Most Popular Books by Ron Miller

This issue, we have original tales from Ron Miller (a new Velda story), Janice Law (a new Holmes Impersonator story), and standalones from Laurence Raphael Brothers and Larry Hodges. We also present classic science fiction from Philip E. High and Ray Cummings, a pulp mystery set in China from George F. Worts, and a telegraph-crime story from the team of Romaine H. Lowdermilk and Arch E. Giddings. Lots of great reading! Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Ron Miller NOVELS Peter the Brazen, by George F. Worts A kidnapped girl. A hidden city. One brave man willing to fight. The Princess of the Atom, by Ray Cummings Beings from a microscopic world threaten Earth! NOVELETTE “The Lords of Creation,” by Philip E. High They call themselves the Lords of Creation. They’re wrong! SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “Who Stole Aunt Willow’s Golden Hammer?” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “Velda and the Book of the Dead,” by Ron Miller [Velda, P.I. series] Velda probes a deadly mystery after her book-dealer friend is poisoned. “The Holmes Impersonator and the Business at the Bijou,” by Janice Law [Holmes Impersonator series] The Holmes Impersonator faces a very real mystery at a “haunted” theater. “Codes,” by Romaine H. Lowdermilk and Arch E. Giddings Romance and deception clash in a high-stakes telegraph-office scheme. “Inner Journey,” by Laurence Raphael Brothers A patient''s inner journey becomes a doctor’s nightmare... “The Time and Place of the Invasion,” by Larry Hodges Heisenberg’s law: Know both time and place—then cease to exist!

Burlesque Queen turned private eye Velda doesn''t run away to join a circus, but after investigating a murder, feels like she might want to run away from the circus.

We learn how a burlesque queen became a private eye in the 1950''s when Velda tries to solve a "Murder at the Follies!" Also in this issue: Velda uncovers a Communist plot to blow up Margate, New Jersey in "Velda vs the Red Menace," and tackles a mysterious killer in "The Early Bird." As an extra bonus, a complete Velda short story is included! An adventure of Neolithica: Girl of the Pleistocene and Hawkshaw Hawk: Bird Detective round out the issue.

We have another jam-packed issue, with a special focus on the work of Ron Miller. We have not one, but three of his tales of Velda Bellinghausen, burlesque queen turned Private Eye. Velda is a personal favorite of mind, and judging from fan feedback, a highlight of every issue for many readers. A pair of novelets and a short story await. And yes, we have more Velda stories in inventory and coming up soon! We also have an original tales from Adam Meyer (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and Grigory Lukin. And I couldn’t help but squeeze in a modern classic by Nina Kiriki Hoffman (nominated for multiple awards when it first appeared in 1994), plus tales by Larry Tritten and British master Philip E. High. And, of course, there’s a new solve-it-yourself puzzler from the fiendishly clever minds of Hal Charles. (Yes, Hal gets two minds—the “Hal Charles” stories are penned by the longtime writing team of Hal Blythe and Charlie Sweet.) Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Ron Miller NOVEL The Hidden Staircase, by Carolyn Keene [Nancy Drew series] The second entry in the classic Nancy Drew mystery series. NOVELLA “Haunted Humans,” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman A killer’s escaped—now he’s stalking her, closer than ever... NOVELETS “Blind Justice,” by Ron Miller [Velda P.I. series] Velda follows the money from a grocery heist to a fashion show. “Velda Makes Horse Sense,” by Ron Miller [Velda P.I. series] A day at the track turns sour when Velda spots a dirty trick. SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “Watching the Submarine Races,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “Delilah Solves A Puzzle,” by Adam Meyer [Michael Bracken Presents short story] P.I. Delilah must unmask a stalker before a cubing prodigy is silenced. “Delilah’s Deadly Date,” by Ron Miller [Velda P.I. series] Velda uncovers a husband’s deadly secret after his wife is murdered. “When All You Have Is a Time Portal...,” by Grigory Lukin A one-way trip to a better world. But the future is already full. “Necessity Is the Mother of Invention...,” by Larry Tritten ...Bastard progeny notwithstanding! “A Schoolroom for the Teacher,” by Philip E. High A routine survey turns strange on a world that doesn’t add up.

