This issue features a pair of novels. The first, The Man in the Queue, by Josephine Tey, kicks off her Inspector Alan Grant series. The second, The Enchantress of World’s End, by Lin Carter, continues the epic far-future, sword-and-sorcery saga begun last issue. As for our mystery shorts, we have a great lineup. Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken has selected an original Ecuadoran-set thriller by Tom Larsen, and Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman has uncovered a terrific tale by Janice Law, one of our favorite mystery writers. From Gordon Linzner—whose many claims to fame include purchasing a mock-epic poem the editor of BCW wrote when he was a mere lad of 15 (his first sale!) some 40-odd years ago—comes a murder mystery set in a bookstore. And, of course, we also have a solve-it-yourself mystery from Hal Charles. On the science fiction and fantasy end of things, we have an original reverse-causality tale by Sam W. Pisciotta, a demon-story by the ever-amazing Nina Kiriki Hoffman, a Weird Tales classic by Henry S. Whitehead, and a classic science fiction story by Philip E. High. Truly, something for every taste! Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Ron Miller NOVELS The Man in the Queue, by Josephine Tey Murder in a theater queue! Inspector Alan Grant investigates. The Enchantress of World’s End, by Lin Carter The Gondwane Epic continues with the second (of five) volumes. SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “Death Climbs the Charts,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “El Coronel y El Capitán,” by Tom Larsen [Michael Bracken Presents short story] A retired colonel and resolute captain clash, exposing Ecuador’s dark secrets. “The Front Man,” by Janice Law [Barb Goffman Presents short story] A ghostwriting deal stirs ambition, deception, and dire consequences. “Ill Met at Bartleby’s,” by Gordon Linzner Murder most foul at a small-town bookshop! “Adventures in Causality,” by Sam W. Pisciotta A cosmic sphere disrupts Delores’s life, sending her through bizarre timelines. “The Devil You Know,” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman When Dominic is adopted by a demon, lessons are learned at a terrible cost. “The Thin Match,” by Henry S. Whitehead A battered match may prove its worth as a man struggles against the cold. “Mumbo-Jumbo Man,” by Philip E. High A stolen artifact ignites hidden powers, testing loyalty, fierce courage, and destiny.

This issue, we have the second of the long-running Dutch series featuring the adventures of Lord Lister (Alias Raffles), as the Robin Hood of England tangles with a jeweler who likes to cheat his customers with fake diamonds and pearls. (This is a new translation and its first appearance in English. We have more coming up.) Plus we have original mysteries by Tom Larsen (thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), Joseph S. Walker (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman), and K M Rockwood. Plus, of course, a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles. On the science fiction side of things, we have another great lineup, with tales by Stephen Marlow, Henry Slesar, Edmond Hamilton, Frank Belknap Long, and a writer best known for his mysteries, Donald E. Westlake. Enjoy! Here’s the complete lineup— Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “El Cazador (The Hunter),” by Tom Larsen [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “New Sheriff in Town,” Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Sunrise at the Moonshine Palace,” by Joseph S. Walker [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Flippin’ Flapjacks,” by K M Rockwood [short story] “The Punishment of the Jewel Forger,” by Kurt Matull and Theo Blakensee [novelet, Lord Lister (Alias Raffles) #2] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Passionate Pitchman,” by Stephen Marlow [short story] “My Robot,” by Henry Slesar [short story] “The Life-Masters,” by Edmond Hamilton [short story] “The Red Fetish,” by Frank Belknap Long [short story] “Meteor Strike!” by Donald E. Westlake [short story]

