Our 79th issue features a pair of original mysteries by N.M. Cedeño (thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and Bryon Quertermous (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman). Cedeño is no stranger to BCW readers, having already appeared in our pages twice before. Hopefully Bryon Quertermous will match that hat trick, too. Rounding out the mystery section are a pair of novels: Francis Beeding’s The House of Doctor Edwardes (filmed by Alfred Hitchcock as Spellbound) and The House on the Cliff, by Franklin W. Dixon, which you may recognize as the very first Hardy Boys book. If you grew up reading the modern revisions of the original Hardy Boys series (which began in 1927), you’re in for a shock: these brothers are tougher, edgier, and face real peril. They were definitely watered down beginning in the 1950s. And often the titles were the only things that remained from the original stories. And, of course, no issue would be complete without a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles (the writing team of Hal Blythe and Charlie Sweet). In the science fiction & fantasy section, Phyllis Ann Karr continues the adventures of her legendary fantasy duo, Frostflower and Thorn, in “Night of the Short Knives.” Don’t skip her Afterword about the story; it’s fascinating. Plus we have tales by Philip José Farmer, a rare science fiction foray by mystery author Wenzell Brown, and tales by Oliver Saari and George O. Smith. Great stuff. Here’s the lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Disappearance of a Serial Spouse,” by N.M. Cedeño [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “An Impossible Theft,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Visiting Artist,” by Bryon Quertermous [Barb Goffman Presents short story] The House of Doctor Edwardes, by Francis Beeding [novel] The House on the Cliff, by Franklin W. Dixon [novel, Hardy Boys #1] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Night of the Short Knives,” by Phyllis Ann Karr [short story, Frostflower & Thorn] Daughter,” by Philip José Farmer [short story] “Murderer’s Chain,” by Wenzell Brown [short story] “Moon Dust,” by Oliver Saari [short story] “Bombs Awry,” by George O. Smith [novella]

Our mysteries this issue include Josh Pachter’s “The Secret Lagoon” (Michael Bracken’s pick), Larry Allen Tyler’s “Just a Little Before Winter’s Set In” (selected by Barb Goffman) and a solve-it-yourself from Hal Charles (the writing team of Hal Blythe and Charlie Sweet). A futuristic detective tale by Larry Tritten, and a classic Nick Carter novel from 1903, The Plot That Failed, round things out. On the science fiction & fantasy side, we have a vampire classic by Carl Jacobi, “Revelations in Black” (which was also the title story of one of his Arkham House collection); “Bullard Reflects,” by Malcolm Jameson, which is classic SF from Astounding; “Strike,” by Richard Wilson, about newspaper reporters coming a shipping strike in space; and “Three Bananas,” by Larry Tritten—which is one of his gonzo cross-genre mashups. Fun stuff. Plus the already-mentioned “Extended Family,” by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough. (Did we mention that this is one of those stories you won’t want to miss?) Here’s the complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense “The Secret Lagoon,” by Josh Pachter [short story] “The Game’s Afoot,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Just a Little Before Winter’s Set In,” by Larry Allen Tyler [Barb Goffman Presents short story] The Plot That Failed, by Nicholas Carter [novel] “Three Bananas,” by Larry Tritten [short story] Science Fiction & Fantasy “Extended Family,” by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough [Cynthia Ward Presents, short story] “Bullard Reflects,” by Malcolm Jameson [short story] “Three Bananas,” by Larry Tritten [short story] “Strike,” by Richard Wilson [short story] “Revelations in Black,” by Carl Jacobi [short story]

This time, we have a pair of original mysteries—tales by Steve Liskow (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and M.A. Blume, plus a terrific tale by Steve Hockensmith (which typography nuts like me will enjoy, courtesy of Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman). The mystery novel is by Avery Gaul, and of course we have a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles. On the science fiction side, we have a novel by Golden Age author Arthur Leo Zagat, an early—and quite silly—fantasy from Harlan Ellison, space opera from Edmond Hamilton, and straight-up SF tales from John Victor Peterson and Manly Bannister. Lots of fun. Here’s the lineup: Cover: Ron Miller Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “The Grifted Age” by Steve Liskow [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Deadly Reunion” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “i” by Steve Hockensmith [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Pretty Is As Pretty Does,” by M.A. Blume [short story] Five Nights at the Five Pines, by Avery Gaul [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Classified Object,” by John Victor Peterson [short story] “The Annals of Aardvark,” by Harlan Ellison [short story] “The Great Illusion,” by Manly Bannister [short story] “The Star-Stealers,” by Edmond Hamilton [short story] The Two Moons of Tranquillia, by Arthur Leo Zagat [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.

