Here’s this issue’s lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf?” by Christine Poulson [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “The Loser Takes All,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Home for Christmas,” by Frank Zafiro [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Thubway Tham Reformth,” by Johnston McCulley [short story] The Diamond Coterie, by Lawrence L. Lynch [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Power of the Cocoon,” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman [short story] “Passed Down,” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman [short story] “Planet of Doom,” by Stephen Marlowe [short story] “The Manless Worlds,” by Murray Leinster [short story] Rememory, by John Gregory Betancourt [novel]
Here is Black Cat Weekly #61, wrapping up our Halloween celebrations with a delectable assortment of mystery, science fiction, and the supernatural...10 great novels and short stories sure to delight! In this issue are: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “A New Evil,” by H.K. Slade [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Stamp of Approval,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “The Vicar of Sexton's Deep,” by Mike Adamson [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Butcher,” by Richard S. Prather Broken Waters, by Frank L. Packard [novel] Science Fiction / Fantasy / Supernatural: “Madam Damnable’s Sewing Circle,” by Elizabeth Bear [Cynthia Ward Presents short story] “Evensong,” by Lester del Rey [short story] “The Mage Snatch,” by Sydney J. Bounds [short story] Troubled Star, by George O. Smith [novel] “The House by the Headland,” by “Sapper” [short story]
This time, we have an original mysteries by George Wilhite (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and Peter DiChellis (a locked-room mystery), as well as an original science fiction story by Larry Tritten and me. (It is a posthumous collaboration—Larry passed away in 2011. I acquired his copyrights some years ago and have been working on reprinting his stories, as longtime readers of BCW will realize. One particular story, with a terrible name, just didn’t work. So I rewrote it, retitled it, and am pleased to show it off here. I hope you all enjoy it.) And Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman found a great tale by Marcelle Dubé. We also have classic novels from British mystery author Edgar Wallace and Irish fantasist James Stephens, plus classic science fiction from Randall Garrett, J.F. Bone, and Mark Reinsberg. Good stuff. Here’s the complete lineup— Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Hanged By the Neck Unti…,” by George Wilhite [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “The Puzzle Palace Perplex,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Tethered,” by Marcelle Dubé [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Behind a Locked Door,”by Peter DiChellis [short story] The Just Men of Cordova, by Edgar Wallace [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Free-For-All-Way,” by John Betancourt and Larry Tritten [short story] “Respectfully Mine,” by Randall Garrett [short story] “The Missionary,” by J. F. Bone [short story] “The Satellite-Keeper’s Daughter,” by Mark Reinsberg [short story] The Demi-Gods, by James Stephens [novel]
Our 93rd issue has a ton (we weighed it!) of great fiction, starting with an original crime story from John M. Floyd. John remains one of our most popular authors, and this one comes courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken. We also have a great mystery tale by Joseph S. Walker, thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman. Plus a Jack the Ripper tale from Adrian Cole. And mystery classics from James Holding and Dick Donovan—in Donovan’s case, a complete short story collection. Of course, we also have a solve-it-yourself mystery from Hal Charles. On the more fantastic side of things, you will also find Adrian Cole’s Jack the Ripper story. Plus a pair of classic novels from Jack Williamson (future war against the robots) and George O. Smith (a time travel classic), plus a scientific zombie (using the old term, “jumbee”) tale from Wallace West. Quite a varied selection this time! Here’s the complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “High Noon in the Big Country,” by John M. Floyd [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “The Case of the Patriotic Pilferage,” by Hal Charles “Mercy,” by Joseph S. Walker [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “The Consultant,” by James Holding [short story] Riddles Read, by Dick Donovan [short story collection] “In the Wake of the Autumn Storm,” by Adrian Cole [short story] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “In the Wake of the Autumn Storm,” by Adrian Cole [short story] “The Belt,” by Wallace West [short story] The World-Mover, by George O. Smith [novel] After World’s End, by Jack Williamson [novel]
Yes, it’s our annual Halloween kickoff issue—for the next four Black Cats, extra spooky stories will be creeping and crawling into every issue. This time, we have vampires and scarecrows and werewolves (oh my!) as well as scarecrows and sinister strangers for your reading pleasure. Plus some other tricks and treats. As always, special thanks to our Acquiring Editors for helping round up great stories, and to the volunteer readers who keep discovering great stories for us. If you’re a writer (published or not) we welcome appropriate submissions through our portal at our website. Here’s the complete lineup— Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Skip Trace,” by Angela Zeman [Michael Bracken Presents short story] Skip Rose swore he’d never return to his childhood home, but a desperate family hires him to find out why their daughter was murdered. His investigation drags him back to dark memories and deadly secrets. “The Treasure Map Intrigue,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] After her uncle’s death, Marcy and her cousins find a cryptic note attached to an old map. As they search for treasure, Marcy discovers a hidden clue. Can you solve it before Marcy uncovers the truth? “Special Delivery,” by Linda Cahill [Barb Goffman Presents short story] When a young girl takes over her friend’s paper route, she encounters strange men, dark stories, and a house feared by all the neighborhood kids. What begins as a simple errand turns into a chilling mystery. “Ol’ Crowbait,” by Bobbi A. Chukran [short story] When pranksters target Minnie Tate’s farm, they uncover more than Halloween mischief—triggering events that unravel a long-buried disappearance. As Sheriff Josie Miller digs deeper, eerie scarecrows and strange whispers lead to a chilling discovery. Scotland Yard Can Wait, by Zenith Brown [novel] Inspector Lord investigates a decades-old bank heist. As bodies pile up, can he unravel the mystery before the cunning mastermind escapes with the loot? Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Howl At the Moon,” by John S. Glasby [short story] A cursed castle, a full moon, and an ancient, terrifying secret. When Robert Temple arrives, determined to unearth the truth, he finds himself face-to-face with a horror beyond his worst nightmares. “He Who Stakes,” by Phyllis Ann Karr [short story] In Prince Vlad’s cruel court, Father Clement’s faith is tested when martyrs rise from their stakes. Can mercy and justice prevail over a ruler blinded by righteous fury. “Waystation,” by Hannah Birss [short story] In a rundown bar on Space Station SOL, a lonely miner share a fleeting, intimate encounter with a mysterious woman on a pilgrimage for a new sun. “The Jackson Killer,” by Philip E. High [short story] Sent to a frontier planet to track down a highly intelligent and dangerous mutant, Lassen must outwit his prey while grappling with the morality of his own role as an Eliminator. “The Scientific Pioneer,” Nelson S. Bond [short story, Horsesense Hank series] A farmer with uncanny “horse-sense” shocks university scholars by solving complex scientific problems with ease. But when offered fame, fortune, and love, his unyielding logic leads him on a different path.