This issue, we have yet again managed to pull together an amazing lineup, kicking off with originals from N.M. Cedeño (thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), Ron Miller (another Velda story!), Maureen Bowden, Conleth Thornbury, and Michael Randle, plus a new solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles. As if that’s not enough, we have a classic mystery novel from The Mystery of Voodoo Manor, a classic science fiction novel from Explorers Into Infinity, and classic novelets from J. Allan Dunn (one of my favorite pulp authors), and Sam Merwin, Jr. Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Ron Miller NOVELS The Mystery of Voodoo Manor, by Florence M. Pattee [Nancy Dayland series] A plucky young woman investigates a locked room mystery. Explorers Into Infinity, by Ray Cummings One invention sends explorers beyond the limits of time and space. NOVELETS “The Gray God,” by J. Allan Dunn On a forbidden island, even the stone god seems hungry for more. “Snowstorm on Mars,” by Sam Merwin, Jr. A baby is coming. So is terror from deep in the Martian past... SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “The Day the Music Died,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “The Case of the Dead Man’s Daughter,” by N.M. Cedeño [Michael Bracken Presents short story] A family mystery unravels when the dead refuse to stay lost. “One Good Turn,” by Conleth Thornbury A juror hears a simple case—and sees something far more dangerous. “Murder on a Shoestring,” by Ron Miller [Velda P.I. series] A studio stunt, a dead secretary, and one very bad pair of boots. “Transfusion on Grinfield Street,” by Maureen Bowden Can true love reclaim a soul that darkness held for centuries? “What Monkeys Fling,” by Michael Randle A raid on Earth should be easy. So why does everything go so wrong?

MYSTERIES / SUSPENSE / ADVENTURE “Promised Land” by Andrew Welsh-Huggins [Michael Bracken Presents short story] Security specialist Erie Hollar uncovers a sinister conspiracy on the moon’s Shackleton City. After discovering a body and surviving a brutal attack, Erie races against time to unravel the truth, dodging dangerous enemies and bureaucratic traps in a tense, moonlit sci-fi mystery. “The Great Diet Duplicity,” by Hal Charles [Solve It Yourself Mystery] Detective Kelly Stone investigates the theft of a cash prize at a dieting club’s annual weigh-in. Amid fire alarms and diet debates, can you solve the case before she does? “Murder of a Slumlord,” by Marc Egnal [Short Story] Detective Darryn Clark investigates the high-profile murder of a notorious slumlord in North Philadelphia. Amid a complex web of corruption and hidden motives, Darryn uncovers shocking secrets behind the crime. “Velda and the Three Happy Housewives,” by Ron Miller [Short Story] Private eye Velda’s latest case starts too close to home—just two floors down. What begins as a routine domestic disturbance quickly spirals into a tangled web of deceit, murder, and unlikely allies. A Mediterranean Mystery, by Fred E. Wynne [novel] A respectable English vicar finds himself embroiled in international intrigue and smuggling when he joins his wayward brother on a Mediterranean voyage. A thrilling tale of adventure, morality, and redemption. SCIENCE FICTION / FANTASY “Materialist,” by Janet Fox [short story] Barbara married for wealth, but after her grasping, elderly husband finally dies, a series of mysterious disasters unfolds. With a growing sense of dread, Barbara realizes the dead may hold more power than she ever imagined. “The Elevator Operator,” by Donald M. Munro [Barb Goffman Presents short story] Hugo Sanz, a long-time elevator operator, now a sentient hologram, faces more than difficult passengers in “The Elevator Operator.” As technology threatens his existence, dark secrets from his past resurface, leading to an eerie showdown. “The Tour Guide’s Tale,” by Anna Tambour [short story] A quirky tour guide shares a bizarre and darkly humorous tale of a colleague’s strange encounter with eccentric travelers. The story spirals into unexpected absurdity, blending wit, mystery, and a little menace. “Little Jimmy,” by Lester Del Rey [short story] A man returns to his childhood home, where he encounters something far more unsettling than nostalgia—an inexplicable presence tied to his past. Little Jimmy, a mysterious figure, challenges everything he thought he understood about life, death, and ghosts. “Mr. Biggs Goes to Town,” by Nelson S. Bond [short story, Lancelot Biggs series] A space freighter crew faces unexpected challenges when they are reassigned to a critical mission involving pirates on the planetoid Iris. With Lancelot Biggs’ quirky genius leading the way, they must uncover a new resource to save the mission—and thwart the criminals.

