Dirty Tricks

In these eleven short stories by speculative fiction master George Alec Effinger, New York's populace must deal with the realities of a bipolar existence; patients' brains are cut to tiny pieces in a clinical search for the medical definition of bliss; a little child's natural fear of the dark is exploded into new mind-bending phobias and a cartoon favorite pays a personal visit to an aging, aching fan. Humor, sheer audacity, and an eclectic array of human fears and expectations placed against each other all make this collection a perfect representation of Effinger's unique voice. He is a truly remarkable talent and one not to be missed.

Contents:

• New New York New Orleans
• Contentment, Satisfaction, Cheer, Well-Being, Gladness, Joy, Comfort, and Not Having to Get Up Early Any More
• Strange Ragged Saintliness
• Heartstop
• Timmy Was Eight
• Live, from Berchtesgaden
• The Mothers' March on Ecstasy
• B.K.A. The Master
• Sand and Stones
• Chase Our Blues Away
• Contest Results (essay)