[NightBird]

In 1997, the editorial staff of Deadly Pleasures decided that since one of the magazine's stated goals was to search out and report on the best works being published in the field of crime fiction each year, it would be a natural fit to present awards for excellence. Then came the dilemma of what to name the award. At the time all associated with the magazine were still reeling from the untimely death of Barry Gardner, who was arguably the best fan reviewer on the planet, so it was decided to name the award after him so as to keep his memory alive (not unlike what Bouchercon and its Anthony awards have done for writer/critic Anthony Boucher, who also suffered an untimely and early death). For a biography of Barry Gardner, click on his name above.

Six short stories nominated for the 2011 Short Story Barry Award. Just click on the titles below to read the stories:

Mitch Alderman, Requiem for Antlers (AHMM Jan.-Feb. 2010)
Robert Barnard, Family Values (EQMM Feb. 2010)
Caroline Benton, The Body in the Dunes(EQMM Jan. 2010)
Loren D. Estleman, The List(EQMM May 2010)
Terence Faherty, The Seven Sorrows (EQMM Mar.-Apr. 2010)
Ellen Larson, When the Apricots Bloom(AHMM July-Aug. 2010)