Our 80th issue has some great tales for you, starting with an original mystery by Hugh Lessit (thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and a great reprint by Jim Thomsen (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman). Plus we have a pair of detective novels, the first featuring New York-based private investigator Nick Carter, and the second another original Hardy Boys mystery. If you read the later editions, you will be shocked to find how much was changed from the originals. These are not the watered-down Hardy Boys most of us read as kids. Give it a read. On the science fiction and fantasy side, we have a Frostflower & Thorn tale by Phyllis Ann Karr, as she brings her famous duo to a world created by M. Coleman Easton...in collaboration with Easton. Great fun. Plus classic SF by Mike Curry, Robert Silverberg, Robert F. Young, and Murray Leinster. Here’s this issue’s complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “The Shade Tree Mechanic” by Hugh Lessig [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Clear as Glass” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “The Ride Home,” by Jim Thomsen [Barb Goffman Presents short story] The Little Glass Vial, by Nicholas Carter [novel] The Tower Treasure, by Franklin W. Dixon Science Fiction & Fantasy: “A Glassmaker’s Courage,” by Phyllis Ann Karr and M. Coleman Easton [short story] “Metamorphosis,” by Mike Curry [short story] “Come Into My Brain!” by Robert Silverberg [short story] “Bbruggil’s Bride,” by Robert F. Young [short story] The Gadget Had A Ghost, by Murray Leinster [novella]
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.
In our 89th issue, Michael Bracken pulls double duty to bring a pair of original mysteires to readers: great tales by Steve Liskow and Welsh-Huggins. Plus we have a crime novel by Johnston McCulley (who also created Zorro—but he tried his hand at a bunch of other heroes and antiheroes, among them The Scarlet Scourge, The Avenging Twins, and a ton of others). There’s also a novel by Western author B.M. Bower. Plus a solve-it-yourself mystery by Hal Charles. On the science fiction & fantasy side, we have classic tales by Randall Garrett and Murray Leinster, two favorites. Robert E. Howard (much on my mind since returning from our trip to Robert E. Howard Days in Cross Plains, Texas) has a Solomon Kane adventure. And last (but far from least) we begin the serialization of Darrell Schweitzer’s amazing Sekenre: The Book of the Sorcerer, a series of linked short stories that come together to form a novel…though each tale also manages to stand on its own. The first 3 stories are in this issue. Here’s this issue’s complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Nose for News,” by Steve Liskow [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “The Case of the Burgled Bushels,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Supply Chains,” by Andrew Welsh-Huggins [Michael Bracken Presents short story] The Voice at Johnnywater, by B.M. Bower [novel] The Scarlet Scourge, by Johnston McCulley [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Needler,” by Randall Garrett [novella] “Rattle of Bones,” by Robert E. Howard [short story] “Ribbon in the Sky,” by Murray Leinster [novella] Sekenre: The Book of the Sorcerer, by Darrell Schwetizer [serial book, part 1 of 4]
Our 55th issue is packed with good stuff—as you will soon discover! Our Acquiring Editors have found tales by great authors—Dave Zeltserman, L. Timmel Duchamp, Amanda Witt—plus we have the first of a fantasy series by British master Sydney J. Bounds, along with a pair of mystery/espionage novels and a slew of science fiction shorts. Plus a solve-it-yourself mystery! Here’s the complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “A Story Before Closing Time,” by Dave Zeltserman [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Most Valuable Solution,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Summer Job,” by Amanda Witt [Barb Goffman Presents short story] The Wilderness Patrol, by Harold Bindloss [novel] The Seven Sleepers, by Francis Beeding [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Gift,” by L. Timmel Duchamp [Cynthia Ward Presents short story] “Private Mage,” by Sydney J. Bounds [short story] “Climate Disordered,” by Sam Merwin [short story] “The Penultimate Trump,” by R. C. W. Ettinger [short story] “Lunar Landing,” by Lester del Rey [novella]
Black Cat Weekly presents a mix of mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and adventure stories every issue. #53 includes: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “The Art of the Deal,” by Neil S. Plakcy [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Mickey Mantle Is Missing,” Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “The Vaudeville Detective,” by Garnett Elliott [Barb Goffman Presents short story] Half a Million Ransom, by Nicholas Carter [novel] Deep Lake Mystery, by Carolyn Wells [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Sweetheart,” by Kathleen Alcalá [Cynthia Ward Presents short story] “Out of the Sea,” by Leigh Brackett [novelet] “And We Sailed the Mighty Dark,” by Frank Belknap Long [novelet] “The Wings of Night,” by Lester del Rey [short story] “Flight of the Silver Eagle,” by Arthur Leo Zagat [novella]
