Submissions are now OPEN!
Guidelines and submission link are at the bottom of this page.
Thriller Magazine is currently accepting mystery short story submissions. We publish suspense-forward short fiction in mystery, thriller, crime, suspense, and noir, with a focus on stories that keep readers asking “what happens next?” from the opening lines.
If you’re searching for a mystery magazine accepting submissions, you’re in the right place.
What We’re Looking For
We’re a strong fit for mystery stories that include:
- a hook that grabs quickly
- a clear central question (who, why, what really happened)
- tension that escalates as clues, stakes, or consequences build
- reveals that feel earned
- purposeful pacing (no wandering middle)
- a satisfying ending that resolves the core question
Mystery can be puzzle-driven, character-driven, or noir-leaning—what matters most is momentum and suspense.
Mystery story lanes that often work well
These aren’t requirements, just examples of what often works well:
- an investigation with hidden stakes
- a secret that unravels piece by piece
- a crime revealed through a twisty discovery
- an amateur sleuth with something personal on the line
- a suspect list that tightens as pressure rises
- a final reveal that recontextualizes what came before
Every story submitted to Thriller Magazine receives detailed editorial feedback. Whether your piece is accepted or not, you’ll gain insights to help improve your work. We look forward to reading your work!
Ready to Submit?
Submit your mystery short story through our main submissions page: