Life Is Short and Then You Die: Mystery Writers of America Presents First Encounters with Murder

Adolescence is a time of firsts. First kiss. First love. First loss. First job. The first taste of adult responsibilities, and the first look at an independent life away from both the restrictions and the security of home.

And in this case, a very different type of first: murder.

This story collection adds a sinister spin to the joy and pain of firsts that have always been a major part of teen life, whether it be high school cliques who take the term backstabbing too seriously, stumbling upon a body on the way home from school, or receiving a Snapchat message that promises something deadly.

Contributors include Barry Lyga, Caleb Roehrig, Emmy Laybourne, Jonathan Maberry, R. L. Stine, Rachel Vincent, Y. S. Lee, and more!