Three favorite series highlight this issue: First, Sherlock Holmes—or rather, several Sherlock Holmeses—feature in A.L. Sirois’s “The Matter of Time” (thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken). Then burlesque queen turned private eye Velda returns in Ron Miller’s original tale, “Big Top Velda.” (You will recall several other Velda stories in recent months—and we have more upcoming!). And on the science fiction front, space opera misfit Lancelot Biggs stars in “The Downfall of Lancelot Biggs,” by Nelson Bond. Fun stuff! More highlights: Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman has found a real winner in Debra H. Goldstein’s “Harvey and the Redhead.” (I’m a Here’s the complete lineup— Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “The Matter of Time” by A.L. Sirois [Michael Bracken Presents short story, Sherlock Holmes series] sucker for bar stories.) And our mystery novel is by Harold MacGrath. On the science fiction front, we have dark fantasies from British master John S. Glasby (who’s in his 90s and still writing) and Frank Belknap Long, plus space opera from Edmond Hamilton and classic SF from Lester del Rey. Here’s the complete lineup— Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “The Matter of Time” by A.L. Sirois [Michael Bracken Presents short story, Sherlock Holmes series] “The Case of the Lost Library” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Harvey and the Redhead” by Debra H. Goldstein [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Big Top Velda” by Ron Miller [short story, Velda series] The Blue Rajah Murder, by Harold MacGrath [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Matter of Time” by A.L. Sirois [Michael Bracken Presents short story, Sherlock Holmes series] “A Place of Shadows” John S. Glasby [short story] “Evans of the Earth-guard,” by Edmond Hamilton [short story] “The Downfall of Lancelot Biggs,” by Nelson S. Bond [short story, Lancelot Biggs series] “The Cottage” by Frank Belknap Long [short story] “The Life Watch” by Lester del Rey [novella]

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]

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 arrives late and out of place, feeling the pressure of keeping up with the other polished 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 Fanny Fister’s prized possession—a gold-plated Colt .45 once owned by Annie Oakley—vanishes from her gun safe, State Police Detective Kelly Stone is called in to solve the locked-room mystery. Can you solve it before Kelly does? “Business As Usual,” by Wayne J. Gardiner [Barb Goffman Presents short story] Lucille is a cold-blooded specialist for hire, used to handling “business” for the Chicago Outfit. After a risky job in Kansas City, she returns to New York with doubts creeping in—did she make a mistake by taking a little extra on the side? When a hitman in a brown suit tails her at LaGuardia, it’s clear Walter, the polished underboss who hired her, isn’t done. Lucille must think fast and act faster. But 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, Mr. Berducci, unresponsive in his tomato patch, it seems like a tragic accident. But her young son, He 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. As she navigates a world of con artists and crooks, Baddie must decide who she can trust—especially when it comes to the enigmatic Wendy Washburn, who may be her salvation…or her downfall. 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. Drawn through a strange, dimensionless door, they uncover a timeless space filled with unsettling figures—mirror images of themselves! “Nightmare on Ice,” by John S. Glasby [short story] The polar base is under siege by an otherworldly force in the depths of an unrelenting Arctic winter. When a scientist, Spender, dies mysteriously and leaves behind strange tracks in the snow, the remaining men of the expedition face an escalating series of supernatural terrors. “Where Are You, Mr. Biggs?” by Nelson S. Bond [short story, Lancelot Biggs series] Lancelot Biggs, the brilliant but eccentric First Mate of the spaceship Saturn, invents a revolutionary “velocity intensifier” that propels the crew on a high-speed journey to Uranus. When a miscalculation puts them on a collision course with Jupiter, disaster seems unavoidable—unless Biggs can perform a miracle! “The Nobles Are Coming,” by Gene Cross [short story] Trapped in a Martian cave, archeologist Ross encounters the unnerving presence of a man named J.J. Abrogado, a prospector with a deep obsession over the mysterious, deadly creatures known as the Nobles. These towering, regal 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 Martin Brant finds himself at the center of an epic aerial war between global superpowers. As enemy forces close in with devastating new weapons, Brant and his crew must pull off a daring mission to infiltrate and hijack the enemy’s flagship city in a desperate bid to turn the tide!