A collection of short stories running the gamut from fantasy and horror to mystery and science fiction. An esteemed sportsman likes to collect the heads of were-animals, an astonishing discovery is made on Mars, a secret cult builds their own god, a nice little old lady likes cats too much, a scientist discovers his best friend is a moon and a future society invents a novel way of executing criminals among other surprises, all to say nothing of the terrible secrets of Frankenstein, Jack the Ripper and the end of the world. At the publisher''s request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).

Welcome to Black Cat Weekly. On the mystery side of things, we have original tales by Veronica Leigh (one that looks to be the start of a new series) and Richard A. McMahon (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken). Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman has selected a great tale by Anna Scotti, and our novel is The Talleyrand Maxim, by Golden Age author J.S. Fletcher. Plus, of course, a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles. On the science fiction and fantasy side, our lead item is a new feature—a portfolio by artist Ron Miller. Ron has joined our staff as art director and will be providing covers from his vast body of work. But I wanted our readers to know how great an artist he is, so here is a collection of some of his best covers. As for the fiction, we have a monster-in-the-mist story by British master John Glasby, plus an all-star lineup of classic authors: Frank Belknap Long, Donald A. Wollheim, Henry Slesar, and Philip Jose Farmer. Great stuff. Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Ron Miller Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Mr. George,” by Richard A. McMahan [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “An Open and Shut Case,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “That Which We Call Patience,” by Anna Scotti [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughters,” by Veronica Leigh [short story] The Talleyrand Maxim, by J.S. Flextcher [novel] Special Feature: “Cover Portfolio,” by Ron Miller Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Thing in the Mist,” by John Glasby [short story] “Mr. Caxton Draws a Martian Bird,” by Frank Belknap Long [short story] “Saknarth,” by Donald A. Wollheim [short story] “Mr. Loneliness,” by Henry Slesar [short story] “The Celestial Blueprint,” by Philip José Farmer [short story]

It''s the eighth century Europe of Charlemagne...and of myths, monsters and magic. The Iron Tempest is the story of one of Charlemagne''s most formidable paladins, a fabulous woman knight who must face almost insurmountable odds in her quest for a love forbidden by her emperor, her family and her god. Odds that include such impediments as sorcerers and sorceresses, giants and hippogryphs, treachery and madness---all to say nothing of entire armies that have the misfortune of standing between Lady Bradamant and her heart''s desire...even if she is not entirely sure what that desire really is. At the publisher''s request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).

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?

This time, we have a pair of novels. First up is Ellery Queen’s The Roman Hat Mystery, originally published in 1929. It made quite an impact upon publication and launched the career of an iconic sleuth. While not quite on par with Sherlock Holmes, Ellery is certainly one of the great American fictional detectives, up there with Nero Wolfe, Nick Carter, and Philo Vance (and arguable at the head of the crowd). Our second novel is the first volume of Lin Carter’s epic Gondwane saga, The Warrior of World’s End. It’s a far-future science-fantasy sword-and-sorcery novel. (Try saying that three times fast!) If you like action-adventure fantasy in the tradition of Edgar Rice Burroughs, you can’t go wrong. And we’ll have the rest of the series in future volumes. As for the short stories, we have lots of returning favorite authors this issue, including Ron Miller (with a new Velda P.I. story), Andrew Welsh-Huggins (with an original mystery, thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), Shannon Taft (another original, thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman), and Veronica Leigh (with a new Smith Sisters story). New to BCW are Zary Fekete and Phil Giunta (though we hope to see more from them in the future). And, of course, we have a new solve-it-yourself mystery from Hal Charles and a classic sci-fi tale from Robert F. Young. Lots of good stuff, as always. Here’s the complete lineup— NOVELS The Roman Hat Mystery, by Ellery Queen In a Broadway theater, a prominent lawyer is found dead, and his missing hat may be key to unraveling a baffling murder mystery. The Warrior of World’s End, by Lin Carter A warrior awakens in a distant future, embarking on a surreal journey across a world shaped by ancient technologies, strange beasts, and forgotten sorcery. SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “Tree of Paradise,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “The Hunt,” by Andrew Welsh-Huggins [Michael Bracken Presents short story] On a deserted trail, a shadowy figure stalks human prey—until the tables turn. “Missing,” Shannon Taft [Barb Goffman Presents short story] A tourist’s mother vanishes from a luxury Bed and Breakfast… “Velda Gets Framed,” by Ron Miller [Velda series] Velda’s meeting in a rundown office leads to a locked-room murder, a setup—and sizzling intrigue. “Red Summer,” by Veronica Leigh [Smith Sisters series] In 1919 Indiana, the Smith sisters uncover dark truths while seeking justice for a murder. “The World Beneath the Page,” by Zary Fekete Elaine escapes her mundane life by stepping into the world of her book, only to uncover unsettling secrets… “In the Span of a Heartbeat,” by Phil Giunta A team’s mission on a desolate planetoid unravels into danger, discovery, and personal reckoning. “Plane Jane,” by Robert F. Young A man questions reality, identity, and truth as he unravels the mysteries of two worlds.

