This issue, we begin the second volume of Ed Glasby’s monumental fantasy trilogy with The Dark Pilgrimage, plus we have a complete science fiction novel by Nelson S. Bond and a complete classic mystery novel by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood, adapted from their play by acclaimed author Stephen Vincent Benét. On the mystery short story end of things, Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken has an original from Tom Larsen, and Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman has a Thanksgiving tale by Joseph S. Walker that’s perfect for the holiday. We also have a great original tale by Vy Kava. For the fantasy & science fiction readers, we have an original fairy tale-inspired story by Maureen Bowden, plus a dark fantasy classic by John S. Glasby, plus a science fiction survival-in-space classic by E.C. Tubb. Here’s the complete lineup— NOVELS The Bat, by Mary Roberts Rinehart, Avery Hopwood, and Stephen Vincent Benét A killer stalks a mansion, cloaked in darkness. Can a sharp-witted woman unmask The Bat? When Freemen Shall Stand, by Nelson S. Bond A Nazi spy disrupts a war-ending chemical experiment. Centuries later, the survivors awaken…. SERIAL NOVEL The Dark Pilgrimage, by Edmund Glasby (part 1 of 2) Beginning the second volume in The Apocalypses of Brother Santiago. SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “The Campground Caper,” by Hal Charles An aging teen idol is assaulted backstage during intermission. Can you solve the case before the detective? SHORT STORIES “The Other Brother,” by Tom Larsen [Michael Bracken Presents] A botched smuggling operation. A missing brother who knows too much. Can Wilson Salinas uncover the truth before the shadows close in for good? “Dinner with the King,” by Joseph S. Walker [Barb Goffman Presents] A cunning pickpocket, a tough-as-nails detective chasing counterfeiters, and Thanksgiving dinner! “The Badge and the Interpreter,” by Vy Kava An interpreter faces murder, secrets, and impossible choices. Can she survive the truth? “Edna Lowry’s Legacy,” by Maureen Bowden Earth is dying, and humanity’s time is running out. Sean Lowry’s family carries a legacy that may be their only chance to survive. “Something About Gargoyles,” by John S. Glasby A man is dying without any medical explanation. Can the secret to his illness be found in the shadowy feud with a local stonemason? “Emergency Call,” by E.C. Tubb A spaceship loses critical oxygen mid-journey. Survival demands impossible choices...

This issue, we have quite an interesting lineup. We have mysteries from returning favorites Veronica Leigh and Robert Lopresti (thanks to Acquiring Editors Michael Bracken and Barb Goffman), as well as a boxing crime story from classic author Jack Ritchie. Our mystery novel is by Izola Forester, a romantic suspense tale from the Golden Age. And of course we have a new solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles. On the science fiction front, we have an original tale from Damir Salkovic and a classic pulp novelet by Arthur Leo Zagat. For fantasy, we have a hauntingly beautiful story from Nina Kirki Hoffman, plus two dark fantasies from British authors John S. Glasby and his son, Edmund Glasby. Ed recently promised to write an original tale for our Halloween issue (it’s never too early to plan for our Halloween extravaganza!). We also have a short novel by Ed scheduled for next issue. Those who like to count things may have noticed an extra story this issue. Nina Hoffman’s contribution is very short, so we slipped in one more. Enjoy! Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Stephen Hickman NOVEL The Dangerous Inheritance, by Izola Forrester A woman inherits a mansion—and the dangers that haunt it… NOVELET Flight of the Silver Eagle, by Arthur Leo Zagat Ultra-science of days to come is unleashed when two rival powers clash! SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “No Trivial Matter,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “Dinah,” by Veronica Leigh [Michael Bracken Presents short story] A forgotten photo reveals a sister erased from history—but why was Dinah silenced? “That One Friend,” by Robert Lopresti [Barb Goffman Presents short story] A worried mother gets a late-night call—her son is at the police station… “Champs Don’t Dive,” by Jack Ritchie When the boxing champion is asked to take a dive and says “no,” things get rough. “The Beach,” by Damir Salkovic A forbidden island, a strange reef, and a terrifying transformation begin. “The Incredible Slingshot Bombs,” by Robert Moore Williams A slingshot, strange pebbles, and a blast—Tommy finds deadly power. “Wanderers,” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman When the flesh dreams, the bones roam—dancing, wandering, and seeking lost kin. “Shadow Over Endor,” by John S. Glasby Something murdered the occupants of the house. But there was only a tiny figurine and a strange carpet… “Grub,” by Edmund Glasby Revenge is a dish best served…wriggling!

A generation ago, a rich American bought an abandoned English castle, which had a reputation as a place of great evil. A few years later, his elder son was nearly driven mad by the father's death. Forty years after that, the youngest son tells the tale of the latest evil...

