A page-turning whodunit set in the wilds of a remote movie ranch, Bottom Feeders describes the hapless Hollywood cast and crew that eke out a living working on low-budget fare. Their ambitious TV movie needs to be made fast and cheap, but a brutal murder grinds production to a halt. An approaching forest fire forces everyone to evacuate. In the confusion not everyone gets out. Eddie is the alcoholic director, Sheila the vulnerable camera assistant, Tom the self-centered actor, and Sondra the spurned sheriff’s deputy. Who will survive? Death comes sudden and silent. The camouflaged killer’s weapon-of-choice is a high-tech hunting bow capable of firing razor-sharp arrows four hundred feet per second. The mysterious assassin has an agenda. Those left behind must find out what it is and who is behind this bloody slaughter in the fight for their lives.

This issue brights quite a selection of mysteries and crime stories—8, in fact. (Though two are doing double-duty as science fiction.) Michael Bracken has selected a story by our acquiring editor Cynthia Ward for this issue—“Roadsong,” which (along with Eando Binder’s tale) is also science fiction. Barb Goffman has picked a winner by John Shepphird this issue. Plus we have classics by Stephen Wasylyk, James Holding, Dorothy B. Hughes, and Nicholas Carter. And what issue would be complete without a solve-it-yourself mystery by Hal Charles? On the science fiction side, Cynthia Ward has picked “Memorabilia,” a post holocaust story, by Holly Wade Matter, plus we have a classic fantasy by Lester del Rey (from Unknown), and a classic science fiction story by Jerry Sohl (from Infinity). Here’s the complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Alligators Don’t Ask for Payment,” by Stephen Wasylyk [short story] “Shima Maru,” by James Holding [short story] “A Ring of Truth,” by Hal Charles [solve-it-yourself mystery] “Of Dogs & Deceit,” by John Shepphird [short story] The Bamboo Blonde, by Dorothy B. Hughes [novel] Following a Chance Clue, by Nicholas Carter [novel] “The Sign of the Scarlet Cross,” by Eando Binder [short story] “Roadsong,” by Cynthia Ward [short story] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Sign of the Scarlet Cross,” by Eando Binder [short story] “Roadsong,” by Cynthia Ward [short story] “Memorabilia,” by Holly Wade Matter [short story] “Death in Transit,” by Jerry Sohl [short story] “Anything,” by Lester del Rey [short story]

This is our third Halloween issue of the month, with ghoulishly fun (and seasonally appropriate) tales from John Shepphird (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman), father-and-daughter writing team Harding McFadden & Eleanor Hawkins, and British master John S. Glasby. We also feature mysteries by N.M. Cedeño (thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and Ed Teja, plus a vintage 1908 Holmes short-short by Wex Jones that I recently turned up in my pulp research. Our novel is a classic corporate espionage tale from Francis Lynde. And, of course, we have a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles. On the science fiction front, we have great tales from Nelson S. Bond, E.C. Tubb, and Philip E. High. Great stuff! SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “An Historic Heist,” Hal Charles When a priceless George Washington letter goes missing from Caleb Becton’s curio shop, Detective Dani Harlowe must unravel a web of jealousy and secrets to find the thief. Can you solve it before the detective? NOVEL Scientific Sprague, by Francis Lynde An electrical engineer is thrust into a world of industrial espionage and danger. As mysterious threats close in, he must outsmart enemies—and uncover hidden conspiracies—to protect groundbreaking inventions. STORIES “Galápagos People Watching,” N.M. Cedeño [Michael Bracken Presents short story] On a Galápagos tour, César and his cousin try to make sense of the strange behavior of two fellow passengers… “The Recrudescence of Sherlock Holmes,” by Wex Jones [Sherlock Holmes series] First published in a U.S. newspaper in 1908, this sketch pokes good-natured fun at Holmes and Watson… “Ghost Negligence,” by John Shepphird [Barb Goffman Presents short story] A P.I. investigates a lawsuit in which a woman claims a ghost injured her in a haunted hotel. “Under Hard Rock,” by Ed Teja A P.I. arrives in a remote Colorado mining town hunting a missing man, only to learn he died in a suspicious accident. Hidden secrets could rewrite the town’s past—and future. “Hollow,” by Harding McFadden and Eleanor Hawkins Boys trick-or-treating on Halloween hear the legend of the gluttonous Hollow Fats. As they venture into the woods, what starts as a prank takes a chilling turn. “Dust,” by John Glasby A retired scholar and his uncle investigate a haunted house linked to strange disappearances in a remote village. “Horsesense Hank Does His Bit,” by Nelson S. Bond [Horsesense Hank series] Hank volunteers to help a defense plant during the war and quickly proves his value when Nazis show up. “Life Sentence,” by Philip E. High A ruthless gangster steals the identity of a man selected for a coveted longevity treatment. But a 5,000-year lifespan has unexpected consequences—and punishments. “Way Out,” by E.C. Tubb In robot church, a robot confesses to a terrible sin—envying humans…

