Expletive Deleted

by editor: Jen Jordan

Crime writing is a dirty business--dealing in death, isolation, ruin and decay--and sometimes it calls for dirty words. In this gritty, gorgeous collection of short stories, new and veteran crime writers alike celebrate that granddaddy of all cusswords; that most adaptable and descriptive grouping of letters; that searing, offensive, musical, perfect fuck. Contributors include Laura Lippman, Ken Bruen, Charlie Huston, Nathan Singer, Anthony Neil Smith, Jason Starr, Sarah Weinman, John Rickards, Libby Fischer Hellmann, and Reed Farrel Coleman. With an introduction by Mark Billingham. (Soap not included.)

375 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2007

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't bother to read all the stories. Intriguing title does not a cool collection make.

[Gabe Labovitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice collection of nasty little stories. All are rife with graphic descriptions of sex and violence and violence and sex. Some stories worked better than others for me, but all were good. If you graphic descriptions of sex and violence and many instances of the word "fuck" offend you, this book may not be for you.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt guilty, buying this before clearing out my current "to read" list, but it paid off. The stories in this collection were a quick read and, with a single exception (which I'd give, oh, 3.5 stars out of five), kept me engaged. These were some of the most clearly-written, plot-driven tales I've ever read. Anymore, that's considered a putdown, but not in this case.

[Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diverting. Mostly solid (short) short stories.