This is a great collection of stories. I don’t normally read anthologies, but I couldn’t pass this one up. I loved the theme of the stranger and these really delivered.

**Huge thanks to Hanover Press for providing the arc free of charge**

Such a good collection...
if you are a beginner I think this is the collection of short stories you need to read to check out of this is for you
but do go in keeping an open mind
I think it was a superb read for I surely had a wonderful time
definitely recommend it!

Anthologies are so tricky -- I feel like the stories are either too short so you can't get invested, or too disjointed, or too differing in quality that it's hard to really enjoy. But this was so good!

All the stories were intended to follow one theme: "All great literature is one of two stories, a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town." This anthology focused on the latter of those two storylines. The stranger could be good, evil, or anything in between. The stories were full of unique interpretations, and most of them were really creepy and twisty.

As you can tell from the contributing authors (Michael Koryta, Alafair Burke, S.A. Cosby, Lisa Unger to name a few) you're obviously getting high-quality contributions. And I really enjoyed reading works by some authors I had never heard of before, I have new authors to look out for now!

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this. As is always the case with anthologies, I liked some stories more than others. But the whole book was so fun to read, and hit the perfect level of creepiness.

When a Stranger Comes to Town nothing good happens, at least in these nineteen varied tales.

The book has many familiar names among its authors. Michael Connelly, Joe R. Lansdale, Lisa Unger, Michael Koryta. Alafair Burke and Joe Hill are some of the best known.

As with all short story collection of multiple authors some of the stories will appeal to you more than others. I love a good, surprising twist at the end and there were several stories like that included. I won’t tell you which ones to avoid spoilers. There were also slice of life tales, mysteries, and thrillers included—basically something for everyone.

If you are looking for a new author to read, these short tales can send you in the right direction. Their shortness, some are only ten pages, make them the perfect waiting room or grocery line read. Overall, When a Stranger Comes to Town is a strong group of tales. 4 stars!

Thanks to Hanover Square Press, Harlequin Books, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Not only is this a great sampler of mystery/thriller authors but it is also an excellent short story collection. I enjoyed every story and found a few new authors for my never ending reading list. Highly recommended.

This collection of nineteen short stories all have the common theme of a stranger coming to town. There is a wide variety of stories and authors in this anthology. I enjoy reading short stories and like any collection like this, I liked some more than others. Overall I would rate the collection 3 to 3.5 stars. There were too many stories that were downbeat and too depressing for my taste. However, there are a few I really enjoyed.

My absolute favorite story in the collection is called "A Six-Letter Word For Neighbor" by Lisa Unger, an author whose other books I've enjoyed. Alafair Burke is a favorite author of mine and I enjoyed her contribution, "Seat 2-C" although the ending was a bit abrupt. I also liked the stories by best-selling authors Michael Connelly and Joe Hill. Three other stories I especially liked from this collection are author's I was unfamiliar with, Tina deBellegarde and Bryon Quertermous. Both were well-written, but bittersweet.

There are bound to be stories that will appeal to most mystery readers in this collection. I wish there had been more that I really liked, but I appreciate the chance to read some really good stories and get to know the work of several new authors.

I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Hanover Square Press. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

I enjoyed the book When A Stranger Comes to Town which was edited by Michael Koryta. The concept for the book was for mystery authors to write a short story around one theme – a stranger coming to town – and all the stories would then make up a book. I had read many of the authors’ writing before reading this book, had wanted to read several of the authors who had short stories in this book, and now have even more authors to add to my TBR list. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys short stories and mysteries/thrillers. #WhenaStrangerComestoTown #NetGalley

Book: When a Stranger Comes to Town
Author: Michael Koryta
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank the publisher, Hanover Square Press, for sending me an ARC.

I always find short story collections to be very difficult to rate. There are always some that I love and some that I really don’t enjoy. This collection falls into the same boat. While I did enjoy getting exposed to so many different authors, there was a lot in here that I found to be lacking. Many of the stories didn’t feel complete. In many cases, it honestly felt like I was reading a sample from a full length novel. I don’t know about the rest of you, but whenever I read a short story, I do like to have some kind of ending or some kind of closure-especially if it is a mystery.

Most of the stories in this collection follow the same set up. So, if you want something a little different from story to story, then this probably isn’t the collection for you. This book contains stories centred around a mixture of both likeable and unlikable characters, so you do get a mixture if you are trying to figure out what type of characters you like in mysteries and thrillers. The basic concept is the same though. People are attempting to go about their day to day lives, then a stranger shows up and completely changes the world around them. Now, is this not a hook or not? I must say that the very premise of this book will have people grabbing it.

However, sadly, not all of the stories actually carry out this premise well.

Let’s break it down…

Like I said, there was actually a lot of stories that I did enjoy and really latched unto. Many of the authors included in this collection were ones who I have either never heard of or haven’t read anything by them. I must say that there are some who I will be looking more into their works. What I really enjoyed about these stories was how real they felt and how I was able to form a bond with the characters in only a few pages. If the author can make me feel this way in a short amount of time, I can’t wait to see what they can do over an extended period of time.

