As usual with this series, a fascinating compendium of short stories. This year's crop include an imitation Holmes mystery, as well as procedurals and even one set in the less picturesque parts of Bangladesh. Well worth reading for any mystery fan. ( )

‘The Best American Mystery Stories 2010,’ edited by Lee Child, contains an interesting mix. Twenty stories by authors as diverse as Dennis Lehane, Kurt Vonnegut, Doug Allyn, and Jay Brandon take varied and unexpected turns.

Three, however, stand out. Jay Brandon’s ‘A Jury of His Peers,’ based on a historical incident, recounts the return of lawyers, who had been kidnapped and held for ransom by Santa Ana’s army, to San Antonio. When after a year or more away from their practices and loved ones, the lawyers return to reclaim what they left behind, it is no surprise that violence erupts.

Phyllis Cohen’s ‘Designer Justice’ also deals with the effects of violence; it depicts a violent crime and its unexpected aftermath.

And ‘Killing Time’ by Jon Land introduces Mr. Beechum, middle school language arts teacher extraordinary, who is not only able to interest his charges in fiction, he is also able to protect them from the unforeseen.

While no one reader will necessarily equally enjoy all the stories, there is enough variety to appeal to those who enjoy the genre. And the short story format is well suited to busy lifestyles.

The bottom line: Five stars.

Review copy provided by the publisher. ( )

This is a great collection of short stories that should entertain any mystery fan. Within the mystery genre, this book offers a little bit from every subgenre, including suspense, police procedurals, espionage, and private detective. Not every story was a 5 star for me but that likely spoke more of personal preference than writing talent. This collection is a great way to discover new authors, many of whom also write full-length novels. Overall, I found the stories highly entertaining.

** I received this book as an early review copy from the publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, through NetGalley.com. ** ( )