Mystery short stories to read online - Free

Three Travellers by Edward D. Hoch
A short story mystery before the First Christmas, featuring three characters from the original. The Wise Men are headed West, and stop at an oasis for the night.

Here Comes Santa Claus by Bill Pronzini
Department store Santas dread the visit of a rotten kid. Nameless detective meets one in his stint in the plush chair, and ho-hos into a holiday scam in this short story.

Silent Night by Marcia Muller
A Sharon McCone short story: She searches for a runaway teen on Christmas Eve and learns some of life's tougher lessons.

Hard Feelings by Barbara D'Amato
A 911 call during the Valentine's Day Blizzard in Chicago tests the partnership of two cops in this short story.

Love with the Proper Killer by Rose Deshaw
It's hard to find a decent boyfriend. It's harder to break up with one on Valentine's Day.

The Things We Do for Love by Jonathan Kellerman
A short story with a young mother, a fussy baby, and a seedy restaurant

Married to a Murderer by Alan Russell
Some women are attracted to prisoners. Danielle wants the best of prisoners, a murderer.