3.55
Part of "Tucker Sinclair" series
"Short Change," a riveting collection of short stories by Patricia Smiley, takes readers on a thrilling ride through the dark underbelly of Los Angeles. Smiley, who is best known for her award-winning Tucker Sinclair mystery series, showcases her versatility as a writer in this standalone collection that features a diverse cast of characters and a range of criminal activities. The book's 14 stories are united by the theme of people getting "short changed" in various ways, whether it's through betrayal, deception, or simply bad luck. Smiley's characters are complex and multi-dimensional, and she skillfully explores their motivations and desires, even as they find themselves on the wrong side of the law. In "The Winner," a down-on-her-luck waitress gets a chance to turn her life around when she wins the lottery, but her newfound wealth comes with a steep price. "The Art of the Deal" tells the story of a struggling artist who is offered a lucrative opportunity to create a series of paintings for a wealthy client, but the deal turns out to be more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. Smiley's writing is sharp and concise, and she has a knack for creating tension and suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Her depictions of Los Angeles are gritty and authentic, and she brings the city to life in a way that only a native Angeleno can. Overall, "Short Change" is a highly entertaining and engaging collection of stories that showcases Patricia Smiley's talent for creating complex characters and weaving together intricate plots. Fans of crime fiction and noir will find much to enjoy in this book, and it's a great introduction to Smiley's work for those who are new to her writing...
Elly Griffiths
The Crossing Places
Fans of 'Short Change' will appreciate the strong female lead and intricate plot in 'The Crossing Places' by Elly Griffiths. Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway is called to investigate when the bones of a child are found in the marshes of Norfolk, leading to a chilling series of events involving local myths and legends. Griffiths' writing style and character development are sure to captivate readers.
Learn MoreFiona Barton
The Widow
If you were intrigued by the complex characters and moral dilemmas in 'Short Change', you'll be hooked on 'The Widow' by Fiona Barton. This psychological thriller delves into the mind of a woman whose husband is accused of a horrific crime, exploring themes of truth, manipulation, and the power of the media.
Learn MoreTess Gerritsen
The Silent Girl
Readers who enjoyed the procedural elements and suspenseful twists in 'Short Change' will find 'The Silent Girl' by Tess Gerritsen equally engaging. This Rizzoli & Isles novel takes place in Boston's Chinatown, where a gruesome crime scene reveals a decades-old mystery that Detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles must solve.
Learn MoreChris Pavone
The Expats
For those who appreciated the intricate plot and international setting of 'Short Change', 'The Expats' by Chris Pavone is a must-read. This spy thriller follows a seemingly ordinary American woman living in Europe, whose life takes a shocking turn when she discovers her husband's dark secrets and must confront her own past.
Learn MoreJane Harper
The Dry
If you were drawn to the atmospheric setting and gripping narrative of 'Short Change', you'll be captivated by 'The Dry' by Jane Harper. Set in a small, drought-stricken Australian town, this crime novel follows a federal agent who returns home for a funeral and becomes embroiled in a complex murder investigation.
Learn MoreMichael Connelly
The Black Echo
Fans of 'Short Change' will appreciate the gritty, realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld in 'The Black Echo' by Michael Connelly. This Harry Bosch novel introduces the iconic detective as he investigates the murder of a fellow Vietnam veteran, uncovering a web of corruption and deceit.
Learn MoreTana French
In the Woods
Readers who enjoyed the psychological depth and moral ambiguity in 'Short Change' will be enthralled by 'In the Woods' by Tana French. This crime novel follows a detective investigating a murder in a small Irish town, while grappling with his own haunting past.
Learn MoreSaul Black
The Killing Lessons
For those who appreciated the suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat storytelling in 'Short Change', 'The Killing Lessons' by Saul Black is a thrilling choice. This psychological crime novel follows a serial killer who abducts a mother and daughter, leading to a chilling game of cat and mouse with the detective on the case.
Learn MoreLaura McHugh
The Weight of Blood
If you were intrigued by the complex characters and small-town secrets in 'Short Change', you'll be drawn into 'The Weight of Blood' by Laura McHugh. This crime novel explores the dark past of a Missouri town, where a young woman uncovers her mother's long-buried secrets and becomes entangled in a dangerous web of lies and deceit.
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