Ten Tales

Ten short stories by Jo Dereske, known for her witty Miss Zukas mysteries. These edgier tales - both previously published and published here for the first time - explore the bonds of death, betrayal and true love. In "Bingo Brothers," twin brothers face the consequences of having saved a life, only to see it taken. In "Layers," four generations of women grapple with the ties of responsibility to one another. "Ella at Widow Wanda's" is a taste of cowgirl justice. And "Dying" is actually about the fear of living. In "Potatoes," a family's pride battles with starvation. A widow looks at love through the headlights of her Blazer in "Last Words." "Triumph" is a tale of cosmic retribution.