The Goddess of Crime and Other Stories

Book excerpt: Ten page-turning science fiction & fantasy short stories from Michael La Ronn, one of the most prolific science fiction & fantasy authors of his generation. With over 100 books to his name, Michael La Ronn debuts his award-winning short fiction in this groundbreaking new series. From forgotten goddesses to magical uncles to dark apocalyptic adventures, Strange Stories showcases La Ronn's vivid world-building, quirky humor, and unforgettable characters. In the lead story, “The Goddess of Crime,” a goddess arrives in a crime-ridden city to collect a dark tribute from her subjects, only to uncover something far more sinister. This story, featured in the Hidden Villains: Betrayed anthology, earned Silver Honorable Mention in the Writers of the Future Contest. Each story brims with thrills, strange twists, and haunting beauty, topped off by an exclusive behind-the-scenes author's note. But that’s not all—readers also get a Strange Stories exclusive: the Encore story. This daring, genre-bending bonus tale ties together the worlds, characters, and stories of the collection in a mind-bending finale you won’t see coming. Stories included in this volume: • The Goddess of Crime • The Goddess of Justice • Hangin’ with Uncle Funky • All Hallowed Roads • Return to Exodus Ranch • Alone in Naked Greed • Almost Dawn • Maybe Now the Stars Will Shine • Quick—Only a Fool Would Say That! • One Last Thing Before We Dock • (Bonus) Encore No. 1 Get ready to stay up late with these strange and captivating tales. V1.0