On the other side, there was those stories who I didn’t enjoy. These stories did not feel complete and, once again, it felt like I was reading a sample of a full length novel instead of a complete short story. Maybe these authors are intending to adapt their short stories into a full length novel? I don’t know. In this case though, it really did turn me off from these authors. If they can’t give me a full length story, then why would I pick up their novels? To me, a short story collection is the prefect chance to bring new readers into your workers. This is your chance to shine and these authors failed in that sense to me.

Anyway, I do always find short story collections very difficult to rate and this one is no different. I do think that it is a good starting point if you are looking to discover new mystery and thriller authors.

This book comes out on April 20, 2021.

With 19 short stories by a wide array of mystery/thriller writers had me looking forward to discovering new authors. Sadly, I found them to be too short. I guess it might be because I love books with depth and big books are my favourite.

“ All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town”


And so the theme for this collection was born. I’ve always thought one of the biggest challenges for any writer is to pen a great short story. It’s just so damn hard to successfully create something that feels complete, delivers/makes a point & entertains within the confines of the format.

Here we have 19 shorties built around the arrival of a stranger. Through a variety of settings & periods they encompass the weird, the evil, the poignant, the surreal & the downright spooky. As always, individual favourites will vary but everyone will find a new-to-them author to toss on their TBR pile. Here’s a few personal standouts.

“Relative Stranger” by Amanda Witt: I liked & cared about these people immediately which made the story all the more intense. *Warning*…contains a really, really creepy character.

“Avalon” by Michael Connelly: a taut & clever read from the master storyteller.

“Here’s to New Friends” by Jacqueline Freimor. New author for me & I have to say….Ms. F, I like your style (and your twists).

“Room for One More” by Joe R. Lansdale: another veteran writer who knows how to get under your skin in record time. Best line….”I like to poke” 😱😱😱

“Tokyo Stranger” by Tina deBellegarde: a simple, elegant story that was poignant & touching

“Assignment: Sheepshead Bay” by Paul Barra: any time a story includes a dog named Ethyl, count me in.

“A Six Letter Word for Neighbour” by Lisa Unger: the take-away is if your next door neighbour brings you cookies, do NOT piss them off. Lesson learned.

Bring on the next one!

3.5 stars

Mystery Writers of America Presents WHEN A STRANGER COMES TO TOWN EDITED by MICHAEL KORYTA

All of our favorite Mystery writers coming together to write a short story around one theme. When a stranger comes to town…and go!

I really enjoyed the opening. All great literature boils down to one of two stories-a man takes a trip or a stranger comes to town. And our group of mystery writers is the best at both.

When you toss a stranger into the mix, it could go numerous ways. We don’t know them. They aren’t usually here, so what’s up?

Well these authors, who we love, took that idea and ran with it. It is so much fun to have this anthology of the best short stories by the mystery writers we love.

Grab this one for sure. It’s like have a lot of your faves in one book!

Thanks, NetGalley!

NetGalley Reviews/ April 20th,2021 by Hanover Square Press

Michael Koryta, the guest editor of this anthology wrote, “All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.”

These short stories are all based on encounters with strangers. And each story is as varied as the unique authors involved.

When A Stranger Comes To Town, the latest short story collection from the Mystery Writers of America, was quite interesting, and I did like the variety of the 19 stories. They were just the right length for a quick read before bedtime.

Concerns
For the most part the stories just didn’t catch my interest though they all held elements of the unknown and suspense.

Final Thoughts
Perhaps I’m more of a novella or full sized book person, since these really didn’t work for me. However, they are written by some very talented, well-know authors, so I’d absolutely give this book a try if this is the genre you like.

My thanks to #NetGalley for an ARC and the ability to post my review without any stipulations.

This was a great concept for a short story collection, and there are a number of very big names featured in its pages... A number of the stories were pretty graphic/gritty (with a surprising number featuring prostitutes, given the topic), but on the whole I enjoyed the anthology. There were a handful of twists and turns that I didn't see coming - and even when I did see them, I mostly didn't mind because the writing was quite well done in nearly all the stories included herein. I particularly enjoyed the Lisa Unger - which was no surprise. I hadn't read Alafair Burke before, although have seen her titles many times, but her "Seat 2C" was excellent and made me want to search her out... Ditto Amanda Witt with "Relative Stranger." For new authors, "Here's to New Friends" by Jacqueline Freimor was a great find, and I'll be keeping my eye out for more from her. I was surprised that the Michael Connelly and Joe Hill stories were not among my favorites (they are two authors I typically enjoy) but I found the tales a bit more loosely structured than their usual fare...

This anthology focused on strangers will draw you in from page one. Each story is unique and different and all wonderful. Come for your favorites, stay for the newbies.

