The novella has always held a hallowed place in literature, and nowhere is that more true than in the mystery field. Its length often allows a more in-depth examination of the fictional characters and crimes portrayed, while maintaining a wonderful sense of pacing and plot that can sometimes be lost in longer works. Now, Ed Gorman and Martin H. Greenberg are proud to present some of the finest crime and suspense novellas and novelettes from 2004, each from an acclaimed author in the field. From a literary mystery based on one of the most famous novels in the world by worldwide-bestseller Anne Perry to a nail-biting prison break from master storyteller Clark Howard, these insightful stories represent the best of the mystery novella in 2004.