Black Cat Weekly #10

Black Cat Weekly #10

Author: John Gregory Betancourt

Publisher: Wildside Press LLC

Published: 1901

Total Pages: 762

ISBN-13: 1479466301

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Welcome to Black Cat Weekly #10. Carlton Clarke, the famed Chicago telepathic detective, returns to our pages with “The Broken Marconigram.” First published in 1915, this tale takes Clarke and Sexton, his “Watson,” to New Orleans in search of a friend who’s been kidnapped by a Satanic cult. These chronicles of the first “telepathic detective” originally appeared in newspaper syndication across the United States in 1908, and I continue to be impressed by them. There is much here for Sherlock Holmes fans to appreciate. Our roving mystery editor, Barb Goffman, has tracked down by gem by David Dean, “The Duelist.” Plus Hal Charles—the byline of writing team Hal Blythe and Charlie Sweet—contributes another solve-it-yourself mystery. Prolific pulp author Dale Clark—whose copyrights I purchased some years ago—makes his Weekly debut with a terrific World War II-era tale about an undercover F.B.I agent. I don’t think it’s ever been reprinted. And science fiction writer Murray Leinster (real name Will Jenkins) contributes one of his rare mysteries, “One Corpse, Guaranteed!” They don’t make titles like that any more! This issue’s mystery novel is a Bull-Dog Drummond tale by “Sapper.” See my introduction to for more info on this series and author. And that’s just the mysteries! For science fiction fans, we have “The Dangerous Scarecrow,” by Carl Jacobi—he was a member of the Lovecraft Circle, whose talents extended far beyond weird fantasy into science fiction. Plus I’ve snuck in another of my own tales, “Tap Dancing,” a gentle ghost story. I never truly understood it when other writers said some stories were “gifts” that just came to them—until this story came to me. George Scithers placed it in the 300th issue of Weird Tales. It was the best thing I had written at that point in my career, and I wrote it almost word for word in its final form in one sitting. Truly it was a gift. We have not one, but two science fiction novels—Eando Binder’s 1971 classic, The Secret of the Red Spot, and Stephen Marlowe’s Revolt of the Outworlders. Good stuff. Here’s the complete lineup: Mysteries “One Corpse, Guaranteed!” by Murray Leinster [short story] “Thieves’ Blueprint,” by Dale Clark [short story] “Only Time Will Tell,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself short-short] “The Duelist,” by David Dean [Barb Goffman Presents short story] Bull-Dog Drummond’s Third Round, by Sapper [novel, Bulldog Drummond series] “The Broken Marconigram,” by Frank Lovell Nelson [short story, Carlton Clarke #9]] Science Fiction & Fantasy “Tap Dancing,” by John Gregory Betancourt[short story] “The Dangerous Scarecrow,” by Carl Jacobi [short story] Revolt of the Outworlds, by Stephen Marlowe [novel] The Secret of the Red Spot, by Eando Binder [novel]


Black Cat Weekly #163

Black Cat Weekly #163

Author: Ron Miller

Publisher: Black Cat Weekl

Published: 2024-10-13

Total Pages: 477

ISBN-13:

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Everyone is getting into the Halloween spirit this month! Our Acquiring Editors, Michael Bracken and Barb Goffman, have found supernatural detective stories by Dave Zeltserman and Joseph D’Agnese to kick things off. And we have haunts and horrors (not to mention voodoo) from regular contributors Phyllis Ann Karr and Ron Miller (whose burlesque queen-turned-private eye, Velda, returns this issue). And C.S. Dines takes us to McNeil Station in Antarctica for some unexpected chills. I’ve even dug into my own trove of old stories for a supernatural slasher story. (If you don’t like knives and blood, you might want to skip this one.) Of course, we have traditional tales, too, like a crime novel from G. Sidney Paternoster and the science fiction story by E.C. Tubb (who remains most famous for his long-running Dumarest of Terra space opera series). Lots of good stuff. Here’s the complete lineup— SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “The Treasure of Hanging Cross Ranch,” by Hal Charles A hidden treasure awaits, but only the sharpest mind can decipher the clues. Can you solve the mystery before Detective Hayes? NOVEL The Master Criminal, by G. Sidney Paternoster Guy Hora, raised as a master thief, finds his criminal philosophy shattered when he falls for Meriel Challys. As he struggles to break free from his past, dark secrets threaten to destroy everything he holds dear. STORIES “The Hanging Judge,” by Dave Zeltserman [Michael Bracken Presents] P.I. Mike Stone solves cases in a twisted version of 1998 Brooklyn—his personal hell. As zombies leap from rooftops and demons lurk, Stone revisits a deadly mystery involving a corrupt judge and mobsters. “The Sweatergeist,” by Joseph D’Agnese [Barb Goffman Presents] Detective Bleecker investigates an eccentric millionaire’s claim that his deceased wife returns every Wednesday to haunt her favorite sweater… “Who Purged the Thaumaturge?” by Ron Miller [P.I. Velda series] Velda dives into a world of sorcery and voodoo when an occult shop owner is murdered. She is quickly entangled in a dangerous mix of hoodoo, hexes, beatniks, witches, and one incredibly strong woman. “The Pearly Gates Motel,” by Phyllis Ann Karr Count Czernikowski checks into a decaying motel only to encounter Saxo Gates, the eccentric manager with deadly intentions. Secrets and supernatural forces collide in this chilling thriller. “The Man Who Collected Knives,” by John Gregory Betancourt Jason’s obsession with collecting blades becomes something far darker when an insidious, otherworldly creature begins to whisper in his ear. “McNeil Station,” by C.S. Dines Five tourists on an Antarctic cruise sneak off to explore an abandoned research station, where they discover the local wildlife isn’t as cute and cuddly as it seems. “Umbrella in the Sky,” by E.C. Tubb Mike Levine is tasked with saving the world by fixing a massive solar shield. But in the vastness of space, corruption, sabotage, and death loom as the real threats to humanity’s survival.


Black Cat Weekly #48

Black Cat Weekly #48

Author: Matthew Hughes

Publisher: Wildside Press LLC

Published: 2022

Total Pages: 717

ISBN-13: 1479478873

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For this week's Black Cat Weekly, Michael Bracken has acquired an original mystery by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier, Barb Goffman found a tale by SJ Rozan that will surely satisfy crime fans, and Cynthia Ward tracked down a Matthew Hughes story. Plus, for the sheer silliness of it all, there’s a Mickey Spillane parody from 1954 (which manages to be both a mystery and fantasy…but wasn’t everything of Spillane’s?) and classics from R. Austin Freeman (a Dr Thorndyke story), a Nick Carter novel, and the first Skylark of Space novel by E.E. “Doc” Smith. Here’s the complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Ripen,” by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Death Takes a Swing,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “E-Golem,” by SJ Rozan [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “The Case Of Oscar Brodski,” by R. Austin Freeman [short story] A Human Counterfeit, by Nicholas Carter [novel] “The Shaky Undertaker,” by Ed Cox [short story] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Shaky Undertaker,” by Ed Cox [short story] “To the Sons of Tomorrow,” by Irving Cox, Jr. [short story] “Mastermindless,” by Matthew Hughes [Cynthia Ward Presents short story] “Problem In Solid,” by George O. Smith [short story] “Sequel,” by Ben Smith [short story] The Skylark of Space, by E.E. “Doc” Smith [novel]


Black Cat Weekly #140

Black Cat Weekly #140

Author: Steve Liskow

Publisher: Wildside Press LLC

Published: 2024-05-05

Total Pages: 532

ISBN-13:

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This time, we have a pair of original mysteries—tales by Steve Liskow (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and M.A. Blume, plus a terrific tale by Steve Hockensmith (which typography nuts like me will enjoy, courtesy of Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman). The mystery novel is by Avery Gaul, and of course we have a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles. On the science fiction side, we have a novel by Golden Age author Arthur Leo Zagat, an early—and quite silly—fantasy from Harlan Ellison, space opera from Edmond Hamilton, and straight-up SF tales from John Victor Peterson and Manly Bannister. Lots of fun. Here’s the lineup: Cover: Ron Miller Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “The Grifted Age” by Steve Liskow [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Deadly Reunion” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “i” by Steve Hockensmith [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Pretty Is As Pretty Does,” by M.A. Blume [short story] Five Nights at the Five Pines, by Avery Gaul [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Classified Object,” by John Victor Peterson [short story] “The Annals of Aardvark,” by Harlan Ellison [short story] “The Great Illusion,” by Manly Bannister [short story] “The Star-Stealers,” by Edmond Hamilton [short story] The Two Moons of Tranquillia, by Arthur Leo Zagat [novel]