This issue, we have a pair of original mysteries (by Ron Miller and Shannon Taft, the latter two thanks to our Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman), and our mystery novel is a Victorian-era sensation novel by Florence Warden. Of course, there’s a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles, too. Our fantasy and science fiction section is heavier than usual on fantasy, with an Australian tale by Ernest Favenc, a dark fantasy by British master John Glasby, and a supernatural novel by E.F. Benson. Science fiction fans will enjoy classic pulp adventures by Edmond Hamilton and Arthur Leo Zagat. Fun stuff! Here’s the complete lineup— Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Under Cover,” by Wil A. Emerson [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Take the Money and Run,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “The Penny Drops,” by Shannon Taft [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Velda’s First Case,” by Ron Miller [short story, Velda series] The Mystery of the Inn by the Shore, by Florence Warden [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Not Without Sorcery,” by John Glasby [short story] “Fey,” by Ernest Favenc [short story] “The Comet-drivers,” by Edmond Hamilton [short story] “No Escape from Destiny” by Arthur Leo Zagat [short novel] Across the Stream, by E.F. Benson [novel]

This time, we have holiday-themed stories from Ron Miller (a great new tale featuring burlesque-queen-turned-private detective Velda), Nina Kiriki Hoffman (who remains one of my favorite fantasists active today), and Lillian M. Roberts (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman). Plus, we have great originals by Elizabeth Zelvin (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), Hala Dika, Joshua David Bellin, and Edmund Glasby (concluding his two-part novel serial from last issue). Our classic reprints are by John S. Glasby and Philip E. High. Here’s the complete lineup— SERIAL NOVEL The Battle of Mageddo, by Edmund Glasby [Part 2 of 2] The Third Apocalypse of Brother Santiago concludes! NOVELET “Ho, Ho, Ho, Velda!” by Ron Miller [Velda series] Velda’s holiday turns chaotic when a cryptic clue leads to a baffling mystery. Can she solve it before Christmas is ruined? SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “An Uncharitable Tournament,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “Scorched Earth,” by Elizabeth Zelvin [Michael Bracken Presents] Family tensions simmer as ambition and secrets collide. A gripping tale of loyalty and betrayal! “The Reunion,” by Lillian M. Roberts [Barb Goffman Presents] A stray dog leads Andi to a mystery that shakes up her holiday. “The Best Farnsworth,” by Hala Dika Detective Margot Cabot infiltrates a glittering world of wealth to uncover a deadly secret. Can she outwit the powerful Farnsworth family? “Company for the Holidays,” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman Aunt Phyllida’s Christmas guest is a boy with a mysterious past—and her house is hosting a party of shadows…. “The Troop,” by Joshua David Bellin A girl raised among apes warns of a threat to their sanctuary. As two worlds collide, survival means navigating trust, betrayal, and primal instincts. “The Method,” by Philip E. High In a galaxy where ancient instincts clash with advanced technologies, can Marsin ignite a rebellion and restore humanity’s place among the stars? “Where Dead Men Dream,” by John S. Glasby In Haiti, a reporter uncovers a sinister ritual. The drums call, the dead rise—and terror awaits!

