How do you know whether a real-world situation calls for a storybook hero? Is there such a thing as a knight in shining armor, or does every good deed come with unintended consequences? With chilling insight, five bestselling crime writers explore what it means to rise to the occasion—and the space between intentions and results.

Pigeon Tony’s Last Stand by Lisa Scottoline

In this emotional short story by number one bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, one man’s past drives him to take a stand against his neighborhood’s criminal underbelly, whatever the personal cost.

Unknown Caller by Lisa Unger

From New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger comes the haunting short story of how one woman’s heroic vocation hides the secret guilt she’s tried to bury.

Trouble by Janelle Brown

What does it take to be a good mother? A good neighbor? Straight answers are hard to find in this keenly observed short story by New York Times bestselling author Janelle Brown.

These Cold Strangers by J.T. Ellison

From New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison comes a chilling tale about how a reporter’s deep dive into a viral video challenges her preconceived notions of what being a hero really means.

Kill Night by Victor Methos

In this moody short story, bestselling author of The Secret Witness Victor Methos weaves a psychological legal thriller about one lawyer’s quest for a fair trial when the only suspect is his client.