Few modern songwriters are as well-known and beloved as the prolific team of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. But, despite the duo's creativity, it's doubtful that even they could have imagined what might happen when a group of talented crime authors used their song titles as prompts for devious tales of theft, abuse, revenge, substance abuse, murder and more. The proof is contained within these pages.

The seventeen stories that comprise Better Off Dead Vol. 1 follow Elton John's career from the 1970 release of the eponymously named Elton John, through the 1973 release of the iconic double album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Featured are works by such award-winning authors as Joseph S. Walker, John Floyd, David Dean, Robert Lopresti, Mark Coggins, Josh Pachter, and Mary Anna Evans.

When songs transition into short stories, Take Me to the Pilot becomes the tale of a private eye searching to reclaim a cartel member's pooch; Madman Across the Water turns into a story of nautical arson; Daniel gets on a plane but not for the reasons you might imagine; and Funeral for a Friend recounts the on-stage murder of an actor during dress rehearsal. Songs like All the Young Girls Love Alice give a possible back story behind the original release. And lesser-known tunes such as Rotten Peaches and Midnight Creeper may find new listeners, thanks to the stories these authors have created for them.

So sit back, put your feet up, and stream some Elton John/Bernie Taupin records while enjoying these memorable tales of crime and depravity. It's no Sacrifice...at all.