This issue, we have original mysteries by Albert Tucher (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and James Blakey, plus a modern tale by SJ Rozan (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman). For our mystery novel, we have a Golden Age tale set in the Canadian Northwest Territories, The Long Arm of the Mounted, by James French Dorrance. Rounding out the section is a solve-it-yourself puzzler by Hal Charles. We also have one of Norman Spinrad’s occasional “Norman Spinrad at Large” columns—wherein he talks about when (not if) we will find life elsewhere in the universe. On the science fiction & fantasy front, we have an original collaboration by Paul Di Filippo & Claudio Chillemi, a tale by British fantasy master John S. Glasby, and classic space opera by Nelson Bond (“Honeymoon in Bedlam,” which he later rewrote to feature Lancelot Biggs for his novel Lancelot Biggs: Spaceman), plus tales by William Campbell Gault and Edmond Hamilton. Fun stuff! Here’s the complete lineup— Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “The Bottle Blonde,” by Albert Tucher [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “The Fatal Founders Day,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “New Day Newark,” by SJ Rozan [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “The Five People You Meet in Atlantic City,” by James Blakey [short story] The Long Arm of the Mounted, by James French Dorrance [novel] Nonfiction: “Norman Spinrad at Large: Life As We Don’t Know It?” by Norman Spinrad Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Maximinus Thrax and the Gates of Chaos,” by Paul Di Filippo and Claudio Chillemi [short story] “When Darkness Falls,” by John S. Glasby [short story] “Honeymoon in Bedlam,” by Nelson S. Bond [short story] [short story] “The Woman Obsession,” by William Campbell Gault [short story] The Invisible Master, by Edmond Hamilton [short novel]

This issue features three original short stories (mysteries by M.A. Monnin [thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken], and Edd Vick & Manny Frishberg, plus a fantasy story by D J Tyrer), and an original science fiction novel by Thomas A. Easton. Furthering the mystery section, we also have a great tale by John M. Floyd (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman) a classic novel by William J. Burns & Isabel Ostrander, and a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles. Rounding out the science fiction and fantasy selections are a dark fantasy by British master John S. Glasby and a classic by Philip Jose Farmer. Lots of fun. Here’s the complete lineup— Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Tick Tock,” by M.A. Monnin [Michael Bracken Presents original short story] “Who Stole the Monopoly Money?” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Molly’s Plan,” by John M. Floyd [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Time and Tide,” by Edd Vick and Manny Frishberg [original short story] The Crevice, by William J. Burns and Isabel Ostrander [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Ring of Tsimblier,” by D J Tyrer [original short story] “In the Midst of Night,” John S. Glasby [short story] “Lancelot Biggs: Master Navigator,” by Nelson S. Bond [short story, Lancelot Biggs series] “The Wounded,” by Philip José Farmer [short story] Configuration Hacks, by Thomas A. Easton [original novel]

The boundaries of space exploration are being pushed back constantly, but the realm of the partially understood and the totally unknown is as great as ever. Among other things this book deals with astronomical instruments and their application, recent discoveries in the solar system, stellar evolution, the exploding starts, the galaxies, quasars, pulsars, the possibilities of extraterrestrial life and relativity.

This time, we have a smashing lineup, with original mysteries from such notables as John M. Floyd (thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), Steve Hockensmith (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman), and Sharon Hunt. Plus we have an original solve-it-yourself mystery from Hal Charles. And our mystery novel is The Bishop Murder Case, featuring Philo Vance in his fourth outing. On the fantasy and science fiction end, we have originals by David Jarvis and Jared Stonefield, a dark fantasy from British master John S. Glasby, pulp sci-fi from Joseph J. Millard, and a far-future science-fantasy novel from Lin Carter, as we reach the middle volume of his Gondwane series. Fun stuff! Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Tom Miller NOVELS The Bishop Murder Case, by S.S. Van Dine [Philo Vance #4] Philo Vance investigates a series of bizarre murders, each tied to a nursery rhyme. The Immortal of World’s End, by Lin Carter [Gondwane #3] Continuing our serialization of the Gondwane Epic, here is the third volume! SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “Deck of Cards,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “The Dark Woods,” by John M. Floyd [Michael Bracken Presents short story] A curious boy hears a chilling tale from a stranger, but the past may hold darker truths. “Shadow of the Badger,” by Steve Hockensmith [Barb Goffman Presents short story] Desperate to save his family, young Gustav sets out to end winter—but danger lurks nearby. “Giving Gifts,” by Sharon Hunt A midnight call brings Martha to a dying woman's side, where buried secrets demand reckoning. “The Day After Hamlet Died,” by David Jarvis Horatio unravels the truth behind Ophelia’s death, facing ghosts, conspiracies, and betrayal. “Ionian Twilight,” by Jared Stonefield On a doomed starliner spiraling toward Jupiter, a couple faces a heartbreaking decision. “Dark Kith and Kin,” by John S. Glasby When a doctor visits a reclusive widow in a decaying mansion, buried family secrets resurface, and death comes calling... “Crash on Viar,” by Joseph J. Millard A desperate pilot trapped on a dead moon fights for survival against an unforgiving void.

