Ah, the sturdy trench coat. A traditional mainstay not only in classic wardrobes, but classic literature. Plenty of pockets to hide things in. Water repellent and sometimes, villain repellent. An icon for beloved detectives, inspectors, and spies for generations. (Not to mention flashers, femme fatales, and minor characters who just need to keep dry in the rain.)

The Trench Coat Chronicles, cleverly conceived and superbly assembled and edited, offers the reader far more than a clever way to tie stories together. It provides myriad ideas of how to defy stereotypes, upend the murder mystery genre, and, perhaps, even make wardrobe a character. With varied writing styles from conventional noir to cozy mystery to feminist detective, there is much in this collection to delight and admire.

Engaging for readers, and inspiring to writers. What more could a short story anthology possibly offer, short of being packaged with whiskey?

So settle in for a fun ride. Enjoy the variety of colorful settings and interesting characters. Smile as you watch each coat emerge and work its story magic.

We promise, the next time it rains and you open your closet? You'll never look at those epaulets and belt the same way again.

And who knows what's next from this talented editing team? I, for one, will be advocating for The Go-Go Boot Collection.

--Kelly Simmons, international selling author of suspenseful women's fiction.