‘Bad Intentions’ cover reveal

Earlier this week, the fine folks at Literary Garage revealed the cover artwork for Bad Intentions, an anthology of crime fiction inspired by “the gritty wit, sharp edges, and outlaw spirit” of the late Warren Zevon. As I mentioned here in April, I have a short story appearing in this anthology. There are fifteen stories in all, and having received and read an advance copy of the book, I can say with confidence that each story, in its own distinctive way, is exquisitely Zevon-esque (Zevonian?) in voice, subject matter, and delivery. It comes out July 7, just in time for your summer reading.

Kudos to the cover designer Frank Vatel (@Vatel1675 on X/Twitter), a freelance graphic designer and author. He captured brilliantly the spirit of this anthology. If you want to dig deeper into Frank’s philosophy of cover design, check out this interview with him. Here’s a snippet:

When people stop to engage with a book, it’s usually the result of some graphic element on the front cover that caught their eye and sparked some reaction, some feeling.

So my job is to find that resonant, nonverbal thing that makes a book special and boil it down to something (realistic, abstract, or typographical) that will transmit a little jolt of amusement or intrigue. Something that will make people go, “Hmmm…”

– Frank Vatel

Mad props also to Michael Downing, the editor of this special edition. Michael, @KMWriter01, is a writer, playwright, literary advocate, surfer, and the author of some pretty gritty works of fiction, including his 2025 novel Saints of the Asphalt. Michael did a fine job selecting these stories from the submission pile.

How (and why) to get the book

Bad Intentions will be out July 7. A pre-order link will be available soon. Once it is, I’ll let you all know.

Why should you buy this book?

If you love good and gritty crime fiction, you should get this.

If you love me, you should get this.

And importantly, even if crime fiction isn’t your jam, if you love to support worthwhile causes, you should get this book. Because all proceeds from Bad Intentions will support Philabundance, a nonprofit food bank with a mission to drive hunger from our communities today and end hunger for good.