Inspired by recent true events, the all-original stories in Witnesses for the Dead are set in motion by the act of witnessing. The characters who populate these pages are not themselves the perpetrators of crimes, but find their lives indelibly
changed by what they see as they grapple with coming forward, taking action, or retreating into the shadows.
In âEnvyâ by Christopher Chambers, a sweet, shy wallflower looks on as something horrific happens in his neighborhoodârevealing something horrific about himself.
Agatha Awardâwinner Richie Narvaezâs âThe Gardener of Rosesâ sees a Puertorriqueña college student on the run from the FBI for her accidental involvement in a âterroristâ plot. Anthony Awardâwinner Gary Phillips confronts police corruption in âSpiders and Fly.â
And the protagonist of âA Family Matterâ by IPPY Awardâwinner Sarah M. Chen investigates the murder of a stranger, leading her to question the political structure of Taiwan entirely. Other stories feature a brothel, the film industry,
immigrant detention centers at the Mexico-US border, World War IIâtorn France, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The stories are incisive, unflinching, wry, dark, and, in some cases, terrifying. Youâll ask yourself: If I saw what they saw, what would I do?