Nominated for the 2017 Anthony Award for Best Novella Life can turn on a dime against the jagged cliffs of California's Central Coast... Bruised, battered, but determined, Jane Innes must navigate a tangled web of deception, depravity and murder, and turn the tables on cunning swindlers. Using the art of deception, this out-of-work actress embarks on a daring caper-her last chance to take down a deadly adversary. Following THE SHILL and KILL THE SHILL, BEWARE THE SHILL concludes this thrilling trilogy from Shamus Award-winning author John Shepphird. Praise for the Shill books: "Sly, sexy and surprising, THE SHILL is a darkly comic Hollywood tale of a not-so-innocent out-of-work actress being groomed for larceny." -Wallace Stroby, author of The Devil's Share, Shoot the Woman First, and Cold Shot to the Heart " THE SHILL is] a fast-paced heist story filled with colorful characters and interesting plot twists." -S.W. Lauden, author of Crosswise " KILL THE SHILL is] a fast and hard ride into a con trick. Told by a writer who pulls no punches this does not disappoint." -Richard Godwin, author of Wrong Crowd "Hell hath no fury like an actress duped. Revenge is the motivation, deception the means to get even in this exciting crime thriller." -Scott Adlerberg, author of Spiders and Flies and Jungle Horses, on KILL THE SHILL Meet the Author: John Shepphird is a Shamus Award-winning author and writer/director of TV movies. His three "Shill" novellas were inspired by noir master James M. Cain; it is a terse, tense, and twist-filled trilogy with a cast of characters immersed in the art of deception, depravity, and murder. Author's website: JohnShepphird.com.

HOW WILL YOU REMEMBER THE PANDEMIC? 40 authors from around the world set out to record their innermost feelings-- to offer inspiring, heartfelt, creative takes on the Covid-19 pandemic. Crime fiction, elegant and angry poetry, and gut-wrenching personal essays: all paint a picture of the year and help us make sense of the sacrifices we've made in 2020. Thank you for your generous support: all profits donated to charity. A brainchild of editor Lise McClendon, the anthology was shepherded by her with her co-editors-- Taffy Cannon, Kate Flora, and Gary Phillips-- to bear witness to the events taking place all around us, and especially within us, as we grapple with disease, isolation, death, and, yes, a healthy dose of chaos. Some writers chose to mine their own psyches and experiences, whether the challenges of life in lockdown or their struggles with productivity and focus. Others felt called to wry, dark fiction or poetry. Across the globe the reactions portray a similar anger, pain, and struggle from writers from the US, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Northern Ireland, Spain, Italy, and Romania. Our lives have been forever changed by these times. Whether a chance encounter with a mural on a utility box, to the lockdown in New York City and dystopian fiction, these writers never stopped imagining and exploring their worlds. Stuck at home, watching the news in horror, helping others: these writers' imaginations kept clicking right along (although their productivity sometimes took a hit.) As mystery writers the editors found many of their fellow crime writers willing to contribute, as was the well-known Romanian journalist and writer George Arion, true crime writer Caitlin Rother, German mystery writer Tatjana Kruse, thriller writer Robin Burcell, travel writer Tim Cahill, and many more. Poetry by 92nd St. Y Literature Director Wendy Salinger, Irish poet Paul Jeffcutt, haiku poet Z.J. Czupor, and crime writers Jim Nisbet, Gerald So, and Keith Snyder adds its own special punch between essays and stories. Illustrations are included. STOP THE WORLD Contributors: George Arion Meredith Blevins Eoghan Egan John Shepphird Gary Phillips Adriana Licio Mike Monson Merrilee Robson John Clark Piet Tiegeler Travis Richardson Richard Cass Tim Cahill Jody Jaffe Caitlin Rother Naomi Hirahara Kate Flora Donna Moore Lise McClendon Tatjana Kruse Dan Fesperman Tami Haaland Taffy Cannon Matt Coyle Marian Stanley John Rember J. Madison Davis Sarah M. Chen Wendy Hornsby Robin Burcell Sharan Newman Jacqui Brown Craig Lancaster Z.J. Czupor Gerald So Allen Morris Jones Wendy Salinger Jim Nisbet Paul Jeffcutt Keith Snyder

