“Fresh Fish” by Matthew J. Hockey

“Nothing stops the bid,” Uncle Taeng said as he shoveled the squirming baby octopus into his mouth. “Nothing. If we don’t bid, Seoul doesn’t eat . . .”

SALE: Boston Noir & Boston Noir 2: The Complete Set e-book bundle available now!

Get all twenty-five stories from Dennis Lehane’s Boston Noir and Boston Noir 2: The Classics in a single digital edition for only $15.99.

“The Blackout” by Brandon Dutton

Where the f**k am I?

My eyes snapped open and scanned the inside of a run-down apartment. Brown stains covered the couch like leprosy, and the living room looked like it had been robbed . . .

“The The Cortez” by Brett Finlayson

Tupelo was sipping a Mickey’s in El Cortez when Mac and Porter came in from Fremont—a double endorsement for capital punishment as far as Tupelo was concerned, and the reason he had a glass eye . . .

“Streak of Evil” by Kevin Richard White

I was at the Elks. Cabrera struck out looking. Then the Bookie called me . . .

“Drive In, Bleed Out” by Scott Selden

Branches scratched at my face as I pushed through the brush, and a warm trail of blood crept down my cheek. Curses sounded from not too far behind me, as did the thuds of heavy boots running through the woods. The bay of a hunting dog echoed, twisting around the trunks. Bad news. Can’t hide from a good hunting dog. I ran, trying to navigate the roots and uneven ground of the damp forest, the satchel over my shoulder slamming into my back with every step. The warm smells of earth and blood clogged my nose. I considered dropping the bag, but only until I felt the weight of the pistol in my pocket . . .

Ann Hood’s Introduction to Providence Noir

To celebrate the release of Providence Noir, the latest in Akashic’s Noir Series, we’re pleased to bring you a glimpse into Ann Hood’s love of noir with her introduction, “Crimes and Misdemeanors.”

“Seaside” by Sam Stauffenger

The stink from the dead man against the far wall began to engulf the room . . .