Lockdown: Stories of Crime, Terror, and Hope During a Pandemic

A mysterious virus sweeps across the country, mutating rapidly as it jumps from person to person. Cities are locked down. The skies are clear as all planes are grounded. Some people panic, while some go to heroic lengths to save those they love―and others use the chaos as an opportunity to engage in purest evil. In “Lockdown,” 19 of today’s finest suspense, horror, and crime writers explore how humanity reacts to the ultimate pandemic. From New York City to the Mexican border, from the Deep South to the misty shores of Seattle, their characters are fighting for survival against incredible odds. An anthology for our time, showing how the worst crises can lead to the best of us. Proceeds from LOCKDOWN will go to support BINC, the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, as it seeks to help booksellers recover from the devastating COVID-19 crisis. Contributors to LOCKDOWN include: Hector Acosta Scott Adlerberg Ann Dávila Cardinal V. Castro Angel Luis Colon Jen Conley Terri Lynn Coop S.A. Cosby Alex DiFrancesco Michelle Garza/Melissa Lason Rob Hart Gabino Iglesias Nick Kolakowski Richie Narvaez Cina Pelayo Renee Asher Pickup Eryk Pruitt Johnny Shaw Steve Weddle

Washington Independent Review of Books

"Extraordinary...There is something for every reader, south-western meth, semi-comedic NYC jailbreaks, dystopian horror, and even a bit of hope. The variety is remarkable. This is a fun read for a noble cause." ―Criminal Element "Excellent...The plots are ingenious, carefully constructed and extraordinarily attention-grabbing." ―Bookreporter "The authors went to great lengths to ensure that quality narratives are contained herein. It is worth reading and savoring these stories and ― why not? ― even fearing the possibility that some of them might come true."

About the Author

Nick Kolakowski is the author of the noir thrillers Maxine Unleashes Doomsday and Boise Longpig Hunting Club, as well as the Love & Bullets trilogy of novellas. His short fiction and poetry have appeared in McSweeney’s, North American Review, Carrier Pigeon, Thuglit, Evergreen Review, and various anthologies. He lives and writes in New York City.Steve Weddle is best known for his novel Country Hardball, which The New York Times called "downright dazzling." The follow-up story, "South of Bradley," appeared in Playboy magazine. He is the co-founder of the crime fiction collective Do Some Damage, the co-creator of the noir magazine Needle, and a regular instructor at LitReactor.

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