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January 17, 2014 by Dave Knadler

john ennis lost horse road EQMM

A recurring character’s last case.

Today the mailman brought three copies of Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. It’s the big March/April double issue. Naturally, I ignored all the stories in it except for the one that starts on Page 159: “Lost Horse Road.”

That’s the one I wrote.  It’s not the greatest story ever told, but it’s always nice seeing your name in print. It would be even nicer if I hadn’t already spent the check I got for it, let’s see, about a year ago.

Anyway, allow an obscure author to toot his own horn just for a second. There. “Lost Horse Road” is maybe the 12th story I’ve written, and the seventh one I’ve sold to EQMM. I like this one, but then I liked them all. In the remote possibility that you encounter this story, I hope you’ll read it — and of course submit a fawning review.

More along these lines:

  • Highway 21 revisited
  • For 2013, a few small repairsFor 2013, a few small repairs
  • A winter’s day in SpringfieldA winter’s day in Springfield
  • An incident in the breakfast area
  • The worst book I’ve read this year …The worst book I’ve read this year …

Filed Under: Me, Writing

Comments

  1. Paula says

    January 17, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    Congratulations!!

    • Dave Knadler says

      January 17, 2014 at 4:56 pm

      Thank you!

  2. John H. says

    January 17, 2014 at 4:49 pm

    Looking forward to reading it! My issue hasn’t arrived yet, unless it’s waiting for me at home as I type.

    I would seriously like to see (and own) a collection of the Ennis stories. Have you considered putting them together in an e-book for Kindle, Nook, or whatever?

    • Dave Knadler says

      January 17, 2014 at 4:56 pm

      You’re too kind, John. Yes, I’ve been thinking about some way to e-publish them. I’ve been dithering about it, as usual. And now that I think of it, my contracts with EQMM may complicate things in that regard. I’ll have to look into it.

  3. Joan says

    January 17, 2014 at 5:06 pm

    Will look. Will read. Will fawn. (And certainly enjoy.)

  4. Jessie says

    January 17, 2014 at 10:22 pm

    Alright, Dad!!!!!

  5. Deb says

    January 18, 2014 at 6:43 am

    Exciting news–congrats Dave!

  6. Stock says

    January 25, 2014 at 12:45 pm

    Fawning interview on order if I can find a copy at B&N.

  7. Dorothy F. says

    January 25, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    Just finished “Lost Horse Road.”I like the main character, the place, the other characters and the way the stories have played out. I’m looking for more. I was hoping for an e-something, rather than backtracking through my EQMM’s. Also I detect that some stories were not published in Ellery Queen. Although it seems that people don’t get rich with e-publishing, I bet that by now EQMM has a form letter for the inquiries of of authors who might like to put together a series of their stories.
    BTW, there have been some good short story crime series where the main character retires and still keeps solving mysteries. This could be another such series, please. Take care.

    • Dave Knadler says

      January 25, 2014 at 2:33 pm

      Thanks, Dorothy. And thank you for the kind donation. I do have a couple of other stories in the works.

      You’re right, almost nobody gets rich e-publishing. But if it’s a way to reach readers, it’s probably the way to go.

  8. John H. says

    January 25, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    My copy arrived yesterday and I read the story right away. You saved the best for last. I’m just sorry it’s the last.

    I’ll try to avoid any major spoilers, but consider this a warning for other readers.

    Like your other stories, this one has realistic characters with thoughts and emotions that feel real. What really hooks me, though, is your eye for detail: the Gordon Liddy mustache, the Amazon box, the 3-point turn with a couple of extra points.

    You also did a great job bringing in what seem to be some familiar elements of mystery stories, yet they’re not quite what we expect.

    Reading this story was like enjoying a satisfying meal, compared to the bag of stale potato chips we sometimes get from other writers.

    • Dave Knadler says

      January 25, 2014 at 2:39 pm

      John, I really appreciate the compliment. Made my day. I guess I won’t spoil it with self-deprecation. Thanks!

  9. Brian says

    January 31, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    I agree with Dorothy. The main character is perfect in his imperfection. I want more. The Brian Hall/Hallstrom character could be developed a bit more as well.
    Congratulations!

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