Description
In 2023, crime fiction anthologies featured 517 stories across 30 titles—but shockingly, fewer than 1 percent were penned by LGBTQ+ writers. Crime Ink: Iconic (An Anthology of Crime Fiction Inspired by Famous Queer Icons) is a resounding response to this glaring disparity, offering a vibrant collection of stories by and about queer authors and characters.
Drawing inspiration from queer icons—James Baldwin, Oscar Wilde, Candy Darling, Radclyffe Hall, Babadook, Megan Rapinoe, Laverne Cox, Dolly Parton, Vita Sackville-West, and many more—these tales span the rich spectrum of crime fiction, from cozy mysteries and whodunits to noir, psychological thrillers, and police procedurals. Each story is a testament to the depth, ingenuity, and thrilling originality of queer voices in the genre.
This anthology showcases an incredible array of talent, including New York Times Best Crime Novels of 2024 honorees Margot Douaihy, Robyn Gigl, John Copenhaver, and Katrina Carrasco; Lambda Literary winners Ann Aptaker, Greg Herren, Ann McMan, and J.M. Redmann; and other celebrated writers like Cheryl Head, Penny Mickelbury, Jeffrey Marks, Christa Faust, and Kelly J. Ford. But that’s not all—this collection also includes many more decorated and emerging voices, ensuring a dynamic reading experience as inclusive as it is entertaining.
With a foreword by Ellen Hart and an afterword by Katherine V. Forrest, two luminaries of queer crime fiction, this anthology is more than a collection of stories—it’s a movement. Bursting with intrigue, twists, and unforgettable characters, Crime Ink: Iconic is essential reading for crime fiction fans and anyone who craves representation in the stories they love.
Praise for Crime Ink: Iconic
“The mystery genre has attracted queer writers for decades because its protagonists are outsiders, reviled by the respectable world, but embodying all the virtues that world pretends to value but seldom demonstrates, a situation that precisely describes the LGBTQ+ community. This landmark anthology presents some of the best contemporary queer crime fiction writers and shows the tradition is still going strong and is in better hands than ever. Kudos to editors West and Copenhaver and all the contributors.” —Michael Nava, seven-time Lambda Literary Award-winning author of the Henry Rios mysteries
“Crime Ink: Iconic is a dazzling showcase of what happens when marginalized voices take center stage. Inspired by queer icons and spanning every corner of the genre, these emotionally rich, razor-sharp stories prove that LGBTQIA+ writers don’t just belong in crime fiction—they’re redefining it. A must-read for anyone hungry for fresh voices and fearless storytelling.” —Jess Lourey, Edgar-nominated author of The Taken Ones
The Crime Ink: Iconic anthology will be available in eBook & paperback.
Includes stories by:
Ann Aptaker • Ann McMan • Cheryl Head • Meredith Doench • Kelly J. Ford • Margot Douaihy • Christa Faust • Robyn Gigl • Jeffrey Marks • Greg Herren • Anne Laughlin • Kristen Lepionka • Katrina Carrasco • Mia Manansala • Renee James • Penny Mickelbury • Diana DiGangi • Baxter Clare Trautman • JM Redmann • Ellen Hart • Katherine V. Forrest • Stephanie Gayle• Marco Carocari • Jeffrey Round• David Pederson • Christopher Bollen • John Copenhaver
Edited by:
John Copenhaver • Salem West
