The Final Twist announces the release of our 12th anthology, WITH MUSIC AS OUR MUSE. These eighteen short stories from 10 authors present highly original ways music has set events in motion—sometimes creating harmonious results, sometimes unresolved dissonance. Take a look inside at https://tinyurl.com/4v62trfr.
Authors: Mark H. Phillips, C.J. Sweet, Cash Anthony, Adam Cole, Regina Olson, Leif Carl Behmer , James R. Davis, Natasha Storfer, Ronald W. Hull
Here are the stories and their authors in no particular order… I am not the author of the book or the publisher. But I do have one short story in the book.
Classical music and murder are on the program for two teenagers who sneak into Carnegie Hall. – Conduct Unbecoming, by Mark H. Phillips
A renowned violinist whose reputation is in decline must take on a student with no talent for the instrument, and no desire to play it! -- The Teacher, by Adam Cole
When Shen’s mother lies dying, he summons a “Singer” from the Blue Mountain—his childhood friend, Liwù, who heals her. When Shen returns to the mountain with an even more unusual request, will the Singer risk her own life to save his village? And will her sister Singers even allow it? – Gifted, by C.J. Sweet
When an 11-year-old boy must spend part of his summer alone with his gruff, Yankee grandfather, he satisfies a burning desire: to climb the recessed ladder and explore the forbidden corners in the attic of the old house. The record he finds there will change the whole course of his life. – Heart to Hands, by Cash Anthony
Some sing to celebrate, some to express joy, some even sing out a warning. Jason hears all three songs from one beautiful creature captured from the sea . . . until her last one leaves an indelible mark on his soul. – Song of Sorrow, by Regina Olson
Two minor wrecks on Highway 69, and biker chick Jessie Carr is caught between them—with an out-of-control auto transport carrier headed straight for her and nowhere to go. Besides the Ford F-250 pickups—soon to be charred wreckage--what else is the driver hauling to Mexico while he listens to Carmen? – Singing a Different Tune, by Cash Anthony
Think the Pied Piper was made up? How did the rat feel about that music? Will he live to say? -- Hamelin, by C.J. Sweet
The destinies of a hobo, a high-wire walker, and a dog trainer converge around Circus Maximus’s decrepit calliope. – Calliope, by Mark H. Phillips
They listen to their victims sing before they feed. -- Mark of the Morendo , by Leif Behmer
In a series of letters between members of a music department, we discover why a concert pianist has been asked to perform a piece which is physically impossible to play. -- Triste, by Adam Cole
A teenage violin prodigy falls prey to murderous thoughts when her younger brother drives her crazy with frustration just as she prepares for the most important audition in her life. Lost Harmonies, by Cash Anthony
A million dollars is missing, all because of a moment’s carelessness. Attorney Harry Wilson just can’t remember where he put the password-phrase to access his cryptocurrency wallet—until a story told by his friend George Drake proves that time-travel is possible. – What, Where, and When, by James R. Davis
Family means something to everyone, but Trisha must decide: is hers a blessing, a life-long obligation, or a dreaded curse that must be ended? – My Song, by Regina Olson
A final mother-daughter duet. – Notes in Her Heart, by Natasha Storfer
Music is such an integral part of our lives that we often feel the urge to sing our favorite songs, regardless of ability. Here, song is the tie that binds two old lovers and brings satisfaction at the end of life. – Sweet Melody of Life, by Ronald W. Hull
Who knew researching an obscure blues musician could be so hazardous? – Lead Mine Blues, by Mark H. Phillips
When Candace decides to deliberately leave her guitar out of tune in a concert, she summons a stern figure from her past. Will she realize the ramifications of her choice before it’s too late? -- Out of Tune, by Adam Cole
“Home is where the heart is.” Sweet thought or sinister curse? – A Deal With Samael, by Charlotte Phillips
