Close Up with Ang Pompano, Co-Editor & Contributor On Best New England Crime Stories: Devil’s Snare

Agatha award-nominated author Ang Pompano has long been an ambassador of the crime community. A longstanding member of New England Crime Bake’s planning committee, he has been integral in bringing its companion anthology to fruition since assuming the role of co-editor and co-publisher (in addition to contributor) after co-founding Crime Spell Books with fellow writers Susan Oleksiw and Leslie Wheeler in 2021. Also a novelist, Pompano has two series—the Blue Palmetto Detective Agency and the Reluctant Food Columnist mysteries—that will see a relaunch and additional entries through Level Best Books in 2025.

This November, Crime Spell Books will publish Devil’s Snare—the fourth entry in its Best New England Crime Stories series (following 2021’s Bloodroot, 2022’s Deadly Nightshade, and 2023’s Wolfsbane). The collection features two dozen diverse entries—none of which contain gratuitous sex or violence—from some of the region’s most celebrated authors. Boasting an eclectic array of sleuths and exploring the often-gray areas between guilt and innocence (and what it means to “get” justice), the book is a treasure trove of crime and recompense.

Recently, Pompano sat down to discuss the making Best New England Crime Stories: Devil’s Snare (including the inspiration for his own contribution), the creation of Crime Spell Books, his collaboration with Susan Oleksiw and Leslie Wheeler, and the unique charms of New England Crime Bake. He also offered insights into writing both short- and long-form fiction and provided a glimpse of what’s to come with his two mystery series in the new year.

John Valeri: Devil’s Snare is the newest entry in the Best New England Crime Stories series. As a co-editor, co-publisher, and contributing author, tell us about the anthology’s unifying elements/theme(s) – and, conversely, the diversity of the talent and topography found within. 

Ang Pompano: Best New England Crime Stories: Devil’s Snare dives into how crime can creep into the places we rely on most—our homes, markets, town committees, and even charities. No one is truly safe, not even those trying to run from trouble. Corrupt politicians, dangerous relatives, and long-buried secrets are never far away, and nothing is quite what it seems. But even in the darkest situations, moments of beauty and hope can still break through.

This anthology brings together a wide range of voices and styles, from hard-hitting crime fiction to clever and surprising tales. Featuring stories from both award-winning authors and talented newcomers, each contribution offers something fresh and unforgettable.

Valeri: The anthology is published by Crime Spell Books, which you, Susan Oleksiw & Leslie Wheeler created in 2021. What was the impetus for this endeavor? 

Ang Pompano: In 2003, Susan Oleksiw, Kate Flora, and Skye Alexander launched Level Best Books with Undertow: Crime Stories by New England Writers, and Ruth McCarty later joined them. Over time, the press changed hands—first to Mark Ammons, Kat Fast, Barbara Ross, and Leslie Wheeler, and later to Verena Rose, Harriet Sackler, and Shawn Reilly Simmons. When Level Best shifted to publishing novels, many readers missed the New England short story anthologies. So, Susan, Leslie, and I decided to bring them back by creating Crime Spell Books. When I took a break to focus on my two series, Christine Bagley stepped in to help. We’re really proud that this year, Mystery Writers of America added us to their Approved Publisher List for Short Stories, making our authors eligible for major awards—a big milestone for us.

Valeri: Also, tell us about the dynamics of this collaboration, given the unique experiences and talents you each bring to the proverbial table.

Ang Pompano: All three of us love editing, and I enjoy learning from Susan and Leslie, who have more experience. Each January, we invite submissions from New England authors and spend months reading and rating all 125-150 stories we receive. Every team member reviews each submission, and we come together to compare our individual ratings. Surprisingly, we often reach the same conclusions, but when we don’t, we discuss our differences and make the final decision by majority vote.

We each bring unique strengths to the process. Susan, who founded the Larcom Review, is an expert editor and skilled formatter, preparing the anthology for press. Leslie, the driving force behind the Al Blanchard Award at New England Crime Bake, is also a talented editor. She handles the business side, from placing orders to selling anthologies at events, thanks to her knack for numbers.

I focus on working with authors and managing publicity. But no matter our roles, we all pitch in at every stage, making sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

Valeri: The book serves as a companion to the annual New England Crime Bake writing conference. What sets Crime Bake apart from other conferences – and, as an eighteen-year veteran of the planning committee, how have you seen it grow and evolve throughout the course of your tenure?

