There are two facts I can write without hesitation, as I think about this book. First, I’ve never been much of a fan of short stories. However, that fact leads me to the second: I liked this book. It was different for me, and I say that in a positive way. I was happy and engaged while reading, and eager to get back to the stories when I had to stop.

On the Road with Del and Louise steps outside of the bounds of just one genre, in my mind. There are elements of mystery and romance and travel and drama in each of the stories included. I struggle a little with my thoughts, I think, because I’m not really sure if I like Del or Louise. Neither of them endeared themselves to me; they felt like characters throughout, whereas, in my favorite reads, characters often feel like dear friends. That said, both Del and Louise are interesting. Their motivations kept me curious, which propelled my reading.

Of all the stories, the one entitled “The Chill” was my favorite. This was a story that not only tapped into my imagination, but that touched my heart and gave me a look into Louise’s heart, too. I thought this was the most emotionally moving of the collection, and it is a story that stays with me.

On the Road with Del and Louise has been on my to read list for quite a while. Now, having finally read it, I’m glad I did.

About the Author
Art Taylor’s short fiction has won two Agatha Awards, an Anthony Award, a Macavity Award, and three consecutive Derringer Awards. His first book, On the Road with Del & Louise: A Novel in Stories was published Fall 2015 by Henery Press. His work has appeared in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Barrelhouse, Needle: A Magazine of Noir, and North American Review, and online at Fiction Weekly, Mysterical-E, PANK, Plots With Guns, Prick of the Spindle, and SmokeLong Quarterly; stories also appear in the Chesapeake Crimes anthologies This Job Is Murder and Homicidal Holidays, both from Wildside Press. Art also reviews mysteries for the Washington Post and contributes frequently to Mystery Scene.

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