place, an entertaining tale told partly from the POV of musical instruments. I haven’t seen that one before!
There were, however, a handful of stories that simply didn’t strike a chord with me. Then again, reading, like our individual taste in chocolate, is both personal and subjective. If you enjoy short mystery fiction, it’s worth giving this one a try. A solid 3 stars.
GOODREADS RATING SYSTEM:
5: It was amazing
4: really liked it
3: liked it
2: It was okay
1: didn’t like it