Introduction:
Financial crime has long fascinated crime writers and readers alike. From high-stakes fraud to corporate deception, white-collar crime is as gripping as any street-level heist. Scoundrels: Tales of Greed, Murder, and Financial Crimes, a new anthology from Down & Out Books, delves into these dark corners of Wall Street corruption. Edited by acclaimed author Gary Phillips (The Jook, Cowboys), this collection features riveting stories from some of the top voices in crime fiction, including SJ Rozan, Reed Farrel Coleman, David Corbett, and more.
In this exclusive interview, Phillips shares the inspiration behind Scoundrels, the process of bringing together such a stellar lineup of writers, and the enduring allure of financial crime in storytelling.
How Scoundrels Came to Be
The idea for Scoundrels was born out of the economic turmoil of the late 2000s. “With Wall Street’s legal theft of millions and billions, homeowners losing everything, and financial corruption at its peak, it seemed like the right time for a crime anthology focused on the world of high finance,” says Phillips. Having previously edited Orange County Noir and The Cocaine Chronicles, Phillips knew that financial crime would make for compelling short fiction.
Of course, Scoundrels isn’t just about fraud and embezzlement—there’s plenty of action, intrigue, and even traditional blue-collar crime woven into its pages. The result is an explosive mix of high-stakes deception and gritty noir.
Assembling the Writers
Curating an anthology of this caliber wasn’t just about finding talented writers—it was about persuading them to contribute. “Most writers don’t jump at anthology work for the paycheck,” Phillips admits. “It’s about the concept—whether it excites them. And, sometimes, a little friendly persuasion.”
Many of the contributors were longtime colleagues, while others were new discoveries recommended by fellow writers. The final lineup blends industry veterans with fresh voices, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and storytelling styles.
Why Financial Crime?
Phillips has always been drawn to crime fiction’s grittier side, but his recent work (Cowboys, Scoundrels) has leaned toward white-collar crime. “Greed is greed,” he explains. “A thief pulling off a $300,000 heist and a hedge fund manager swindling investors for millions—they’re both criminals. The challenge for a writer is making their stories compelling.”
What Ties These Stories Together?
While financial crime is the thematic thread running through Scoundrels, Phillips believes it’s the characters that make each story stand out. “Crime fiction isn’t just about the mechanics of the crime—it’s about the people involved, their motivations, their moral failings, and what happens when they’re pushed to the edge.”
From ordinary individuals driven to desperation to hardened criminals who manipulate the system, Scoundrels explores the psychology of greed and corruption in a way that keeps readers hooked.
Upcoming Work from Gary Phillips
Beyond Scoundrels, Phillips has a packed schedule. His groundbreaking novel Violent Spring, featuring private investigator Ivan Monk, has been re-released in digital format. Meanwhile, his short story collection Treacherous: Grifters, Ruffians, and Killers is now available, and the trade paperback edition of his graphic novel The Rinse, about a high-end money launderer, is set to launch soon.
Conclusion:
Scoundrels: Tales of Greed, Murder, and Financial Crimes isn’t just another crime anthology—it’s a mirror reflecting the dark underbelly of financial greed and corruption. With a star-studded lineup and gripping narratives, this collection is a must-read for fans of crime fiction. If you’re intrigued by tales of deception, power, and crime at the highest levels, this book belongs on your shelf.