Are you prepared for 13 tales of the Cthulhu Mythos, as penned by John S. Glasby? With titles like these, how can you resist? BEYOND THE PEAKS OF NIGHTMARE THE BROODING CITY THE DISTURBER OF EVERNESS THE CEDWALD HERITAGE THE DWELLER IN THE GULF THE HOUSE ON THE RIM THE KH'YROG TABLETS THE SHADOW OVER REDFORDE THE RING OF THE HYADES A SHADOW FROM THE AEONS THE STONE OF MOGROTH THE UNDYING ONES A WHISPER FROM THE AEONS

Another week, another great issue—this time featuring terrific originals from H.K. Slade (part of his Friday Hampton/Ambrose Broyhill series, courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and Ken Foxe (a crime story set at rival coffee shops). And we have modern tales by Susan Dunlap (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman), Janet Fox (a sword and sorcery tale featuring her master thief, Jaquerel), and John S. Glasby (dark fantasy from a British master). For our mystery novel, we have Natalie Sumner Lincoln’s classic The Moving Finger. Rounding things out, we have classic science fiction from Nelson S. Bond, Marcia Kamien, and Carl Jacobi. Of course, no issue would be compelte without a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles. Here's the lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Rough Morning,” by H.K. Slade [Michael Bracken Presents short story, Friday Hampton/Ambrose Broyhill series] “The Three Quarters Clue,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “A Day at the Beach,” by Susan Dunlap [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Muffins and Malice,” by Ken Foxe [short story] The Moving Finger, by Natalie Sumner Lincoln [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “How Jaquerel Fell Prey to Ankarrah,” by Janet Fox [short story, Jaquerel series] “Solitude,” by John S. Glasby [short story] “The Ordeal of Lancelot Biggs,” by Nelson S. Bond [short story, Lancelet Biggs series] “And a Little Child,” by Marcia Kamien [short story] “Strangers to Straba,” by Carl Jacobi [short story]

It’s our final Halloween issue of the year—with lots of treats and only a few tricks. Headlining this issue is Bram Stoker’s “lost” horror tale, “Gibbet Hill,” which a researcher recently discovered in an Irish newspaper supplement from 1890. (It wasn’t listed in any of Stoker’s bibliographies, and it created quite a stir among horror aficionados.) I’ve very carefully edited it, correcting typos and a few dropped words, and fully annotated it. I think you’ll enjoy it. We also have original tales from bestselling authors Donna Andrews (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman) and Sharyn Kolberg (thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), and one from newcomer Christopher Lawrence Froehlich, who makes his Black Cat Weekly debut. Plus a pair of modern classics from British masters John S. Glasby and E.C. Tubb, plus a nautical thriller by Alan B. Le May—who is most famous as the author of the classic Westerns The Searchers (1954) and The Unforgiven (1957). Our novels this issue are Allen Upward’s The Club of Masks—a rare British mystery from the Golden Age—and E.H. Visiak’s pirate fantasy, The Haunted Island. Here’s the complete lineup— NOVELS The Club of Masks, by Allen Upward There’s murder at a scandalous London club where decadent masked aristocrats mingle… The Haunted Island, by E.H. Visiak Being the History of an Adventure to an Island in the Remote South Sea. Of a Wizard there. Of his Pirate Gang; His Treasure; His Combustible… SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “The Purloined Pumpkin,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “The Gate,” by Sharyn Kolberg [Michael Bracken Presents short story] After years of tension and escalating fights with her husband George, a simple accident turns deadly. “The Grim,” by Donna Andrews [Barb Goffman Presents short story] A rogue cemetery guardian causes chaos, chasing souls and scaring mourners. A paranormal expert intervenes… “Ghost Lanterns,” by Alan B. Le May Sailors begin disappearing as “ghost lanterns” float across the deck. Is the ship cursed? “Gibbet Hill, by Bram Stoker The recently discovered “lost” story from the Dracula author—and it’s a supernatural fantasy! “The Other Seance,” by John S. Glasby When a famous medium (and skilled charlatan is challenged to prove his powers, his tricks work too well… “Death Plays Baseball,” by Christopher Lawrence Froehlich When Death and Nostalgia swap jobs to prove whose job is harder, a cosmic game of baseball leads to unexpected chaos. “Museum Piece,” by E.C. Tubb In a future where war and violence are ancient relics, one man relives fantasies of military conquest…