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Birds, Strangers and Psychos

New stories inspired by Alfred Hitchcock

Author Lee Child, M.W. Craven, Sophie Hannah, Ragnar Jonasson, Vaseem Khan, A.K. Benedict, Guy Adams, Peter Lovesey, Kim Newman, Nadine Matheson, James Grady, David Thomson, Jerome Charyn, Anne Billson
Edited by Maxim Jakubowski
Hardcover
$28.99 US
Titan | Titan Books
6-1/8"W x 9-1/4"H | 20 oz | 12 per carton
On sale Sep 23, 2025 | 352 Pages | 9781835414095
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A suspenseful, thrilling anthology of 30 original short stories inspired by the iconic works of legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, curated by acclaimed editor Maxim Jakubowski.

Featuring some of the biggest names in mystery and crime fiction, including Lee Child, Sophie Hannah, Peter Swanson, and many more!

Birds, Strangers and Psychos is a thrilling anthology that brings together the biggest names in mystery and crime fiction to pay homage to Alfred Hitchcock, the legendary filmmaker whose name is synonymous with suspense. Acclaimed editor Maxim Jakubowski curates 30 original short stories, each inspired by the mood, tension, and style that defined Hitchcock’s groundbreaking work. This anthology invites both emerging and established voices to reimagine the chilling atmospheres, twisted plots, and unforgettable characters of Hitchcock's films, from Psycho and Vertigo to North by Northwest and The Birds.

Just as Hitchcock adapted stories from literary giants like Daphne du Maurier, Patricia Highsmith, and Roald Dahl, Birds, Strangers and Psychos unites today's literary stars to craft new suspenseful tales that are destined to thrill, haunt, and unsettle. These stories celebrate Hitchcock’s enduring influence, creating an anthology that serves both as a tribute and as a reminder of why Hitchcock’s legacy continues to loom so large in popular culture. This volume is not just a collection of stories – it’s an invitation to rediscover the artistry of suspense.

Each author takes on the challenge of evoking the quintessentially 'Hitchcockian' elements that have captivated audiences for decades: ordinary lives interrupted by peril, psychological duels, and unexpected encounters that spiral into nightmares. The volume showcases an extraordinary blend of talent, featuring stories from:
Lee Child
Joe R Lansdale & Keith Lansdale
Tara Moss
Donna Moore
James Grady
Liz Nugent
Peter Lovesey
Kim Newman
A.K. Benedict
Vaseem Khan
M.W. Craven
S.A. Cosby
Sophie Hannah
Guy Adams
Nadime Matheson
David Thomson
Jerome Charyn
Anne Billson
Lauren Henderson
William Boyle
Jeff Noon
Xan Brooks
Ragnar Jonasson
Denise Mina
Lily Samson
Peter Swanson
Maxim Jakubowski is a noted anthology editor based in London, just a mile or so away from where he was born. With over 70 volumes to his credit, including Invisible Blood, the 13 annual volumes of The Mammoth Book of Best British Mysteries, and titles on Professor Moriarty, Jack the Ripper, Future Crime and Vintage whodunits. A publisher for over 20 years, he was also the co-owner of London's Murder One bookstore and the crime columnist for Time Out and then The Guardian for 22 years. Stories from his anthologies have won most of the awards in the field on numerous occasions. He is currently the Chair of the Crime Writers' Association and a Sunday Times bestselling novelist in another genre.
Lee Child View titles by Lee Child
M.W. Craven View titles by M.W. Craven
Sophie Hannah View titles by Sophie Hannah
Ragnar Jonasson View titles by Ragnar Jonasson
Vaseem Khan View titles by Vaseem Khan
A.K. Benedict View titles by A.K. Benedict
Guy Adams View titles by Guy Adams
Peter Lovesey View titles by Peter Lovesey
Kim Newman View titles by Kim Newman
Nadine Matheson View titles by Nadine Matheson
James Grady View titles by James Grady
David Thomson View titles by David Thomson
Jerome Charyn View titles by Jerome Charyn
Anne Billson View titles by Anne Billson
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PRAISE FOR MAXIM JAKUBOWSKI


A well written sharp, incisive crime story (much like a dagger thrust should be) is a thing of beauty. There are many in this anthology. Read and enjoy.
– Frost Magazine


Quality and variety... are guaranteed.
– Morning Star


Chilling and crafty, and full of devious characters. Not all of the victims are innocent, and the effects of each story will linger long after you close the volume.
– The Girl Who Reads


It’s good to see earlier contributions from such luminaries as Peter O’Donnell, Julian Rathbone and Larry Beinhart among the star-studded cast which features Ian Rankin, Jeffrey Deaver, Denise Mina and John Harvey.
– Shots Mag


The daggers are drawn, business ends out. An absolute must read for all crime fiction fans.
– Advance the Plot


Edgy, twisted and disturbing, Daggers Drawn is a visceral and thrilling collection showcasing the very best modern crime fiction has to offer.
– Book Lover's Boudoir


[A]n overall entertaining tale of short stories with quite a few enjoyable tales to entice the reader.
– Run Along the Shelves


I'd definitely recommend this great collection for anyone who is a crime fiction fan.
– Snazzy Books


[A]n engrossing and entertaining read.
– Annarellix Review

About

A suspenseful, thrilling anthology of 30 original short stories inspired by the iconic works of legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, curated by acclaimed editor Maxim Jakubowski.

