Picture an American storyteller who spins mysteries so sharp they could cut through fog—meet Barb Goffman! A master of the short story, Goffman has captivated crime fiction fans with her clever plots, witty dialogue, and twists that hit like a surprise punch. From her cozy Virginia home, she’s crafted tales that have won hearts and shelves full of awards, making her a standout in the mystery world.
The Making of Barb Goffman
Born with a love for stories, Barb Goffman grew up surrounded by books, her imagination sparked by the written word. After earning a law degree, she traded courtrooms for newsrooms as a newspaper reporter, sharpening her knack for detail. But it was crime fiction that called her. In 2001, she began writing mysteries, drawn to the short story’s tight, punchy format. Her legal and journalistic background gave her a keen eye for human motives, fueling her ability to craft believable yet surprising narratives.
Barb Goffman’s Unforgettable Stories
Goffman’s stories are like a perfectly brewed cup of tea—cozy yet bracing, with a twist of lemon. Her collection Don’t Get Mad, Get Even (2013) won the Silver Falchion Award, showcasing 15 tales of revenge and justice, from a bullied girl’s comeback to a sheriff’s moral dilemma. Her story “Beauty and the Beyotch” (2022), a crime-meets-coming-of-age gem, swept the Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Awards with its sharp take on high school rivalries. “Dear Emily Etiquette” (2020) nabbed the Ellery Queen Readers Award, blending humor and suspense in a tale of manners and murder. Goffman’s style mixes traditional and cozy mystery vibes, with characters who leap off the page—think sheriffs, elves, or teens seeking justice—and plots that keep you guessing until the final line.
Her work often appears in top magazines like Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, and she’s a frequent contributor to anthologies like Crime Travel (2019), which she edited, weaving time-travel with crime for a mind-bending read. Her stories balance humor and heart, exploring themes of retribution, loyalty, and clever problem-solving, all wrapped in her signature concise yet vivid prose.
Why Barb Goffman Matters
Barb Goffman isn’t just a writer—she’s a force in the mystery community. With over 40 award nominations and wins like the 2024 Edward D. Hoch Memorial Golden Derringer for Lifetime Achievement, she’s redefined what short crime fiction can do. As a freelance editor, she polishes others’ work, with her touch earning Agatha and Derringer nods for clients. Her anthologies, like Chesapeake Crimes, nurture new voices, cementing her legacy as a mentor. Goffman’s tales resonate globally, proving short stories can pack as much punch as novels, inspiring readers and writers to embrace the art of the twist.
- Born: United States, date unavailable
- Key Works: Don’t Get Mad, Get Even, “Beauty and the Beyotch,” “Dear Emily Etiquette”
- Awards: 3 Agatha Awards, 2 Macavity Awards, 1 Anthony Award, 1 Silver Falchion Award, 1 Ellery Queen Readers Award
- Fun Fact: She blogs every third Tuesday at SleuthSayers, sharing writing tips!
Ready to unravel a mystery? Snag Don’t Get Mad, Get Even or “Beauty and the Beyotch” and dive into Barb Goffman’s thrilling world of crime and cleverness!