“Desperado” by Michael Loniewski

Bashir had witnessed his share of riddled bodies since the Americans had invaded, but this was the first from his own hand . . .

Kwame Dawes’s Preface to Coming Up Hot

To celebrate the release of Coming Up Hot: Eight New Poets from the Caribbean, today we’re pleased to give you a look at the book’s preface, written by Kwame Dawes.

“Quiet” by Tricia Bauer

I was quiet. I was able to be quiet. My sister more than made up for my absence of audible response to every situation. . .

“The Rumor” by Cass Lewis

I had warned Mikey Ronagan that sooner or later someone was going to shoot that cocky smile off his face, so I don’t know why I’m letting the image of his dead body ruin my moment today . . .

“Class Warfare” by Donald McCarthy

I left Los Angeles and moved to Long Beach, California, because I thought it’d be less cold—I don’t mean the temperature, I mean the atmosphere, the lack of caring, the judgment, the sheer disdain for those who haven’t made it. I escaped LA, but not the hell that it is to be a homeless woman . . .

“Bar Guerrero” by Cecilia Fulton

I can’t get out of my seat belt fast enough. . . .

Barbara DeMarco-Barrett – Arvida Book Co. (Tustin, CA)

Date: February, 17 2024

Barbara DeMarco-Barrett, editor of Palm Springs Noir, hosts Melissa Broder for a conversation about her novel Death Valley

“Tennis” by Michael Morshed

“Fifteen-love,” Georgia says then serves.