Black-and-white noir hero image with a trench-coated detective overlooking a city skyline and text reading “This Is the World of Noir” and “Where Bad Decisions Make Great Stories.”

Original Noir Short Stories

Stories of questionable decisions, gallows humor, and unexpected turns.

Noir & Nonsense publishes original noir stories—including detective stories, crime stories, and darkly humorous short fiction—written by Don Blinebry. Each story can be read in a single sitting and blends mystery, suspense, sharp observations, and unexpected twists. Explore our quick-witted asides for additional observations from the same noir world.

A black-and-white noir scene featuring a detective in a dimly lit office with a raven companion, cigarette smoke drifting through the room. The cover artwork for Another Night in Tinseltown by Don Blinebry.
A black-and-white noir scene featuring a detective in a dimly lit office with a raven companion, cigarette smoke drifting through the room. The cover artwork for Another Night in Tinseltown by Don Blinebry.

DETECTIVE STORY • DARK COMEDY • POE REIMAGINED

Another Night In Tinseltown

A client’s missing girlfriend turns into extortion and then murder in this noir tail of absurdity!

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Blonde woman with a tear in her eye sitting in a dimly lit diner booth, noir-style illustration suggesting emotional ambiguity.
Blonde woman with a tear in her eye sitting in a dimly lit diner booth, noir-style illustration suggesting emotional ambiguity.

HARD-BOILED DETECTIVE • MURDER MYSTERY • REVENGE

Alligator Tears

He went looking for answers after she was killed. What he finds isn’t grief. It’s something else.

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Man in a butcher shop wearing an apron, noir-style illustration suggesting unease and hidden violence.

MURDER MYSTERY • ENGLISH VILLAGE MYSTERY • CLASSIC WHODUNIT

The Butcher of Wellesley

A village. A murder.
And too many people with a reason.

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Man and woman sitting in a car at night, noir-style illustration suggesting tension and unresolved conflict.

DETECTIVE STORY • STAKEOUT • PRISON ESCAPE

Bostwick Blues

He just escaped from prison.
She’s the reason he might come back.

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.Man in a suit reading a document with smoke curling around him, noir-style illustration suggesting tension and secrecy.

IDENTITY SWAP • MOB STORY • DARK HUMOR

The Substitute

For the right price, he becomes you.
And deals with what’s coming.

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Man listening to an angry woman across a table, noir-style illustration suggesting tension and emotional conflict.

DARK COMEDY • REVENGE  • SHOWDOWN

Anger Mismanagement

Max Moxie was having a bad day.
It was about to get worse.

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Woman sitting alone at a bar with a drink, noir-style illustration with a seductive and dangerous atmosphere.
Woman sitting alone at a bar with a drink, noir-style illustration with a seductive and dangerous atmosphere.

DETECTIVE STORY • NIGHTCLUB NOIR • CRIME MYSTERY

Cocaine Nights

She has information he needs.
She also has something to lose.

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The next story is already on its way.

You’re welcome back anytime.

Original noir detective stories, mystery stories, and darkly humorous short fiction rooted in consequence, tension, and unexpected turns.