When Doctors Write Crime: Tammy Euliano’s Derringer Award Nomination

The 2025 Derringer Award finalists were announced recently, and I’m particularly intrigued by one nomination that caught my eye: Dr. Tammy Euliano’s “Heart of Darkness” in the Long Story category. There’s something fascinating about medical professionals who turn their precise, analytical minds to crafting mysteries—and Euliano’s story has an especially unique hook.

The Waffle House Chronicles

Euliano’s nominated story appears in what might be one of the most distinctive anthology concepts I’ve encountered: “Scattered, Smothered, Covered & Chunked: Crime Fiction Inspired by Waffle House.” Published by Down & Out Books, this collection takes the iconic 24-hour diner chain as its muse for crime fiction. It’s the kind of premise that makes perfect sense once you think about it—what better setting for noir and mystery than a place that’s open all night, serves as a crossroads for travelers, and has witnessed countless human dramas unfold over hash browns and coffee?

The title “Heart of Darkness” suggests Euliano isn’t just playing with the Waffle House setting for laughs. There’s literary weight here, perhaps a nod to Conrad’s classic while exploring the darker corners of American roadside culture.

The Doctor-Writer

What makes Euliano’s nomination particularly interesting is her day job. As a practicing anesthesiologist and tenured professor at the University of Florida, she brings a unique perspective to crime writing. Medical professionals have always made compelling mystery writers—think of doctors like Robin Cook or Patricia Cornwell’s background in forensics—but there’s something especially appealing about an anesthesiologist writing crime fiction. After all, who better understands the thin line between consciousness and oblivion, between life and death?

Euliano isn’t new to award recognition either. Beyond her academic achievements, YouTube teaching videos, and numerous teaching awards, she’s been building a reputation for her short fiction. The combination of medical expertise and storytelling skill creates a potent mix for crime writing.

The Derringer Legacy

The Derringer Awards, named after that famous pocket pistol, have been recognizing excellence in short mystery fiction for years. What I appreciate about these awards is their commitment to celebrating the shorter forms that often get overlooked in the shadow of novels. The Short Mystery Fiction Society divides the field thoughtfully: Flash fiction for the quick hits, Short Stories for traditional length, Long Stories for extended narratives, and Novelettes for the longest form.

This year’s competition looks particularly strong across all categories. The Long Story category, where Euliano competes, includes heavy hitters like Elizabeth Elwood (published in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine) and Andrew Welsh-Huggins. But there’s something to be said for the anthology route—collections like “Scattered, Smothered, Covered & Chunked” often push writers to be more creative with their premises and settings.