CHERYL A. HEAD

Finding Jimmy Baldwin , my short story in the Crime Ink: Iconic An Anthology of Crime Fiction Inspired by Queer Icons will be included in the 2026 edition of Best American Mystery and Suspense, affectionately call BAMS by writers. I'm very proud of this story about a writer, and activist, I deeply admire. I was particularly interested in showing the vulnerability of this man who was so intellectual, so eloquent, so bold, that he always seemed to "have his shit together".

I'm writing daily again, and oh what a joy it is. My historical fiction novel set in the 1870's and featuring a Black Pinkerton detective is with an editor. It's kind of a western wrapped in a time travel narrative. Thumbs crossed that somebody will like it. I'm also working on Book 7 of the Charlie Mack Motown Mystery series. Working Title: Mourn Me When I'm Gone. It was lovely to attend this year's Saints and Sinners Literary Festival. It was my first time returning

I really enjoyed writing this fun, short story about a turn-of-the-century acting troupe from Baltimore, and its quirky creative director who is also an amateur detective, with the goal of "breaking one of Van Dine's Rules". In particular, Rule #2. No willful tricks or deceptions may be played on the reader other than those played legitimately by the criminal or the detective himself. Bah Humbug! Read for yourself! "Whole worlds in miniature can be found among Cheryl Head

Here's my short story included in Crime Ink: Iconic An Anthology of Crime fiction Inspired by Queer Icons James Baldwin is one of the most enduring intellects of the 20th century. Black, gay, complex and brilliant, one cannot consider queer icons without his inclusion. In my story I wanted to explore Baldwin’s acuity in navigating the competing challenges of his blackness, queerness, and literary celebrity. I wish he were alive today to help us make sense of America’s renewe