Cops, Crooks & Other Stories in 100 Words

✍ Scribed by Mark S. Bacon

• Book ID: 111254694
• Publisher: Archer and Clark Publishing
• Year: 2019
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 39 KB
• Category: Fiction
• ISBN-13: 9780966000092
• ASIN: B07XZM9FV5

✦ Synopsis

Two con men create an ingenious parking lot scam—and get away with it. A detective sergeant outwits his inspector and solves a murder. Can all this happen in 100 words? Yes. Each mini story is complete, most with a protagonist, a challenge, and resolution. Here are more than 100 mini mysteries, mini puzzles with unexpected, satisfying endings.Seven of the stories in this collection have been published in five different online magazines: Stymie Magazine, 101 Words, Flashshot, 100 Word Story and MicroHorror.Other stories include a man who discovers—and loses—his long-lost love at a ball game. A hit man receives an unusual request and is unable to comply. And a woman confides in a friend that she suspects her husband of indiscretions. But does she have the facts right?Crime/mystery and law enforcement-oriented stories make up more than half the collection. Also included are love stories, humor, dramas and "Twilight Zone"—style speculative fiction.

Sample story:

On the House

Starting her workday baking before sunrise always made Sophie's concentration sag by 9 a.m., but looking across the counter at a gun barrel got her immediate attention.

"Gimme the money," the gunman said.

Sophie glanced over the man's shoulder, moved toward the cash register—then ducked.

The cop standing behind the robber threw him against the counter, as another officer grabbed the gun.

"You gotta be the dumbest crook I ever met," said the first cop. "Okay, maybe you didn't see our car in the lot, but really..."

"Thanks, Kelly," Sophie said. "From now on, doughnuts are on the house."

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"...it is rather remarkable that the author is able to introduce a cast of characters, set a stage for them to act upon, and play out a scenario — sometimes involving cops and crooks — in which something unexpected happens, all in exactly 100 words."MysteriousReviews.com