Ang Pompano: Yes, the anthology ties into the annual New England Crime Bake writing conference. A key connection is that the winner of the 2024 Al Blanchard Short Fiction Award will have their story featured in the anthology, which was one reason for bringing it back.

New England Crime Bake is a fantastic writer’s conference held each year near Boston. While it focuses on supporting writers of all levels, it also attracts many fans from around the country. A big part of the appeal comes from our Guest of Honor, with past names like Sue Grafton, Lee Child, and Harlan Coben, who mingle with attendees throughout the event. Known for its warm, family-like atmosphere, the conference doesn’t end with the panels—it carries over into a lively banquet and continues in the lounge, where attendees catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Valeri: Your contribution to Devil’s Snare is a piece about stolen art titled “By the Light of the Silvery Moon.” What, or who, compelled you to explore this particular area? Also, introduce us to your investigator, Officer Sheila Wright, and the personal and professional challenges she faces. 

Ang Pompano: John, while I appreciate the spotlight on my contribution, I have to recognize the incredible company I’m in with Devil’s Snare. The anthology brings together 24 diverse and captivating crime stories, from accidental sleuths to professional hitmen. Many of the authors are award-winning masters of the genre. It’s an honor to be part of a collection packed with clever plots and unforgettable characters.

As for By the Light of the Silvery Moon, the idea came from my wife, Annette. As you know, she’s an artist, and seeing her paintings at home made me wonder: What if one had a story to tell—one involving crime?

I often draw inspiration from people I know. Most either take it as a compliment or endure the teasing. In my upcoming novel, Simmering Secrets, there’s even a character named Angelo who suspiciously resembles me—and I didn’t cut him any slack!

Officer Sheila Wright, the lead in By the Light of the Silvery Moon, is a single mom raising an autistic son. Her investigative skills come from the patience and problem-solving she’s developed as a parent, but her biggest challenge is balancing the demands of her job with the realities of motherhood—especially when work pulls her away just as her son needs her most.

Valeri: In addition to having written short stories, you are also an acclaimed novelist. Having published both long- and short-form fiction, please compare and contrast the formats. Do you have a preference between the two – and, if so, which do you prefer and why?

Ang Pompano: John, for me, both formats have their own merits, and I value the distinct skills each requires.

I love the challenge of short stories because they require precision and economy. After writing short fiction for thirty years and being surrounded by friends who were former journalists, I learned a great deal about making every word count. Writing short stories allows me to play with words and express my love of language.

When I first started writing novels, I continued with the same sparse style I used in short stories until I realized I had the freedom to experiment more. I could go deeper into character development and explore multiple subplots and themes. It became great fun to weave a mystery within a mystery. The result was my first novel, When It’s Time for Leaving, which was an Agatha finalist.

Valeri: You are relaunching both of your mystery series—the Reluctant Food Columnist & the Blue Palmetto Detective Agency—with Level Best Books as part of a six-book deal. What is the timeline for this rollout, and when can readers expect to see the reissues as well as new entries?

Ang Pompano: I’m thrilled to be part of the amazing Level Best Books lineup! The adventure kicks off with the return of When It’s Time for Leaving on January 21, 2025, launching the Blue Palmetto Detective Agency series. Just a few weeks later, Blood Ties and Deadly Lies, the second book in the series, drops on February 18, 2025.

Then, Quincy’s culinary capers return with the reprint of Diet of Death on May 20, 2025, followed by the sizzling release of Simmering Secrets on July 29, 2025. And after that—Vintage Vendetta arrives on February 17, 2026, leading up to book three of the Reluctant Food Columnist series on June 16, 2026.

I’m so grateful to Level Best for believing in these stories, and I can’t wait to share them all with readers!

Valeri: For those looking to learn more about, or to become involved with, Crime Spell Books and/or Crime Bake: How can they best connect? 

Ang Pompano: The best way to connect with Crime Spell Books is by visiting our website at crimespellbooks.com and following us on social media for updates, submission calls, and announcements. We’d love to hear from you! Keep an eye out for upcoming submission windows—we’re always on the lookout for fresh voices and new ideas.

If you want to learn more about New England Crime Bake, head over to  https://www.crimebake.org. It’s a great chance to explore the mystery genre, and you might even think about volunteering to help out!

You can always find me at angpompano.com, on Facebook, and the usual social media. Keep in touch!

Thank you, John, for the opportunity to share Devil’s Snare and my novels on Criminal Element. I’m truly honored by your support and the platform you provide for writers!