Romance is in the air with our special Valentine’s Day Spectacular! Of course, not all stories have romance, but we’ve done our best to weave a theme through many of the tales this issue. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the love and mayhem, as we present 7 great tales ranging from the here and now to the far future, 2 novels, and a solve-it-yourself mystery. As always, special thanks to our Acquiring Editors, Michael Bracken and Barb Goffman, who teased original tales from R.T. Lawton and Sherry Harris, and all our great contributors. Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Stephen Hickman NOVELS The Doctor Who Held Hands, by Hulbert Footner Madame Storey challenges a great criminal—and a great lover—to a duel to the death! The Pirate of World’s End, by Lin Carter The fifth volume of the Gondwane Saga, a far-future sword & sorcery epic! SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “The Case of the Missing Book,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “The Rat,” by R.T. Lawton [Michael Bracken Presents short story] Reggie the Rat scurries through Jersey’s underworld to crack a big case. “Light My Fire,” by Sherry Harris [Barb Goffman Presents short story] A routine garage cleanup leads Sarah Winston into unexpected danger… “Undertoad,” by Marcelle Dubé A cryptic message sends Cath on a race to save her granddaughter. “Mystery of the Deep,” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman A chance encounter on the beach leads to an unforgettable connection. “Small Packages,” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman A surprise hidden in a cereal box sends Sarah on an unexpected adventure. “For Everyone’s Welfare,” by Charles Walter A young couple fights for their future as colony rules threaten their love. “Images of Love,” by Larry Tritten A wandering adventurer finds love, passion, and heartbreak on his journey

Black Cat Weekly #13 presents: Mystery / Suspense: Most Men Don’t Kill, by David Alexander [novel] “Razor Sharp,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Black Friday,” by R.T. Lawton [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “A Matter of Science” by Ray Cummings [short story] A Town Is Drowning, by Frederik Pohl and C.M. Kornbluth [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy “The Truth About Wallpaper,” by Robert Bloch [humor] “You Don’t Walk Alone,” by Frank M. Robinson [science fiction] “The Adapters,” by Philip High [short story] The Terror out of Space! by John D. Swain [short novel]

This issue, we have original mysteries by Christina Hoag and Greg Herren (both courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), plus a crime tale by Greg Herren (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman). Our mystery novel is Annihilation by classic American mystery novelist Isabel Ostrander, whose detective fiction was influential in the early 20th century. Of course, there’s a solve-it-yourself puzzler by Hal Charles, too! On the science fiction and fantasy front, we have a real treat—Phyllis Ann Karr has been going through her files and found the previously unpublished short-story version of her novel Wildraith’s Last Battle for us. Plus, we have classics by David Mason, Cordwainer Smith, and Allen K. Lang. Our science-fantasy novel is Lin Carter’s sword-and-planet tale, Under the Green Star (the first of the Green Star series, very much in the Edgar Rice Burroughs tradition). Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Travis and Wilbur,” by Christina Hoag [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “The Antique Caravan Caper,” Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Housecleaning,” by Greg Herren [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Leonardo,” by R.T. Lawton [Michael Bracken Presents short story] Annihilation, by Isabel Ostrander [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Wildraith’s Last Battle,” by Phyllis Ann Karr [short story] “Farewell Message,” by David Mason [short story] “Box-Garden,” by Allen K. Lang [short story] “Scanners Live in Vain,” by Cordwainer Smith [short story] Under the Green Star, by Lin Carter [novel]

Our 51st issue is another strong one one, with four of our acquiring editors finding tales for us. Michael Bracken has an original Bev Vincent mystery, and Barb Goffman has a winner from R.T. Lawton. Cynthia Ward turns the tables on fellow editor Michael Bracken and selects a haunted house story by him! And too-long-absent editor Paul Di Filippo has picked a powerful story by Sheree R. Thomas. Good stuff. As if that’s not enough (which it never is for the Black Cat!), we have gone back to the pulps for some historical mystery-adventure tales by Harold Lamb and Philip M. Fisher, and dived even deeper for a collection of mysteries by Dick Donovan called The Chronicles of Michael Danevitch of the Russian Secret Service. On the science fiction front, we have novellas by Arthur Leo Zagat and George O. Smith, plus Skylark Three, by E.E. “Doc” Smith. Here’s the complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Death Sentence,” by Bev Vincent [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Letter Perfect,” Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Tightening of the Bond,” by R.T. Lawton [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “The Man Who Measured the Wind,” by Harold Lamb [novella] “The Yangtze Horde,” by Philip M. Fisher [short story] The Chronicles of Michael Danevitch of the Russian Secret Service, by Dick Donovan [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Little Spring,” by Michael Bracken [Cynthia Ward Presents short story] “Thirteen Year Long Song,” by Sheree R. Thomas [Paul Di Filippo Presents short story] “The Faceless Men,” by Arthur Leo Zagat [novella] The Kingdom of the Blind, by George O. Smith [novella] Skylark Three, by E.E. “Doc” Smith [novel]

