The Best American Science And Nature Writing 2004Since its inception in 1915, the Best American series has become the premier annual showcase for the country's finest short fiction and nonfiction. For each volume, a series editor reads pieces from hundreds of periodicals, then selects between fifty and a hundred outstanding works. That selection is pared down to the twenty or so very best pieces by a guest editor who is widely recognized as a leading writer in his or her field. This unique system

It provides a constant alternative to The Times jumbo cryptic crossword

electrifying thriller features murder

But what Chavasse doesn’t know is that deep within the twisting channels of the perilous coastal marshes

it’s all anyone can talk about

people who were involved in a horribly violent night fifteen years ago

or will the next full moon be their last

Over the course of three days—from August 13 to 15

and new readers alike

“A page-turner that combines genuine intrigue with heartbreak and desire

Patricia Greystone is left with nothing

an ex-girlfirend’s son he considers his own

with the Beast asking of Belle the same question at the end of each day: “Dearest Belle