Wolf Moon is a short story about a boy, the moon, and a basketball court.
Set under on unseasonably warm January night, it’s a quiet, personal piece that lives at the edge of the everyday and the fantastic—where loneliness, fear, and release blur into something strange and cathartic.
If you’ve read Nicetown or The Knoll, this story comes from the same emotional neighborhood. And if you’re new here, it’s a good place to start.
Wolf Moon is free to read below.
If you do, I’d love to hear what you thought—there’s a contact link at the bottom of the page.
Philadelphia is a city with a long memory and a lot of secrets. The Matt Bell Mysteries follow Matt Bell — former journalist, current podcaster, and a man constitutionally incapable of leaving a good story alone — as he digs into the darker corners of the City of Brotherly Love. History, folklore, and the genuinely strange have a way of colliding in this city, and Matt has a gift for being in the room when they do. Nicetown and The Knoll are available now. Book three is on its way.
Tom Bates’ 30-second introduction to the Matt Bell Mysteries.
Matt Bell’s Philly Soundtrack: A Playlist of Local Legends
Matt Bell, the investigative journalist turned podcaster from The Matt Bell Mysteries, shares a deep love for his hometown of Philadelphia—and its incredible music scene. This playlist is a celebration of Philly’s finest, featuring tracks exclusively from artists who call the City of Brotherly Love home.
From soulful classics to gritty anthems, these songs capture the energy and spirit of Matt’s world. Listen now on Spotify and immerse yourself in the soundtrack of Philadelphia.
“From the kids in Philly, dedicated to all the kids all over the world…” - Hy Lit.