Drafting Murder: A Short Story by Nannette Kreitzman


Drafting Murder: A Short Story
Title : Drafting Murder: A Short Story
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : -
Format Type : Kindle Edition
Number of Pages : 39
Publication : Published May 5, 2021

Daniel is an author with unconventional research techniques. Will his strategy for a book about a female serial killer be the death of his marriage - or of his wife?___
Search “Nannette Kreitzman” for more works by this author.___
Excerpt: ___
“Oh, I guess we didn’t tell you. I shelved that story.”___
They entered his office and he handed her the first few pages of a different project. She skimmed the first paragraph, then stopped to look up at him. “Why did you set aside the other one? It sounded like a great idea.”___
Daniel sat behind his desk, gesturing for Lena to take a seat. “I need to understand the killers, get to know them, understand their motives and desires. I wasn’t able to do that with Desirée.”___
“That was your killer’s name?” she asked, opting to sit on the edge of his desk rather than the chair he had indicated.___
Her long, athletic legs drew his eyes like a magnet as she crossed them. He blinked then returned his attention to her face. “Tentatively.”___
“And you broke it off with me when you realized it wasn’t working.”___
Her aura had changed from polite to provocative in an instant, making Daniel uncomfortable and confused. “Lena, I...”___
She interrupted him by announcing, “I could help you understand her.” Leaning on one arm, exposing the curve of a bare breast through a gap in her buttoned blouse, she stared out the window as she spoke. “Your killer, you said she craved desire?”___
Daniel glanced into the hallway, willing Allison to walk in. “Yes. She needed her husband’s attention and became obsessed with anyone who took it from her.”___
“See, there’s your mistake. She’s not married.”___
“No?” he asked, looking through the door once more. ___
“You see, in her pursuit of desire, she does questionable things. Seeking out married men and alternative relationships for example.” She dipped her head. “But no matter what she does, it is elusive and temporary.” At this she met his wary gaze. “It can wear a girl down.”


Drafting Murder: A Short Story Reviews


  • Robin Castle

    Clever, twisty, well-written short story about a novelist, a book, and murder.

  • Courtnee Hoyle

    Great Short Story!

    Drafting Murder was a twisted story about premeditation, stalking, and the lengths people will go to when desire takes hold. Nannette Kreitzman wound a quick tale around an original concpt with a twist you won’t see coming!
    Jack is a writer who is trying to draft a novel about a serial killer. After his wife mentions that his serial killer should be female, Jack suggests going through scenerios with another woman to research his wife’s feelings. Will he pen the novel without complications, or will the emotions become too raw with jealousy and rage?
    I recommend the book to mature readers, due to the subject matter. I enjoyed the book, and I will read more stories by Nannette Kreitzman.

  • Sherry Ross

    Ms. Kreitzman’s stories are always engaging. I’ve become a true fan. In this sweetly wicked little psychological thriller, an author, Daniel, who likes to research his characters with an unusual hands-on approach, has decided to write a novel about a female serial killer, not a common occurrence. He elicits the help of his wife, Allison, who is at first a very willingly participant and their collaboration seems to amuse and arouse them. But surprising emotions arise as other women enter the story. Where this all leads to is a satisfying twist and this makes for a very entertaining read all the way to the end. I love the banter between Daniel and his wife, playful and believable and between them and the other characters. Kreitzman has a great ear for natural modern dialogue. Her stories intrigue and she nails her endings well.
    You can read Drafting Murder for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited member. Don’t miss the opportunity.

  • Bruce Spydar

    An intense and satisfying short story
    I hadn’t read one of Nannette Kreitzman’s short stories for well over a year; I felt like a quick read, so I picked this one up. At under 40 pages it was certainly a quick read, but it was also packed with an intense and satisfying story.
    Daniel, a writer trying to create the story of a female serial killer. Allison, his wife, volunteering to help him understand the female psyche as part of his research. Hmm … that’s a recipe which might not work out too well. Why not read it and find out?

  • Jennifer

    I am addicted to Kreitzman's short stories, and this one did not disappoint.

    Daniel is a writer who *really* does his research. This time he's researching a female serial killer and enlists his wife's help. But will Daniels actions make his wife want to murder him instead??

    I read this story during my lunchbreak, and it was another whirlwind story that had me gripped to my seat until the end!

  • T.K. Toppin

    I've read stories by the author before, so I knew to expect a thoroughly enjoyable, clever and unique story. All her works could easily become full length novels, yet she manages to make them into a tight and compact, fully immersive and satisfying short story. Drafting Murder did not disappoint. It follows a point in the lives of Allison and her author husband Daniel, where they attempt to delve into what would motive a woman to become a serial killer. Scrapping plans when complications arise, they find out quite by surprise, when tables are turned, what it really means to be in the cross-hairs of an actual serial killer. Brilliant story!

  • Angela Cairns


    🩸
    Drafting Murder ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    Another cracking short story and part of the excellent Veiled Villains collection
    🩸
    Author Daniel and his wife Allison indulge in sinister role play research for a forthcoming crime novel but will they risk their relationship and then more as they dabble…?
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    I love Kreitzman’s ability to create a building unease and deliver that final twist which makes the story delicious.
    🩸

  • Karen Crawford

    Nannette Kreitzman is a master storyteller! I am always amazed at how much action and character development she packs into her short stories. They read like novels and leave you thinking about them long after you finish! I Drafting Murder, an unorthodox writer and his accomplice wife will have the tables turned on them! Brilliant read!

  • Raffaella Rowell

    Loved the story

    I'm a fan of Ms. kreitzman's stories, and this one didn't disappoint, either. It has a blend of mystery, suspense, intensity and drama. It is a mystery thriller, and though it is a short story, it has all the subtleties you would expect in this genre. Loved the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

  • Rachel Stanley

    Drafting Murder is a wonderfully quick, and intriguing, story! It only took me 30 minutes to read from start to finish, which was just what I wanted at horrible 'o' clock in the morning (also known as too early to get up!). It's well written - as I've come to expect from Nannette Kreitzman - and has a lovely little twist at the end.

  • Julia Blake

    Another excellent short story by an author who never fails to deliver. “Drafting Murder” kept me guessing all the way through. I thought I knew where the tale was going, but then the plot would do an abrupt 180 and take me down a completely different path. It takes skill to write short stories which satisfy, and this author is a master of the art. An easy five stars.

  • Michele Packard

    Author is superb in putting subtle details throughout this short story to make it a delicious mystery thriller that you will enjoy!

  • M.N. Cox

    Clever short story about a writer, his partner, and the lengths they go too for “research”. :)