Bad Intentions

Crime Fiction Inspired by the Music of Warren Zevon

A new crime fiction anthology built around the gritty wit, sharp edges, and outlaw spirit of Warren Zevon.
(iconic tracks, deep cuts, or anything in between)

No Heroes
No perfect crimes
No happy endings

Fifteen crime stories inspired by the music of Warren Zevon—stories about bad decisions, broken people, and consequences that refuse to stay buried.


Proceeds to benefit Philabundance. Philabundance is a nonprofit food bank with a mission to drive hunger from our communities today and end hunger for good.

Edited by Michael Downing

Cover by Frank Vatel

Desperadoes down on luck, mercenaries in over their heads, lovers making bad decisions for worse reasons, “poor, poor pitiful me” energy, accidental martyrs, excitable boys, and anyone who would benefit from… well… lawyers, guns, money or things like that.

If you’ve ever listened to Zevon and thought, “There’s a crime story in this,”—now’s your moment to read fifteen of them brought to you by 15 excellent writers.

This anthology is an independent literary project inspired by the music of Warren Zevon and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Zevon estate.

Fifteen stories of crime, consequence, and everything that comes after.

On Sale NOW wherever you prefer to buy books

In the Media

Dead Darlings
Michael Downing and Zakariah Johnson discuss Bad Intentions, Warren Zevon's influence, anthology sequencing, and writing memorable crime fiction.
Read the interview

Andrew Careaga – Friday Five
A conversation about editing the anthology, crime fiction, community, and what's next.
Read the interview

Substack
How Fifteen Writers, One Artist, and a Grumpy Editor Built Bad Intentions Together.
Read the article

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Editor-In-Chief: Kevin Christopher Michaels

Special Features Editor and Warrior God: Michael Downing