Featuring some of the biggest names in mystery and crime fiction, including Lee Child, Sophie Hannah, Peter Swanson, and many more!

Birds, Strangers and Psychos is a thrilling anthology that brings together the biggest names in mystery and crime fiction to pay homage to Alfred Hitchcock, the legendary filmmaker whose name is synonymous with suspense. Acclaimed editor Maxim Jakubowski curates 30 original short stories, each inspired by the mood, tension, and style that defined Hitchcock’s groundbreaking work. This anthology invites both emerging and established voices to reimagine the chilling atmospheres, twisted plots, and unforgettable characters of Hitchcock's films, from Psycho and Vertigo to North by Northwest and The Birds.

Just as Hitchcock adapted stories from literary giants like Daphne du Maurier, Patricia Highsmith, and Roald Dahl, Birds, Strangers and Psychos unites today's literary stars to craft new suspenseful tales that are destined to thrill, haunt, and unsettle. These stories celebrate Hitchcock’s enduring influence, creating an anthology that serves both as a tribute and as a reminder of why Hitchcock’s legacy continues to loom so large in popular culture. This volume is not just a collection of stories – it’s an invitation to rediscover the artistry of suspense.

Each author takes on the challenge of evoking the quintessentially 'Hitchcockian' elements that have captivated audiences for decades: ordinary lives interrupted by peril, psychological duels, and unexpected encounters that spiral into nightmares. The volume showcases an extraordinary blend of talent, featuring stories from:
Lee Child
Joe R Lansdale & Keith Lansdale
Tara Moss
Donna Moore
James Grady
Liz Nugent
Peter Lovesey
Kim Newman
A.K. Benedict
Vaseem Khan
M.W. Craven
S.A. Cosby
Sophie Hannah
Guy Adams
Nadime Matheson
David Thomson
Jerome Charyn
Anne Billson
Lauren Henderson
William Boyle
Jeff Noon
Xan Brooks
Ragnar Jonasson
Denise Mina
Lily Samson
Peter Swanson

Creators

Maxim Jakubowski is a noted anthology editor based in London, just a mile or so away from where he was born. With over 70 volumes to his credit, including Invisible Blood, the 13 annual volumes of The Mammoth Book of Best British Mysteries, and titles on Professor Moriarty, Jack the Ripper, Future Crime and Vintage whodunits. A publisher for over 20 years, he was also the co-owner of London's Murder One bookstore and the crime columnist for Time Out and then The Guardian for 22 years. Stories from his anthologies have won most of the awards in the field on numerous occasions. He is currently the Chair of the Crime Writers' Association and a Sunday Times bestselling novelist in another genre.
Lee Child View titles by Lee Child
M.W. Craven View titles by M.W. Craven
Sophie Hannah View titles by Sophie Hannah
Ragnar Jonasson View titles by Ragnar Jonasson
Vaseem Khan View titles by Vaseem Khan
A.K. Benedict View titles by A.K. Benedict
Guy Adams View titles by Guy Adams
Peter Lovesey View titles by Peter Lovesey
Kim Newman View titles by Kim Newman
Nadine Matheson View titles by Nadine Matheson
James Grady View titles by James Grady
David Thomson View titles by David Thomson
Jerome Charyn View titles by Jerome Charyn
Anne Billson View titles by Anne Billson

Praise

PRAISE FOR MAXIM JAKUBOWSKI


A well written sharp, incisive crime story (much like a dagger thrust should be) is a thing of beauty. There are many in this anthology. Read and enjoy.
– Frost Magazine


Quality and variety... are guaranteed.
– Morning Star


Chilling and crafty, and full of devious characters. Not all of the victims are innocent, and the effects of each story will linger long after you close the volume.
– The Girl Who Reads


It’s good to see earlier contributions from such luminaries as Peter O’Donnell, Julian Rathbone and Larry Beinhart among the star-studded cast which features Ian Rankin, Jeffrey Deaver, Denise Mina and John Harvey.
– Shots Mag


The daggers are drawn, business ends out. An absolute must read for all crime fiction fans.
– Advance the Plot


Edgy, twisted and disturbing, Daggers Drawn is a visceral and thrilling collection showcasing the very best modern crime fiction has to offer.
– Book Lover's Boudoir


[A]n overall entertaining tale of short stories with quite a few enjoyable tales to entice the reader.
– Run Along the Shelves


I'd definitely recommend this great collection for anyone who is a crime fiction fan.
– Snazzy Books


[A]n engrossing and entertaining read.
– Annarellix Review

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