Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Criminal.

The Ledger
Cameron struggled to shut the cover as a burst of water shot across the table. Tattered pages soaked up pond scum as they began to float inches above the buckling stone floor.
By Luca5 years ago in Criminal
Pueblito and Dreams
1… “No! Please!” Rome cried out, barely thinking straight after the beating. This can’t be real. He had seen guns before, you don’t grow up in Atoyatlepeque without being close to many, but never this close. Kids like him and Rafa had to thread carefully in a small town in rural El Salvador. They tried to stay out of trouble and yet trouble found them as it did everyone.
By Ricardo Menjivar5 years ago in Criminal
The Book of the Dead
A serial killer strangled my daughter at the tender young age of ten. Her life was snuffed out like a candle before it had time to give off much light.
By Stuart Murray5 years ago in Criminal
Time to go
Her: He slid in next to me, quietly, trying not to disturb me. I often pretend I am asleep to avoid the question and answer game of where have you been? A game I dreaded, as his answers resemble a child’s lie, long and full of holes. I try to sound like I am sleeping, realizing tonight, for the first or maybe it was the hundredth time, he knows I am not asleep. It has become a repetitive act, amplifying my insomnia, leaving me dreadfully forgetful.
By Michelle Decaire5 years ago in Criminal
The Luckiest
The Luckiest - Jeff looked rapidly from the scratch and win lottery ticket in his hand, to his best friend, Roberto the youthful manager of the Gasmart. He beamed at Jeff and said, “this certainly is your lucky day!”
By Tzu Doh Nim5 years ago in Criminal
Saving Stella
The monstrous waves crashed against the warm sand and made the sea foam tickle my bare feet as the sun blistered my cheeks. I had never been to the beach before and for the first time in my life, I felt joy. I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths and savored every second of the salty air as it entered my lungs. A smile grew across my lips and several tears rolled down my sunburnt face as laughter from young children filled the air.
By Courtney Gaylor5 years ago in Criminal
A Sister's Guilt
“Would you kill someone for $20,000?” Inspector Tom Higgins asked his partner, Guiles Allard, who was leaning back in his chair, the heels of his scuffed brown leather shoes resting on his paper-strewn desk.
By Sarah Comber5 years ago in Criminal
The Cost of Crime
“The Cost of Crime” Rocky L. Sharier Vocal Writing Contest 3/1/2021
By Rocky Sharier5 years ago in Criminal
The Traffic Warden
Miniature diamonds glistening in the street lamps aura. Cascading over the already dark tarmac, making it glummer. Appropriate for the night that has been cast upon Ethan. As the crystals relentlessly hound the pavement, constructing their own riverways, one stream appears unique against all the others. You would believe it was Sierra Leone with all the blood congealing and diluting into the liquid jewels running into the drains abyss.
By Marcus Climpson5 years ago in Criminal
Heist
It has been a few hours since we last stopped. All I am able to make out, when the buzz of the radio quiets, is the humming of an engine beneath me and the muffled sounds of two people. Bound at the waist and covered in a weighted canvas, I am unable to move.
By FK5 years ago in Criminal
The Lengths You'll Go
It was her favourite time of day just before the sky went dark. Looking out into the horizon with her best friend Suzie, revisiting the lookout they used to sneak away to. Escaping annoying family get togethers or just the troubles of life, where they would find themselves vomiting up liquors they were once too young for. But this time the sickly feeling was far worse, her heart in her throat and her hands trembling.
By Olivia Murillo5 years ago in Criminal
Franny B
FRANNY B By Sarah Banning A brown, canvas bag sat heavily on Franny’s shaking lap. Her entire body quaked with fear and happiness. She’d done it. And now, here she sat, in Paul’s hunting cabin, just across the Canadian border, $20,000 richer than when she woke up and ate an English muffin twelve hours ago.
By Sarah Banning5 years ago in Criminal