Deal Me In Short Story #7
Nedra Tyre was born in Georgia in 1921 and worked as a social worker in Virginia. Her short stories were published in various mystery magazines starting in 1955. She also published several suspense novels. This story was first published in the March 1971 issue of Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine.
I found the story in the anthology, Murder on the Menu, so I knew it would feature food in some way. The story is told by a woman who is laid up in her bed with a broken ankle. She tells us about her interview with a local reporter who is writing up an article on love. The narrator has had several husbands, all of which have predeceased her. There is a nice twist at the end. Although I suspect the experienced mystery reader could predict the ending, it was still a very enjoyable tale.
Nedra Tyre has a story, "A Nice Place to Stay", in the anthology, Troubled Daughters, Twisted Wives, edited by Sarah Weinman. Weinman has a very interesting website called Domestic Suspense devoted to her book, which gathers information about each of the authors featured in the book. John at Pretty Sinister Books has reviewed Weinman's book here.
12 comments:
Oh, this sounds like a good 'un, Tracy, even if we could imagine how it'd end! I'm glad you found another short story winner!
And it was great to learn about another mystery author, Margot, even if I don't have any more room for new books.
I've heard of this author from Weinman probably. I agree she has a great website. I also own that anthology and I do plan to read it this year. I think she has a short from Margaret Miller and Highsmith in there.
I think you are right about Millar and Highsmith, Keishon. I am not sure domestic suspense is my kind of thing but definitely will try some stories and novels by authors in that category.
I think domestic suspense is making a comeback with Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train, etc, aren't those considered to be domestic suspense? Just guessing. I haven't read either one and I am unsure if I like that subgenre.
Keishon, I did recently see a comparison between Gone Girl and the books of domestic suspense, don't remember where. I have not read either that or The Girl on the Train, so don't know enough to make a comparison.
A new author to me - never heard of her, which is probably unsurprising as my reading and library has a massive gender imbalance. I did read something recently tagged by the lady author as her effort to "write a modern version of the old British Kitchen Sink Dramas" - is that domestic suspense? Glad you enjoyed it.
Col, I had never heard that term... British Kitchen Sink Drama. I looked it up and it seems to be applied to movies a lot. Very interesting. It does seem similar although the Kitchen Sink Dramas might not necessarily have suspense or crime.
I think the term 'kitchen sink drama' wasn't really used for mysteries, more for domestic dramas - ones set in in everyday homes, not the likes of Downton Abbey.
this author is new to me too, and sounds interesting. Love the cover of the anthology - a good one for your collection Tracy!
Moira, I was very pleased to find a new author that I want to pursue. And to be reminded of Sarah Weinman's anthology, that I plan to read someday. When I bought Murder on the Menu, I am sure I purchased it only for the neat cover with no plans to read any of the stories. Now it is fun to actually read and enjoy some of the stories.
Tracy, I'm going to look for an ebook edition of the anthology, MURDER ON THE MENU. It looks very interesting.
I hope you find one, Prashant. I have enjoyed all the stories I have read so far. Lot's of variety.
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