Black Cat Weekly #33

Black Cat Weekly #33

Author: C.J. Cherryh

Publisher: Wildside Press LLC

Published: 1901

Total Pages: 456

ISBN-13: 1667699938

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Welcome to Black Cat Weekly #33. The astute will notice that this issue is being released early—with the holidays nearly upon us (and relatives set to descend on our household), I thought it prudent to finish it up early, just to make sure there weren’t any unfortunately delays. I think you’ll find this issue particularly interesting. Darrell Schweitzer’s historic interview with C.J. Cherryh from 1978 is fascinating, since she talks about her writing process. (If you aren’t familiar with her work, you’ve missed some of the best science fiction of the last 50 years.). For mystery lovers, we have great tales from Greg Herren (courtesy of editor Barb Goffman) and Patricia Dusenbury (courtesy of editor Michael Bracken), plus a solve-it-yourself mystery from Hal Charles. Our novel, Mission of Revenge, by Edison Marshall mixes many genres—crime, romance, adventure…all set in the frozen north! Science fiction readers have an original from Nancy Jane Moore (courtesy of editor Cynthia Ward), plus classics by Lester del Rey and Larry Tritten. For fantasy, look no further than “The Goddess’ Legacy,” by Malcolm Jameson, and the second part of Mel Gilden’s serialized novel, The Case by Case Casebook of Emily Silverwood. Good stuff! Here’s the lineup: Non-Fiction: “Speaking with C.J. Cherryh,” conducted by Darrell Schweitzer [interview] Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Nor Death Will Us Part,” by Patricia Dusenbury [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “An Eggceptional Solution,” by Hal Charles [solve-it-yourself mystery] “The Silky Veils of Ardor,” by Greg Herren [Barb Goffman Presents short story] Mission of Revenge, by Edison Marshall [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Art of War,” by Nancy Jane Moore [Cynthia Ward Presents short story] “Playback,” by Larry Tritten [short story] “The One-eyed Man,” by Lester del Rey [short story] “The Goddess’ Legacy,” by Malcolm Jameson [short story] The Case by Case Casebook of Emily Silverwood, by Mel Gilden (Part 2 of 4) [Serial Novel]


Black Cat Weekly #98

Black Cat Weekly #98

Author: Adam Meyer

Publisher: Black Cat Weekly

Published: 2023-07-16

Total Pages: 402

ISBN-13:

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Black Cat Weekly #98 features 10 short stories and a novel. This time, we have five mysteries (including a terrific original by Adam Meyer, courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), modern tales by Dharma Kelleher (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman) and Jack Halliday, plus a classic by Frank Gruber, who was a prolific pulp writer and novelist. Gruber’s story of a dance-hall clip-joint provides a window into a long-gone era. And of course, no issue is complete without a solve-it-yourself mystery. On the more science fiction and fantasy side, we have a sword-and-sorcery tale by Phyllis Ann Karr (set in her Frosterflower and Thorn universe), a dark fantasy by horror master Joseph Payne Brennan, a time-travel tale by Robert Abernathy, and classic science fiction by Philip Jose Farmer (“Daughter” is a followup to his classic tale, “Mother”) and John W. Campbell (the tale of grim survival on the moon, The Moon Is Hell.) And for Western fans, we have a classic tale by Alan Le May. Great stuff! Here’s the complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Stacy’s Mom,” by Adam Meyer [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “The Games Gang Rides Again,” Hal Charlies [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Kissing Asphalt,” by Dharma Kelleher [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Great Caesar’s Ghost!” by Jack Halliday [short story] “Clip-Joint Adventures,” by Frank Gruber [short story] “The Bells of San Juan,” by Alan Le May [short story] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Sorcery and Sacrilege,” by Phyllis Ann Karr [short story] “The Midnight Bus,” by Joseph Payne Brennan [short story] “Daughter,” by Philip Jose Farmer [short story] “Stopwatch on the World,” by Robert Abernathy [novelet] The Moon Is Hell, by John W. Campbell [novel]