“When a Stranger Comes to Town”, edited by Michael Koryta, is the latest short story collection from the Mystery Writers of America. The theme this time around is the classic “stranger comes to town”, and we have 19 examples of strangers and the trouble they cause. Unlike most anthologies, this collection is pretty strong throughout and has no weak stories.

That’s not to say that that some of the stories aren’t stronger than others, some of these will stay with you long after you put the book down.

Solomon Wept – what will a woman do to get her baby back?
Relative Stranger – not all strangers are unknown, some may be relatives that are worse than strange.
Seat 2C – is this airplane seatmate too good to be true for a rich widow?
Kohinoor – The bar dancing girls of India look for revenge against the morality police trying to take away their livelihoods.
Avalon – a hired killer comes to an island, but who is he after?
Here’s to New Friends – will the predator get his victim or will the narrator save the girl?
Room for One More – a hitchhiker out for an easy robbery gets more than he bargains for.
Exit Now – Fergie comes to town and works at the local carnival, but he sees something he shouldn’t.
A Six-letter Word for Neighbor – the new neighbor raises hidden memories of an accident long ago.
Howard’s Heart – a trusting man meets up with a dancer with tragic results.
Perfect Strangers – an ex-con sees a perfect opportunity for robbery, but is he the only one looking to score?
Do You Remember? – is a tragedy at a neighbor’s house a repeat of the past? What really happened?
Assignment: Sheepshead – A hitman comes to town for a job and gets on the wrong side of a thug.
P.F.A. – the neighborhood busybody gets involved with the wrong people.
Genius – revenge takes several tries; how hard can it be to kill a musician?
Russkies – is it the Russians coming after a boy and his brother or someone else?
A Different Kind of Healing – how far will a nurse go to avenge a sexual attack?
Tokyo Stranger – a car for hire driver has a hard choice to make.
Last Fare – a strange taxi ride for a wife trying to get sober.

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing / Hanover Square Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

In the introduction to When a Stranger Comes to Town, Michael Koryta, the guest editor of this anthology states: “ All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.” The theme of a stranger appealed to me, and it obviously worked for the talented writers who contributed stories. What follows are nineteen enjoyable tales, and as a constant King reader, I was particularly pleased that there were 19 selections.
It is hard to talk about specific short stories without entering spoiler territory, at least for me. I will just name a few of my favorites.

Soloman Wept by S. A. Cosby
Here's To New Friends by Jacqueline Freimor
Room For One More by Joe R. Landsdale
& P.F.A. By Michael Koryta

I read individual stories between books, so this anthology delighted me for quite a while. There wasn't one story I skipped or didn't like, which says a lot considering how many choices were provided. I knew some of the authors' work and was exposed to a few with who I wasn't familiar at all. New authors to add to my TBR is always a good thing! If you enjoy mysteries, thrillers, crime fiction, and short stories, this would be a very good choice.

When a Stranger Comes to Town by Michael Kortya is a superb and engrossing read which will keep you reading until the end. Well worth the read!

Interesting collection of short stories - crime, mystery, different. Some really good, some so-so. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There’s nothing like a good creep out session. This collection of stories is a great place to start.

What I like about it was that it had a big collection of different types of stories all based on the theme of a stranger. Some stories were very good and there were a few that were not my cup of tea and didn’t really fit the criteria of stranger danger in my opinion. Overall, Koryta picked some awesome authors to contribute to this book!

There are many names of authors in here I’m sure you have heard of and love to read. The length of the stories is perfect for a quickie read or sit and enjoy many at a time.

Here’s a quick recap of a few of the stories that caught my attention. Just a taste to let you know who and what type of stories are in here. There are plenty of others too!

Avalon by Michael Connelly – Small town sheriff and a murder for hire
Here’s to New Friends by Jacqueline Freimor – Stranger on a train. But who’s the good friend
Room For One More By Joe R. Lansdale – Caught in a twist of fate
A Six-Letter Word For Neighbor by Lisa Unger- A creepy neighbor and a murderous affair
Perfect Strangers by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs – The perfect set up
Do You Remember by Lori Roy – Psychological murder mystery
P.F.A. By Michael Koryta – Welcome to the neighborhood gift
They sound great, right?

Overall, this is a nice collection. I love the variation of stories, and of course, the theme itself puts you in the right frame of mind. All that stranger danger we’re taught kind of gives us the creeps to begin with! These authors know how to capitalize on that!

I have a lot of favorite authors in this collection of short stories. It’s a varied collection, I think everyone will find at least one story they like. Like all short stories I found some I really liked and some that were just ok. Some I wasn’t ready for them to end.
I enjoyed this collection.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

My problem with anthologies is that not all stories are created equal. So in this book, some of the stories are great, some are not so great. I like that there's some common ground to them (they are all mystery stories focused on a stranger that shows up), but they are yet very different. I would say I loved 2 or 3, like most, and hated / skipped just a couple.