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 has more of a fantasy focus than usual—just the way the stories lined up, not a permanent trend—but it really showcases the strengths of modern fantasy writers, as none of the stories is anything like the others. On the mystery front, we have a new Capitán Ernesto Guillén story from Tom Larsen, for those who have been following the Ecuador-set series with interest. Our mystery novel is by Henry Kitchell Webster, and our fantasy novel is a Victorian-era feminist allegory from Edith Allonby. Don’t skip the introductions for some interesting insights into both books and their authors. Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Stephen Hickman NOVELS The Corbin Necklace, by Henry Kitchell Webster A wedding, a missing pearl necklace, and family secrets collide. Jewel Sowers, by Edith Allonby On planet Lucifram, a mute girl seeks her voice. SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “A Walk in the Park,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “The Mailbox Murders,” by Mary Angela Honerman When red dots appear on calendars, residents of Green Meadows start dying. “El Sicario (The Hit Man),” by Tom Larsen [Capitán Ernesto Guillén series] A corrupt cop uses an elaborate sting to catch a killer he can't forget. “Last Call at the Gasping Banshee,” by Devin James Leonard A wife thinks her husband's been replaced. The bartender knows better. “Skipjack,” by Gary Earl Ross A boy discovers he can time travel through photos—but he's not alone. “Gods in Reduced Circumstances,” by B. Morris Allen Retired gods crash at Prometheus's cottage until he can find them a home. “The Elves Stole Her Away,” is by J.A. Prentice Can a witch rescue a girl who chose love with an elf over safety? “The Black Kiss,” by Robert Bloch and Henry Kuttner An artist inherits a cursed house where dreams of sea monsters come alive…

This issue, we have our usual eclectic mix. Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken has a new Ecuadoran story by Tom Larsen. We have more original shorts by Michael Haynes, Paula Messina, Simon Kewin, John Leahy, and Veronica Leigh. And classics by Elizabeth Burgoyne Corbett (who originally wrote as “Mrs. George Corbett”), Ray Cummings, and James H. Schmitz. And there’s a brand new solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles, too. Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Stephen Hickman NOVELS The Adventures of Dora Bell, Detective, by Elizabeth Burgoyne Corbett A lady detective solves cases police dare not touch… The Sea Girl, by Ray Cummings An underwater world holds a civilization that threatens humanity! NOVELLA “The Beacon to Elsewhere,” by James H. Schmitz A hijacked shipment of alien material opens doors best left closed… SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “A Roll of the Dice,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there SHORT STORIES “The Lost Innocence of Ernesto Guillén,” by Tom Larsen [Michael Bracken Presents short story, Ernesto Guillén series] Some crimes demand justice beyond the law’s reach. “Prank Frank,” by Michael Haynes A harmless prank escalates into something darker… “The Little Girl,” by Paula Messina A house full of ghosts hides a family secret… “The Destruction of Gianthome,” by Simon Kewin When the giants vanish, who’s left to guard ancient secrets? “After the Dulling,” by John Leahy When the sun begins to dim, where can you run for safety? “Two Against Time,” by Veronica Leigh Some encounters transcend time itself. But why?

For the past two years, Jason (Jayce) Freeh has conducted surveillance operations for one of the largest private investigative firms in the Northwest. He doesn't consider himself a real detective, but with his fiftieth birthday approaching and no pension plan, he knows he'd better get some more lucrative work, or else return to his previous job as a union pipe fitter. When a wealthy doctor from Arizona offers him one hundred thousand dollars to get the goods on a shadowy individual who calls himself Paladin, Jayce decides he could be a detective-albeit an unlicensed one-on this particular case. To help his HIV-positive son end his life, the doctor has made a deal with Paladin. The doctor wants to honor his son's wishes, but he also wants Paladin, a Vietnam War protestor with past experience in assisted suicide, to pay for what the doctor considers to be a sin. Jayce takes the down payment, and over the next seventy-two hours his life is thrown into a tailspin as he deals with his married girlfriend, a self-admitted killer, and members of a rightwing religious group-the Centurions for Christ. He soon wishes he was back wrestling pipes for a living.

A botched smuggling operation. A missing brother who knows too much. Can Wilson Salinas uncover the truth before the shadows close in for good?

Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Ron Miller NOVELS The Porcelain Mask, by Johnston McCulley The creator of Zorro turns his deft hand to a pulp mystery novel. A Man Obsessed, by Alan E. Nourse His all-consuming drive for revenge led him to join the Mercy Men... Armed with Madness, by Mary Butts A jazz-age retelling of the Quest for the Holy Grail (but no SPAM)... SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “What’s At Stake?” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “El Ocho de Agosto,” by Tom Larsen [Michael Bracken Presents short story] A PI’s past returns with a vengeance...and a deadline. “Give the Gift of Murder,” by Robert Lopresti A fundraiser finds her billionaire donor dead. Did he sign the papers? “Only Three,” by Anna Scotti A kind woman helps a stranger. His strange gift will change her life. “Hickory, Dickory, Death!” by Ray Cummings A man is stabbed in his study. All the clues are phony. Or are they? “Where Halloween Never Ends,” by Phil Giunta To escape her grief, she enters a maze. But her past is waiting... “The Necromancers of Rainsville, Alabama,” by Amelia Dee Mueller A swamp witch’s death pits her twin daughters against each other. “A Ghost in Court,” by Anonymous A ghost reveals buried gold, sparking a bizarre courtroom battle.

Black Cat Mystery Magazine returns with an action-packed issue featuring 11 original tales of crime and mystery. Our classic reprint is "The Moffat Mystery" by Australian writer Mary Fortune. Here's the lineup: REAL COURAGE, by Barb Goffman MEET ME AT THE CHURCH AND BRING ALL THE GUNS, by Bruce Arthurs EL PASO HEAT, by Peter W.J. Hayes THE LEGEND OF YAG-GRYLLHOTH, by Andrew Welsh-Huggins RED ROSES FOR A BLUE LADY, by Josh Pachter HEIRESS, by Linda Niehoff EL PRIMO DE ANA, by Tom Larsen RAIN ALWAYS FALLS, by Stephen D. Rogers HYENAS, by Janice Law< A GREAT TEAM, by John Bosworth SPEED DATING, by Steve Liskow

This issue, we have 11 tales instead of our usual 10. Why? Because I felt like it! Or it’s a Mother’s Day special bonus. Whatever…just enjoy! This is another issue jam-packed with original stories. Tom Larsen and Anna Scotti (thanks to Acquiring Editors Michael Bracken and Barb Goffman), as well as Hal Charles and Robert Lopresti, lead off the pack with new mysteries. And Grigory Lukin, Eric Rutter, E.E. King, and Andrew Akers contribute new science fiction and fantasy. Classic reprints from Marie Belloc Lowndes, Edgar Wallace, and John S. Glasby round out the issue. Lots of good stuff. Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Ron Miller NOVEL The Lonely House, by Marie Belloc Lowndes A nurse in a quiet home senses evil growing behind locked doors… NOVELLA “The Case of Joe Attymar,” by Edgar Wallace Smugglers face justice on the Thames—but murder comes first. Why? SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “Last Call,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “Hiding in Plain Sight,” by Tom Larsen [Michael Bracken Presents short story] A private eye stalks a fugitive in Ecuador—but who’s really the prey? “That Feminine Mystique,” by Anna Scotti [Barb Goffman Presents short story] A new teacher in a quiet town uncovers secrets no one dares speak aloud. “Shanks Gets Lost,” by Robert Lopresti A mystery writer’s road trip detours into danger at a country store. “If Time Travel Were Possible…,” by Grigory Lukin Future assassins battle to change history—but at what cost? “The Grendel Case,” by Eric Rutter A troll cop investigates a murder in his own territory. Justice? “The Great Unconformity,” by E.E. King A deep dive into geology leads to secrets buried for eons…or longer. “Morning Star,” by Andrew Akers A preacher’s sermon takes a dark turn when science and faith collide. “Lord of the Necromancers,” by John S. Glasby An ancient evil rises in Egypt—can forbidden knowledge be buried again