The Icy Fire of Deception

Ever since Poe invented it, de Maupassant perfected it, Arthur Conan Doyle immortalized it, and Alfred Hitchcock televised it, the suspense / mystery short story has become one of the most popular forms of literature.

Whether we love the characters or hate them, we remember them. Which is more than can be said for the introverted protagonists of far too many mainstream short stories. The suspense / mystery story pulls us quickly along with its narrative drive, sharp motivation, and colorful...