Put Out the Lights and Cry

What could be more noir than a diner? From the greasy spoon to the gourmet sit-in, these 19 stories show why diners aren't family friendly. Diners are the place where heists are plotted, bodies get dumped behind, and police are tipped off. These eateries host every crime from domestic disputes and drug deals to premeditated murder and mob mutiny. It's all fluorescent-lit, fly-riddled entertainment to the drunk, recovering, or wish-they-were. Whether the characters are the cooks, criminals, customers, or somewhere in-between, these short works pack a gut punch on par with the saltiest, soggiest Grand Slam breakfast special. There're breakups and bruises, gambling rackets and gang warfare, butchering and familial dismemberment--even schmoes tapping into a parallel universe or two. No matter who enters or at what time, wet, weary eyes always seem to find a steaming cup of joe to cloud-gaze in--and cry. (Forewords by Nevada McPherson and Manny Torres, titled, "Get in, loser. We're Going to Waffle House!") 1. Moths by LG Thomson2. Pluto's Place by Stephen J. Golds3. The Fragrant Flavor of the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie by Jhon Sanchez4. Honey Oil by Paige Johnson5. What's Left of the Sun by Michael J. Riser6. Ramblers, L.B.C. by Nolan Knight7. Vonyetta Mosley's Marzipan Palace by David Simmons8. Middle Men by Liv Strom9. Scar on Scar by Jon Gingerich10. A Confederate Engaged to a Jihadist by Nathan Pettigrew11. Two Boys in a Diner by Dino Parenti12. Atomic Getaway by Jesse Bethea13. Denim by Joseph S. Walker14. Watch Yourself by Gordon Dunleavy15. Stuck in the Middle by Karen Keeley16. The Eternal Flame Diner by Meredith C. Kurz17. The Bigger Man by Jim Thomsen18. Pickup At The Main Street Diner by Margaret S. Hamilton19. Help Wanted by Wil Dalton