Her role in the con game was to be the shill before the scam exploded in bloody violence. Discarded, sacrificed like a pawn, Jane's left holding the bag. The swindlers left a murderous trail and millions of dollars are missing. The problem; Jane knows too much. She's a liability they can't afford to keep around. But the con artists underestimated Jane. They miscalculated her tenacity and will-to-survive. Not one to be crossed, her plan is to use their own weapon, the "art of deception," against them. Facing insurmountable odds Jane sets out to settle the score with fierce determination, and a few tricks up her sleeve. THE SHILL is part two of a trilogy from Shamus Award winning author, John Shepphird. "Hell hath no fury like an actress duped. Revenge is the motivation, deception the means to get even in this exciting crime thriller." -Scott Adlerberg, author of Spiders and Flies and Jungle Horses

Rooting out deception is Jack O'Shea's stock-in-trade. On the road to redemption from his criminal past, reformed-swindler-turned-private-eye Jack O'Shea investigates a strange death at a shadowy Northern California mountain college-a "visa mill" with clandestine ties to Silicon Valley. Accompanied by his retired racing greyhound, Jack discovers the college is built on top of an abandoned gold mine. Dark secrets lie below. As he investigates the suspicious death, Jack's prior sins come back to haunt. He suspected one day there'd be a knock on his door. Deception may be his specialty but not everything is as it appears. Jack O'Shea was first introduced in a series of short stories published in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine. The debut won the Shamus Award presented by the Private Eye Writers of America. The second in the series was a finalist for Bouchercon World Mystery Convention's Anthony Award. Critical Acclaim for Deception Specialist "I've always been a sucker for a conman, and it's a joy to be taken in by reformed grifter Jack O'Shea as he turns the tables on a murderous conspiracy." -Dennis Tafoya, author of Dope Thief "Won't get fooled again, not with Jack O'Shea on the case. Master con man turned PI, O'Shea isn't exactly on the side of the angels, but he's our kind of rogue." -Reed Farrel Coleman, New York Times bestselling author of Sleepless City "A good, old-fashioned mystery thriller powered by a completely original and compelling protagonist, John Shepphird's Deception Specialist speeds along at a breakneck pace while also tugging at your emotions. I read it in one sitting." -David Housewright, Edgar Award-winning author of In A Hard Wind "Jack O'Shea used to con people, but now he investigates on their behalf. It takes one to know one and he never misses a trick. He's got a scar on his face and one on his soul. Anytime he finds himself in over his head, he fights to rise. Deception Specialist is two stories in one and both will catch you holding your breath." -Jeffery Hess, author of Pascagoula Run, the Beachhead trilogy, No Salvation, and Scar Tissue "Scammers, schemers, and scoundrels are no match for former con man-turned-private eye Jack O'Shea. This Deception Specialist navigates a murderous conspiracy while confronting the ghosts of his swindling past in this edge-of-your-seat page turner." -Steve Jankowski, author of Below the Line "Tragedy turns a former conman into Shepphird's Deception Specialist A force for good in a world gone murderously bad." -Lawrence Maddox, author of Fast Bang Booze

Struggling actress Jane Innes plays a role in an elaborate scam, entering a tangled maze of deception, depravity and murder.