Punk Party and Other Accounts of Mischief

With a collection of stories that recalls Jean Shepherd along with a dash of Rod Serling and Raymond Chandler, author David Beedle has assembled five tales that mix Christmas, diamond heists, Hollywood, and love, both lost and found.

Set in 1984, "Punk Party" is the coming-of-age story of a man whose coming-of-age should have happened much sooner. His journey weaves together a Chevy Chevette, beer league hockey, a restaurant with a mouse problem, and a girl who is clearly out of his league. "Bit Player" chronicles a B-level television actor willing to do anything for film glory, and the agent who can make it happen—for the right price. The short fable, "The Man Who Never Had an Original Idea," is the unfortunate account of a laborer whose foray into storytelling leads to a hilarious, but tragic, result. And finally, "Johnny Sidney, Police Detective" and "Last Call at the Crusader Lounge." Two stories separated by thirty years, they recount the misfortunes of a one-armed police detective and his faithful partner, and the evil corporation that separates them both from what they care about the most.

The stories here stir a stew of innocence, loss, redemption, and romance—an age-old recipe with just enough new ingredients to keep you turning pages until its satisfying, slightly tear-inducing conclusion. From iconoclastic humor to teary eyed awe, this short story collection is an eclectic cocktail which will reel in readers like a tractor beam!

(Some stories contain salty language.)