Description
In our latest issue, a fresh revelation from the master of noir—Raymond Chandler’s never-before-published “Nightmare.”
“Strand Magazine is a fantastic read”
—Don Winslow, #1 bestselling author
In this taut and chilling piece, Chandler—the creator of Philip Marlowe—imagines himself on death row, awaiting execution. Unearthed from the archives of his longtime secretary, authenticated, and published for the first time, “Nightmare” showcases Chandler’s razor-sharp prose and appears in this issue alongside full-page oil paintings by Jeffrey B. McKeever.
Also in this issue: Matthew Sullivan’s surreal and haunting “Howard’s Okay;” Susan Knight’s “The Case of the Fatal Flowers,” in which Holmes and Watson investigate a string of murders tied to a mysterious series of paintings; John M. Floyd’s “Reptiles,” where a teenager’s prank spirals into deadly territory; and “No Doctor in the House,” Joseph Koenig’s tale of madness and isolation.
PLUS: exclusive interviews with Anthony Horowitz, bestselling author of Moonflower Murders and creator of Foyle’s War, and Peter James, the UK’s #1 crime novelist and Queen Camilla’s favorite author, whose Grace series inspired the hit BritBox adaptation.
And to cap it off: reviews spotlighting the best in today’s crime, suspense, and detective fiction.
The Strand
Each issue of The Strand Magazine brings readers a curated selection of fiction from bestselling authors such as Michael Connelly, Jeffery Deaver, Faye Kellerman, and Alexander McCall Smith. Whether you prefer a gritty hard-boiled mystery or a classic English country house whodunit, The Strand is the ultimate magazine for mystery enthusiasts.
Our exclusive interview section has featured conversations with literary icons like David Baldacci, R.L. Stine, Harlan Coben, Sue Grafton, Mary Higgins Clark, and actor David Suchet, renowned for his portrayal of Hercule Poirot.
In addition, we’ve proudly showcased unpublished treasures from legendary writers, including Agatha Christie, Shirley Jackson, Dashiell Hammett, James M. Cain, H.G. Wells, P.G. Wodehouse, and Raymond Chandler.
Complementing this rich content are insightful reviews of the latest mysteries, thrillers, and audiobooks, helping readers discover their next favorite story.
The Strand Magazine stands out as the only mystery magazine published in a large format, with full-color pages printed on glossy, high-quality paper—a treat for both the eyes and the mind.
The Best American Mystery Stories 2020 brings together twenty of the year’s finest crime and mystery stories, selected by master editor Otto Penzler and guest editor C. J. Box. Spanning classic whodunits, psychological suspense, and modern noir, this annual anthology showcases both celebrated voices and writers readers may be discovering for the first time.
From quiet moral reckoning to violent confrontation, these stories reflect the breadth and vitality of contemporary mystery fiction. Contributors include James Lee Burke, John Sandford, Jeffrey Deaver, Lisa Morton, Rick McMahan, and many others—writers who understand that the best crime stories are not just about puzzles, but about people, consequence, and justice.
Several stories in this volume have also appeared in The Strand Magazine, including “Deportees” and “The Last Hit,” underscoring The Strand’s long-standing role in publishing and preserving the best in modern mystery and crime fiction alongside newly discovered classics.
Edited with authority and taste, The Best American Mystery Stories 2020 is essential reading for fans of smart, character-driven crime fiction—and a perfect introduction for new readers looking to explore the genre at its highest level.
📚 Free with subscription to The Strand Magazine
Subscribe today and receive this acclaimed anthology free—a curated collection that reflects exactly what The Strand stands for: great writing, enduring stories, and the very best in mystery fiction.