This issue, things lean a bit heavier into science fiction and fantasy than usual. The action starts with the return of Sir Galahad (only 1,500 years late!) as he encounters the modern world. We also have a pair of very different time-travel tales from Philip E. High and Nelson S. Bond. E.C. Tubb’s story hasn’t been reprinted since its first publication, so we’re delighted to reintroduce it to the world. And topping things off is the conclusion of our book serial by Edmund Glasby. But don’t despair—Glasby’s novel is the first of a trilogy, and we begin serializing Book 2 in the next issue. There’s a lot happening on the mystery end of things, too. First, Acquiring Editors Michael Bracken and Barb Goffman have lined up great tales from Eve Fisher and R.T. Lawton. Plus we have originals from Robert Lopresti and Ron Miller (another in his Velda P.I. series). And, of course, we have a brand new solve-it-yourself mystery from Hal Charles. Great fun! Here’s the complete lineup— NOVELS Gods of the Jungle, by Nelson S. Bond [complete in this issue] Two American pilots discover the jungles of Cambodia hold the secrets of a lost civilization—including time travel! The Pale Galilean, by Edmund Glasby [Part 2 of 2] Brother Santiago finds himself in a strange fantasy world plagued by demonic creatures. SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “A Pickleball Perplex,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “Lady With a Past,” by Eve Fisher [Michael Bracken Presents short story] A chance meeting leads to romance for Officer Tripp and a woman with a past… “Vet’s Day,” by R.T. Lawton [Barb Goffman Presents short story] When a veteran asks his old partner to help break a dog out of an upscale vet’s office, things go hilariously awry! “Shanks Gets Lost,” by Robert Lopresti [Shanks series] Mystery writer Leopold Longshanks’s search has a bizarre misadventure involving a cash-strapped stranger, cryptic family feuds, and unexpected run-ins with the police… “Velda and the Thirteen Feathers,” by Ron Miller [Velda series] Velda investigates arson—uncovering sinister secrets, ruthless suspects, and deadly clues—including thirteen feathers! “Galahad Returns,” by Larry Hodges After centuries seeking the Holy Grail, Sir Galahad returns, ready for Camelot but landing in modern-day America instead… “Routine Exercise,” by Philip E. High During a routine drill, the nuclear submarine Taurus takes an impossible journey through time… “The Robbers,” by E.C. Tubb Tony defies his parents and joins the Service, a mysterious force recruiting Earth’s disaffected youth. But why are they teaching such primitive skills?

Explore the treacherous and awe-inspiring landscape of America's first national park in this new anthology, "Deadly Yellowstone." With scalding geysers, stampeding buffalo, and ravenous grizzlies, danger lurks at every turn. As a global tourist magnet, Yellowstone National Park attracts not only nature enthusiasts but also those with sinister intentions. Unravel the mysteries within the park's boundaries as thirteen gripping short stories delve into baffling events amidst the beauty and danger of Yellowstone. Thirteen chilling tales of wildlife, mayhem, and murder in America's first national park

Five stories set in the1660's Paris Underworld involving a young orphan pickpocket trying to survive in a criminal enclave. If only he were as competent at his trade as he believes himself to be. Plus, four stories set in 1850s Chechnya following an Armenian trader of Turkic goods and his Nogai servant as they depart the Cossack cordon along the Terek River headed south into the Wild Country, a land of hill tribes warring against Russian expansion. One mishap could earn them an unmarked grave.

The Armenian seriesThe Tereski Cossacks hold the frontier for the Russian tsars in Moscow. To the south are the Chechen hill tribes and the mountain strongholds in the shadow of the Caucasus Range. This is the Wild Country with many unmarked graves. Into this savage land rides an Armenian trader of Turkic goods who lives by his wits, hoping that his luck doesn't run out.1660's Paris Underworld seriesIn Paris, during the reign of Louis the Fourteenth, known as the Sun King, a young orphan tries to survive in an enclave of criminals. His only skill in life is his training as a pickpocket. If only he were as competent as he thinks he is at.

Nine stories of criminals trying to have their day, from spies to snitches, and car thieves to killers.

At the cutting edge of crime fiction, Mystery Magazine presents original short stories by the world's best-known and emerging mystery writers. The stories we feature in our monthly issues span every imaginable subgenre, including cozy, police procedural, noir, whodunit, supernatural, hardboiled, humor, and historical mysteries. Evocative writing and a compelling story are the only certainty. Get ready to be surprised, challenged, and entertained--whether you enjoy the style of the Golden Age of mystery (e.g., Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle), the glorious pulp digests of the early twentieth century (e.g., Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler), or contemporary masters of mystery. ★ In this issue ★ ✓ Our cover feature is "Palomino Coal" by Doug Crandell: If the palomino gold was here in the stables, Dani would need to be patient, look for it everywhere. Maybe it would help her find her grandpa. ✓ "On The Pad" by R.T. Lawton: During Prohibition, you could buy a bottle of booze from your local bootlegger or drop by a speakeasy for a couple of drinks. Or, you could just ask your family doctor to write you a prescription for a bottle of medical alcohol. ✓ "First Arrest" by Jim Doherty: This is the story of a serendipitous turn on the trail. This is the story of Gus Hachette's first arrest. ✓ "Dance With The Dolly" by Gary Alan Ruse: In this modern cozy, a retired college librarian and her best friend get involved in a real-life murder mystery that becomes dangerous to them as well. ✓ "Flight Control" by Jacob Aaron Reingold: A chance encounter between a woman and a man on a plane dredges up their war-torn past with dangerous implications for their futures. ✓ "Cover Of The Moon" by Robert Mitchell: In the depression years of the 1930's a man returns home to learn his father may have been murdered by a local sheriff. This leads him on a trail of discovery to learn a shocking truth. ✓ "In-Laws And Outlaws," a You-Solve-It by John M. Floyd: Fran and Lucy accuse a thievin' vegan. Custom Cover Art By Robin Grenville Evans