Witnesses for the Dead: Stories by Gary Phillips (2023, Trade Paperback)

Soho Press

Explore the profound impact of witnessing a crime in "Witnesses for the Dead: Stories." This compelling collection delves into how observing a crime changes individuals, featuring all-original stories inspired by recent true events. Proceeds from this book benefit the Alliance for Safe Traffic Stops. Each story presents characters grappling with what to do after seeing a crime unfold. Their decisions to act or remain silent leave an indelible mark on their lives. The collection spans diverse settings and themes, from "Envy" by Christopher Chambers, which reveals something dark about a shy observer, to Richie Narvaez's "The Gardener of Roses," featuring a college student on the run from the FBI. Gary Phillips confronts police corruption in "Spiders and Fly," while Sarah M. Chen's "A Family Matter" leads a protagonist to question political structures. With contributions from acclaimed authors like Pamela Samuels Young, Cara Black, Tod Goldberg, SJ Rozan, and Richie Narvaez, edited by Gary Phillips and Gar Anthony Haywood, these stories are incisive, unflinching, and thought-provoking. They will make you question: If I saw what they saw, what would I do? Summary: A collection of original stories examining the psychological and emotional impact of witnessing crimes, with contributions from award-winning authors.