Black Cat Weekly #30

Black Cat Weekly #30

Author: Elizabeth Elwood

Publisher: Wildside Press LLC

Published: 1901

Total Pages: 507

ISBN-13: 1667600737

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Black Cat Weekly #30 is a fabulous issue. This time, Darrell Schweitzer has unearthed his 1980 interview with Tom Disch, which is fascinating. Disch talks about writing his classic fantasy novel, The Businessman, among other things. As Darrell always notes, these old interviews fall “somewhere between oral history and paleontology.” Lots of mysteries this time, too—including originals by Elizabeth Elwood (thanks to editor Michael Bracken) and Jack Halliday (a flash fiction portrait of a serial killer). Barb Goffman has selected “Take the Hit,” by Nikki Dolson. And we have a short story by James Holding and a classic novel by Hulbert Footner. And no issue is complete without a solve-it-yourself mystery from Hal Charles (the writing team of Hal Sweet and Charlie Blythe). On the fantastic side of things, Cynthia Ward has selected a great science fiction tale by Matthew Hughes. I’ve seen his name for years, but never managed to read anything of his until now—but I’m definitely sold. I'm going to have to check out more of his work. Great stuff. Plus we have stories by Larry Tritten, Richard Wilson, and a vintage ghost story—or is it?—by one of my favorite authors, Anonymous! Here’s the complete lineup: Non-Fiction: “Speaking with Thomas M. Disch,” conducted by Darrell Schweitzer [interview] Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “One for the Road,” by James Holding “MeToo Too,” by Elizabeth Elwood [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Take the Hit,” by Nikki Dolson. [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “A Touch of Magic,” by Hal Charles [solve-it-yourself mystery] A Self-Made Thief, by Hulbert Footner [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “An Odd Ghost Story,” by Anonymous [short story] “To Tell the Phoenecians,” by Matthew Hughes [Cynthia Ward Presents short story] “Turning Off,” by Larry Tritten [short story] “If a Man Answers,” by Richard Wilson [short story]


Black Cat Weekly #45

Black Cat Weekly #45

Author: Craig Shaw Gardner

Publisher: Wildside Press LLC

Published: 2022

Total Pages: 677

ISBN-13: 1479476897

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Welcome to Black Cat Weekly #45. This is an fun issue, and I’ve selected Tobias S. Buckell’s fantasy “The Fisher Dragon” as the cover story. (I must admit to having a fondness for dragons. The very first story I sold professionally, way back at the dawn of time when I was 16 years old, was about a dragon. And they appear in several of my novels, most notably Master of Dragons.) Thanks to acquiring editor Cynthia Ward for selecting it. Black Cat’s other acquiring editors are represented in this issue, too—Michael Bracken selected an original mystery from John M. Floyd, and Barb Goffman has a tale about a retired detective by Steve Hockensmith (whose “Holmes on the Range” series of historical mystery stories are must-reads, as far as I’m concerned. Check then out if you get a chance.) And last (but not least), Darrell Schweitzer unearthed one of his paleo-interviews for us—this time with Craig Shaw Gardner. It's from the 1990s, when Gardner had just become a best-selling author, thanks to his Batman movie novelization. And we have classics by George O. Smith, Henry Kuttner, and many others, including a 1915 Nick Carter mystery novel. And, of course, a modern solve-it-yourself mystery from Hal Charles (the writing team of Hal Blythe and Charlie Sweet). Here’s the complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “From Ten to Two” by John M. Floyd [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “An Eggceptional Solution” Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Frank” by Steve Hockensmith [Barb Goffman Presents short story] The Bush-Rancher, by Harold Bindloss [novel] The Suicide, by Nicholas Carter [novel] Non-Fiction: “Speaking with Craig Shaw Gardner” [Interview with Darrell Schweitzer] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Fisher Dragon”by Tobias S. Buckell [Cynthia Ward Presents short story] “Catspaw,” by George O. Smith [short story] “The Half-Haunted,” by Manly Wade Wellman [short story] “The Sea-Witch,” by Nictzin Dyalhis [short story] “Chameleon Man,” by Henry Kuttner [short story]


