What do a bullied girl, a Christmas Town elf, a sheriff, and the biblical Job have in common? They're a few of the characters who take center stage in these stories of revenge, comeuppance, and the search for justice. Author Barb Goffman has been shortlisted seven times for national mystery awards (the Anthony, the Macavity, and the Agatha). This collection of fifteen short stories gathers all of her nominated tales, plus five new ones. Be prepared for stories ranging from dark to humorous, and crimes including adultery, theft, and, of course, murder. "In short: terrific. Barb Goffman is the master of the twist-she fools me every time This collection is like a fabulous box of chocolates-each one different, each one special, each one a wonderful treat." --Hank Phillippi Ryan, Award-winning author

The latest installment in the Chesapeake Crimes mystery series focuses on working stiffs-literally Included in this collection are new tales by: Shari Randall, C. Ellett Logan, Karen Cantwell, E. B. Davis, Jill Breslau, David Autry, Harriette Sackler, Barb Goffman, Ellen Herbert, Smita Harish Jain, Leone Ciporin, Cathy Wiley, Donna Andrews, Art Taylor. Foreword by Elaine Viets.

"Not many of us would admit, even to ourselves, that we had actually wished for something awful to befall anybody we knew. On the other hand, if we've ever felt exploited by an acquaintance, or undervalued in a job that we felt trapped in-if we've experienced an unappreciative boss, a backstabbing co-worker, a jealous rival, a manipulative friend, a faithless lover, an intrusive neighbor, or even a controlling homeowners' association board . . . well, you get the picture.

"Each of us has doubtless gone a round or two with someone whom we secretly felt deserved more than a small dose of Divine Justice. This probably explains why most of us can't help but smile upon hearing that somebody who "done us wrong" has, at long last, gotten his "just desserts." In extreme cases (that is, if you're anything like me) you might even have gone so far, in the past, as to uncork a small split of champagne

"I suspect there'll be plenty of bubbly flowing as you relish reading about twenty of literature's most deserving villains, who get their comeuppance in Chesapeake Crimes: They Had It Comin'."

--Katherine Neville, from the Foreword