The Best American Mystery Stories 2009, ed. Otto Penzler and Jeffrey Deaver

Again, another winner from the Best American series! This book of 2009's best mystery short stories was great. I started it over a month ago, but just finished it over the weekend, while I was away on vacation. And not because it hasn't been engrossing, but because I haven't had the time to commit to reading like I have in the past. Each of the stories was very good, in its own way. My favorites included Chuck Hogan's "Two Thousand Volts," N.J. Ayres' "Rust," Rob Kantner's "Down Home Blues," and Kristine Kathryn Rusch's alternate history "G-Men." I'd like to do some research to see if Kantner's private eye, Ben Perkins, appears anywhere else. I took quite a liking to him while reading that story.

I'd give it five out of five Whatevers, as usual. Perfect for the mystery buff or those who like short stories. Or those who like both. Once again, I renew my plea to please, please, PLEASE pick up a volume of this series (mysteries, short stories, or otherwise) and read one or two of the stories therein. Even if you don't think short stories are your thing, you might find yourself changing your mind.

Edited to add: My copy was a Christmas gift, not a review copy!