Black Cat Weekly #150

Black Cat Weekly #150

Author: Teel James Glenn

Publisher: Black Cat Weekly

Published: 2024-07-13

Total Pages: 521

ISBN-13:

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Welcome to our 150th issue. This time, we have terrific original tales by Neil S. Plakcy, Britin Haller & Shane Gericke, Bob Tippee, and Teel James Glenn ... plus novels by Natalie Sumner Lincoln and Gans T. Field, and classic stories by Jack Williamson, Nelson S. Bond, Jack Sharkey, and Larry Tritten ... plus a solve-it-yourself mystery by Hal Charles ... all jam-packed into 521 pages! Hours of great reading await. Here's the lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “The Shandiclere,” by Neil S. Plakcy [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “The Campground Caper,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “So Many Shores in Crookland,” by Britin Haller & Shane Gericke [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Private Equity,” by Bob Tippee [short story] The Three Strings, by Natalie Sumner Lincoln [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Shadow Hunt,” by Teel James Glenn [short story] “The Bird of Time,” by Larry Tritten [short story] “The Second Shell,” by Jack Williamson [short story] “The Madness of Lancelot Biggs,” by Nelson S. Bond [short story] “The Man Who Was Pale” by Jack Sharkey [short story] The Pale Ones Shall Dance, by Gans T. Field [novel]


Black Cat Weekly #159

Black Cat Weekly #159

Author: Will Murray

Publisher: Wildside Press LLC

Published: 2024-09-14

Total Pages: 535

ISBN-13:

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This issue, in addition to great tales from Acquiring Editors Michael Bracken and Barb Goffman, we also have an original mystery from Kathleen Marple Kalb, a modern dark fantasy from John S. Glasby, and much, much more. Here’s the complete lineup— Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Mother’s Day Tea,” by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier [Michael Bracken Presents short story] At a seemingly innocent kindergarten Mother’s Day tea, Briana Carter feels the pressure of keeping up with the other moms. But behind her professional exterior, Briana has a darker motive. “Who Stole Annie Oakley’s Golden Gun?” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] When a gold-plated Colt .45 once owned by Annie Oakley vanishes, Detective Kelly Stone is called in to solve the mystery. Can you solve it before Kelly does? “Business As Usual,” by Wayne J. Gardiner [Barb Goffman Presents short story] After a mob job in Kansas City, Lucille returns to New York with doubts—did she make a mistake by taking a little extra on the side? When a hitman tails her at LaGuardia, it’s clear the underboss who hired her isn’t done. How long can she stay ahead? “Mow Way Out,” by Kathleen Marple Kalb [short story] When Christian Shaw, a history buff and single mom, finds her neighbor unresponsive in his tomato patch, it seems like an accident. But her son notices something odd.... The House of Intrigue, by Arthur Stringer [novel] When Baddie Pretlow gets caught up in a web of deception and crime, she finds herself at the center of a dangerous game involving stolen jewels, false identities, and ruthless criminals. Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Snail Ghost,” by Will Murray [Darrell Schweitzer Presents short story] Under a mysterious blue moon in Tibet, an otherworldly traveler encounters a snail-like entity with a plea for help... “Nightmare on Ice,” by John S. Glasby [short story] A polar base is under siege by an otherworldly force in the depths of an unrelenting Arctic winter. “Where Are You, Mr. Biggs?” by Nelson S. Bond [short story, Lancelot Biggs series] Lancelot Biggs, First Mate of the spaceship Saturn, invents a revolutionary “velocity intensifier” that propels the crew on a high-speed journey to Uranus... “The Nobles Are Coming,” by Gene Cross [short story] Trapped in a Martian cave, archeologist Ross encountersa prospector with a deep obsession over mysterious, deadly creatures known as the Nobles. These beings are infamous for making humans disappear, leaving behind only husks of their former selves… Cities in the Air, by Edmond Hamilton [novel] In a future where massive floating cities dominate the skies, Captain Brant finds himself at the center of an epic aerial war between superpowers.