ON THE LISBON DISASTER
In a thrilling e-original short story, New York Times bestselling espionage master Olen Steinhauer introduces the enigmatic John Calhoun, an international security contractor who plays a prominent role in the novel The Cairo Affair.
Before his assignment to the CIA's Cairo office, John worked in Lisbon, Portugal, where he took part in an extraordinary rendition—the apprehension of a wanted individual for interrogation. But from the beginning of the operation nothing goes as planned, and for John, it soon becomes much more than a career-defining moment; how he handles this crisis will define who he is as a person.
YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON
A Novella
Paul, Sam, Nabil and Benjamin—two CIA agents, a Somali terrorist, and a Kenyan policeman are thrown together in unexpected ways, ending with a house on fire.
Originally published in Agents of Treachery, available in the store links at the bottom of the page as an e-book.
ANTHOLOGIES
“You Know What’s Going On” - Paul, Sam, Nabil and Benjamin—two CIA agents, a Somali terrorist, and a Kenyan policeman are thrown together in unexpected ways, ending with a house on fire.
From Agents of Treachery, edited by Otto Penzler. The subtitle says it all: “Never before published spy fiction from today’s most exciting authors.” (also available as a solo ebook)
“The Piss-Stained Czech” - In the mid-nineties in Prague, a Joyce-obsessed, budding writer named Olen Steinhauer is drinking himself into inaction, when his friend, Toman, invites him to Dublin. The real estate business turns deadly for members of the New Europe. A cameo by Bruen’s Jack Taylor.
From Dublin Noir, edited by Ken Bruen and featuring a wonderful cross-section of today’s best crime writers.
“Hungarian Lessons” - Olen Steinhauer finds himself in serious trouble again, this time in Budapest. Sex and politics, cocaine and a big frame-up make him, momentarily, “more famous than Dan Brown—in Hungary.”
From Expletive Deleted, edited by Jen Jordan. “In this gritty, gorgeous collection of short stories, new and veteran crime writers alike celebrate that granddaddy of all cusswords; that most adaptable and descriptive grouping of letters; that searing, offensive, musical, perfect sound: fuck.”
Apprentice Works
A smattering of short works—many of them short-shorts—that I wrote in the mid-nineties, when I was trying to find my way in fiction. Not all of them were successful, but the ones I add here at least have some quality I still find appealing. Enjoy!
The Lobster (published in QuarterlyWest)