ASININE ASSASSINS 

The first two books in the 'Assassins' anthology series, UNCOMMON ASSASSINS and INSIDIOUS ASSASSINS, were well-received and reviewed. Most readers enjoyed the diversity of genres and styles in these books, and we’d like to continue that diversity with the new anthology. This time, however, our stories focused on incompetent and lunatic characters—with a dash of dark humor flavoring the suspense. This is NOT your typical crime fiction. If you love a wonderful blend of suspense, humor, and general weirdness, expect to be surprised and entertained!

GETTING THE STORY STRAIGHT: THE WHYS AND HOWS OF SUBMITTING STORIES TO ANTHOLOGIES

By Weldon Burge

How do you find markets for your short fiction? Consider submitting to anthologies. This book will help you tailor your stories for the best chances for acceptance and publication. Many editors and writers (many of them contributors to Smart Rhino anthologies) have shared their observations, suggestions, and advice. We’ve quoted them throughout the book, and hope you find their opinions and recommendations helpful.

THE CONWRIGHT TRILOGY

Short Stories by Weldon Burge

Here are three crime stories by Weldon Burge.

"Welcome to the Food Chain"—Hit man Francis "Flash" Conwright meets with an obese, wealthy man on his yacht in the Chesapeake Bay. He wants Conwright to off his trampy, gold-digging wife, but doesn't want to pay for it. Steamed crabs are involved.

"Right-Hand Man"—Conwright finds himself in a nasty, deadly predicament involving the mob, a set-up, and revenge. It's rough when you're in the nude with a gun in your face.

"Vindictive"—Conwright faces a ghost that is out to wreck his career. Can you kill someone twice?

A PLAGUE OF SHADOWS: A WRITTEN REMAINS ANTHOLOGY

Expecting the usual? Please don’t. You won’t find haunted houses, spirit infested graveyards, demonic poltergeists, or possessed objects in these pages. It’s been said that there are no haunted places, only haunted people. That’s who you’ll find here, the haunted ones. A maintenance technician in Alaska, an English thief, a young couple on a road trip across America, an astronaut on a one-way ride to Jupiter, an Irish gravedigger, and dozens more. All victims of an otherworldly infection, all tormented by a plague of shadows.  
 
This anthology includes stories and poetry by the members of the Written Remains Writers Guild, as well invited, renowned guest authors.

ZIPPERED FLESH: TALES OF BODY ENHANCEMENTS GONE BAD!

In this anthology of dark stories, bizarre body enhancements play pivotal roles in the plots—and things are never pretty or pain-free. The 20 stories in this collection are not for those who are faint of heart or squeamish, or who are easily offended by disturbing imagery, bloody violence, and freakish body augmentations. Love chilling tales? You'll savor this anthology!

"If director David Cronenberg edited an anthology, this would be that book." -- Brian Sammons, Horror World

"This collection of stories almost defies normal classification; within these tales are horrors and wonders that you must read to believe. In short, this is one hell of an anthology! ... ZIPPERED FLESH 2 is a big win for me and is a book that definitely needs to be on your horror bookshelf." -- Matthew Scott Baker, Shattered Ravings

"All in all, if your taste is for raw and ripped flesh, this is certainly a volume you want to check out. Cronenberg would have cyborg kittens." -- TeleRead 

UNCOMMON ASSASSINS

"It’s rare that every story in an anthology will knock my socks off and this one is no exception, but the vast majority of the stories are highly enjoyable. ... UNCOMMON ASSASSINS is a nicely put together anthology and there’s something to love for crime and mystery fans alike." -- Crime Fiction Lover

"While I'm not normally a big fan of anthologies, this one was a blast to read! The editor did a great job picking 'uncommon' stories. There are a couple that stick out, that really show the range of talent here. They range from Viking assassins to an "all in the family" group of assassins and more! It was a fun read, all the way through. I'd certainly be interested in seeing other anthologies edited by Weldon Burge in the future!" -- Khinasi

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INSIDIOUS ASSASSINS

"Excellent anthology with stories by modern masters of the macabre. Lansdale and Ketchum are worth the read, but so are Mosiman and Dorr and Mannetti. These are my kind of stories!" -- Paul Dale Anderson

