These short stories are like shots of espresso â€" best downed in one go and guaranteed to leave the heart racing. Hand-picked by bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, they showcase the best of contemporary crime-writing, from masters of suspense and stars of the future alike. Whether ingenious detective story or hardboiled noir, action-packed thriller or stylish historical mystery, these twenty stand-out stories should form the cornerstone of any crime reader's library. Michael Connelly fans will be thrilled to find a Harry Bosch story, 'A Fine Mist of Blood', in which the LAPD detective tracks a cold case to a very warm conclusion.

Lisa Scottoline is an Edgar award winner and New York Times bestselling author. Otto Penzler lives in New York and is the proprietor of The Mysterious Press bookstore.