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FOREWORD, by Karen Pullen

Write a crime story about sex.

When the Triangle chapter of Sisters in Crime decided to create our first short story anthology, that was the attention-grabbing guidance we gave to prospective authors—Sisters in Crime members who live in the Carolinas. Interpretation of the theme was left up to the author, though we supplied examples:

…reproduction; lust and desire; genetic engineering; online dating; animal breeding; infertility; STDs; prostitution; obsession; gender dysmorphia; erectile dysfunction; romance; endocrine disorders; virginity; marriage and weddings; pornography; attracting the opposite sex (clothes, shoes, appearance); jealousy; chromosomes; plastic surgery; secondary sex characteristics; gynecology.

And the Carolinas’ Sisters—and a few Brothers—came through, submitting wonderful, original, never-before-published stories around this most adult of themes. A blind judging selected the finalists, and we were so pleased to learn that for almost half the authors, it would be their first published stories.

Carolina Crimes was a Triangle SinC group project. I’m grateful to Britni Patterson, who efficiently coordinated submissions; Tamara Ward for compiling scores and comments; Ruth Moose for editorial guidance; Judith Stanton for copy-editing; Sheila Boneham and Toni Goodyear for proofing; Toni for querying publishers. The anthology committee—Sheila, Toni, and Sarah Shaber—provided valuable oversight. Margaret Maron, a past president of SinC, generously volunteered to write an introduction. Carolina Crimes could not have been produced without their significant contributions of time and expertise.

The greatest thanks are due to the authors for writing their stories. They’ve invited you, the reader, into their characters’ lives at a moment when passion overrules morality, common sense, and the law. Who among us hasn’t—in our imaginations—stepped close to that line? These nineteen tales of lust, love, and longing will give you chills, make you chuckle, and strike a resonant chord in your heart.