"Another entertaining anthology from Weldon Burge that is certain to get your adrenaline flowing and to cost you hours of sleep. What a wonderful collection of stories. What are you waiting for?" -- Fair Reviews

"This is a great follow up to UNCOMMON ASSASSINS. Weldon Burge puts together a line up of some amazing writers that really know a thing or two about writing. ... There are some brutal stories in here, but there are also so many with a very dark twist of humor to them. A great anthology well worth the money." -- Dave Granger

SOMEONE WICKED: A WRITTEN REMAINS ANTHOLOGY

"Each story in SOMEONE WICKED is written well and carefully crafted. The authors take great care with building the suspense in their stories, and the result is a collection of immersing and thoughtful (albeit horrifying) tales. ... I particularly enjoy the diversity of writing styles that are showcased in this anthology. ... SOMEONE WICKED is a huge win for me, and I recommend giving it a look." -- Matthew Scott Baker

"SOMEONE WICKED is a great read with varied interesting and fun short stories. The introduction described the anthology like an all you can eat seafood restaurant where readers can pick and choose based on their tastes. But it would be difficult to find a story in the collection that isn't worth a second helping." -- R. Mark Taneyhill

"This is one impressive anthology, every story here is well written and each story is different from the last. ... This anthology has it all and is a book you shouldn’t pass up." -- HorrorAddicts.net

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A Novella by Lisa Mannetti

"With prose that is intriguing, literary, and always inviting, Mannetti is one of the few authors that I never seem to get enough of. ... THE BOX JUMPER proves once again that, when it comes to historical fiction, nobody does it better than Lisa Mannetti." — Horror World

“In Lisa Mannetti’s magical THE BOX JUMPER, readers are treated to intriguing premises and finely wrought characterizations rooted in the hazy past of a bygone America. As usual, Mannetti’s driving narrative propels this fascinating portrait of illusionist Harry Houdini and the strange goings on in and around—even beyond—his world. Highly recommended to all who love a great story, excellent writing, and memorable characters with a haunting literary flair.” — Jason V. Brock, author of Milton’s Children and Disorders of Magnitude 

BROKEN: STORIES OF DAMAGED PSYCHES

Short Stories by Weldon Burge

"This collection of short stories from Weldon Burge was exceptional. Besides his fine-tuned voice and sharp writing, the stories are all suspenseful, scary, and unique, despite the common thread of the theme. His ability to create visuals and evoke emotions with few words is amazing. There's nothing unnecessary in Burge's stories ... the prose is whittled down and crystal clear. ... This compilation is highly recommended for anyone who loves short stories, horror on any level, or just plain great writing." -- Sydney Leigh

"The stories leave the readers asking questions about society, violence, madness, and how or if any of the stories could have ended differently. They are tales from the insanity of real life. Each of the characters could be the person next to you at the bus stop or in the cubicle across the corridor." -- Drake Morgan, Horror Novel Reviews

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THE NEW ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER AND HUCK FINN
(Adult Edition)

A Novel by Lisa Mannetti

"Unlike the parody books that have become so popular, Mannetti didn’t just pepper some supernatural elements into an old classic. Tom and Huck remain intact, but the story is completely fresh and inventive. ... Mannetti also exhibits a deep passion for classic literature, and of course Mark Twain in particular, which results in a very charming and personal story. Her respect and admiration for Twain is palpable in her treatment of his Tom and Huck characters. This is a magical tale of wonderment and a world of playful mystery that would make him proud." -- Dreadful Tales review

"Mannetti, as well as this book, is full of surprises. She is one of those versatile writers who always delivers. As a lover of historical fiction, especially the dark undersides, I could not put this tale down. While remaining true to Tom and Huck, she definitely adds a new dimension to their adventures. If you love literary fiction, this is the book for you. If you love reincarnation stories that adhere to life's many lessons, then this book is for you. If you believe witches and other followers of nature's natural order, then this book is for you. And yes, If you love cats, this book is also for you." -- Terrie L. Relf

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THE NEW ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER AND HUCK FINN 
(YA Edition)

A Novel by Lisa Mannetti

The Young Adult (YA) edition has been especially written to appeal to a younger audience.

"If you're a fan of Twain, it's a must read. If you're in the mood for some humor and fantastical escapades, this book is a pretty safe bet, as well. Lisa's done it again." -- Gef Fox

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