Every nosy neighbor, gossipy friend, and meddling relative is just one good mystery away from becoming a detective. From behind locked doors or out in broad daylight, driven by chance or curiosity, amateur sleuths get in over their heads in these six hair-raising, hilarious stories.

Staged by Elle Cosimano

Is it harder to find a killer or land a buyer? In this playful short story from New York Times bestselling author Elle Cosimano, two unlikely real estate agents become even unlikelier detectives.

The Reunion Dinner by Jesse Q. Sutanto

A family reunion turns deliciously sinister when a murder threatens to spoil one mother’s big night in this short story from USA Today bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto.

Crime of Fashion by Emma Rosenblum

Some lovely people will do very bad things to stay out of trouble in this gemlike whodunit from Emma Rosenblum, bestselling author of Very Bad Company and former executive editor at Elle.

The Nosy Neighbor by Nita Prose

Meddlesome Marge keeps too close a watch on her neighbor’s house across the street in this twisty short story from Nita Prose, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid and The Mystery Guest.

One Lucky Subscriber by Kellye Garrett

When a viral stunt goes off the rails, it’s chaos at the mall. Award-winning author Kellye Garrett explores how IRL the internet can get when someone almost dies in this taut and timely short story.

A Classic Case by Alicia Thompson

As a new crush develops and a friend goes missing, a young woman who loves old movies stumbles into the plot of one in this quirky short story from USA Today bestselling author Alicia Thompson.