The best of sisters in crime

Editor Marilyn Wallace describes the 22 stories in this superb collection--chosen from her five equally excellent annual compilations--as "the work of a diverse, unruly and talented group of writers. Difficult to classify, adventurous, energetic, the contributors include writers who are past presidents of the organization Sisters in Crime, writers who aren't members at all, writers from big cities, rural outposts and suburban enclaves, writers who fly airplanes, practice yoga, study papermaking, take teaching holidays in Poland." What all the stories have in common is that each has already won some kind of an award. You'll find instantly recognizable names such as Marcia Muller, Julie Smith, Sue Grafton, Elizabeth George, Mary Higgins Clark, Sara Paretsky, Margaret Maron, and Sharyn McCrumb.