This issue, we have 9 tales to excite, thrill, and amaze, with original contributions from frequent contributors Ron Miller, Hal Charles, Teel James Glenn, and A.L. Sirois, plus a newcomer to our pages, Sherry Teitelbaum. Plus we have classics from “Carolyn Keene” (pseudonymously written by Mildred Wirt), Harry Harrison, and Gordon MacCreagh. Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art by: Ron Miller NOVELS The Bungalow Mystery, by Carolyn Keene [Nancy Drew series] Nancy’s third outing as an amateur sleuth. NOVELETS “Velda Goes South,” by Ron Miller [Velda, P.I. series] South Boston looks sweet...until the tobacco barrels start talking... “The Ebony Juju,” by Gordon MacCreagh [Kingi Bwana series] A 1930 pulp mystery-adventure by a real African explorer. SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “The Mystery Writer''s Last Mystery,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “Deadman’s Falls,” by Hal Charles One phone call. One long-dead name. One impossible mystery... “Hitchhiker,” by Harry Harrison A stolen child, an empty desert road, and a hitchhiker collide! “What Would Synbad Do?” by Teel James Glenn Pirates close in, debts loom—and a lost island appears in the mist... “The Forgotten,” by Sherry Teitelbaum Escape is easy. Living with what was done to you is harder. “Last Dance,” by A.L. Sirois What happens when a sky troupe’s secret can’t stay airborne anymore?

This issue, we have a pair of Irish-themed stories (one dark, one light) by Christina Hoag and David Dean to welcome St. Patrick’s Day. Of course, there’s plenty more original fiction, too: tales by Ron Miller, Grant Tracey, Susan Shwartz, and CJ Erick, plus a new solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles. And, as always, we have some classics, too: science fiction shorts from Philip E. High and Sam Merwin, Jr., plus a mystery by Ernest Bramah (a fixup novel featuring nine adventures of Max Carrados). Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art by: Ron Miller NOVEL THE EYES OF MAX CARRADOS, by Ernest Bramah [Max Carrados series] Nine classic cases featuring the blind British detective. SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “The Krazy Killer Condiment Caper,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “A Debt of Silence,” by Christina Hoag A Belfast exile faces the deadly cost of an old silence. “Leprechaun,” by David Dean [Barb Goffman Presents short story] An abducted grandfather aims to keep his gold and family safe...with the luck of the Irish. “What’s Your 20?” by Grant Tracey Snow falls, dawn nears, and a desperate search turns suddenly deadly. “Butter Safe Than Sorry,” by Ron Miller [Velda P.I. series] One dead tenant. One odd clue. One very dangerous question indeed. “Mussorgsky on Mars,” by Susan Shwartz On Mars, survival may depend on more than air and luck... “Her Name Was Nimble,” by CJ Erick Nimble runs toward danger and finds the city’s hidden underworld. “Risk Economy,” by Philip E. High He came home to Earth—and found a world beyond nightmare. “Pink Grass Planet,” by Sam Merwin, Jr. Love, comfort, and a home planet that no longer feels quite like home...

This time, we have another jam-packed issue, and it’s overstuffed with three novels (okay, one of them’s a short novel, but still…) by Ron Miller (featuring Velda, his series private eye), John G. Brendan (a well-respected British writer of Golden Age mysteries), and Lin Carter (wrapping up his epic Gondwane saga). Fear not! We didn’t forget the short stories. We also have great tales from Neil S. Plakcy (thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), Larry Hodges, Adam Meyer, Josh Pachter (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman), E.C. Tubb, and Nelson S. Bond. Good stuff. Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Ron Miller NOVELS Velda Gets Knotty, by Ron Miller [Velda, P.I. series] Velda joins a Women’s Book Club at the center of a series of murders. Nighthawks!, by John G. Brandon Detective-Inspector Frayne navigates a labyrinth of dope rings, nightclubs, and elusive criminals! Giant of World’s End, by Lin Carter The final entry in the epic Gondwane saga! SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “Paint It Red,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “Teeth of the Krokodil,” by Neil S. Plakcy [Michael Bracken Presents short story] An FBI rookie teams with a seasoned agent to try to stop Krokodil, a new drug hitting Miami clubs… “I Don’t Like Mondays,” by Josh Pachter [Barb Goffman Presents short story] A PI guards a school on a grim anniversary—then a shooter walks in. “The Worshippers Themselves,” by Larry Hodges Declared insane for hearing voices, a fugitive seeks the truth beyond the stars. “The Magic Want,” by Adam Meyer A skeptic magician’s life changes when a salesman offers him a “magic want.” “Illusion,” by E.C. Tubb A covert agent’s latest mission takes a deadly turn at 30,000 feet. “The Judging of the Priestess,” by Nelson S. Bond A warrior and his lover return to her homeland, only to find it changed forever. Until next time, happy reading!

We’re sunk deep in ice and snow at the moment, but luckily we have power and Internet service and can work to get the new issue out. And it’s a good one, anchored by original tales from Michael Bracken, Peter DiChellis, Ron Miller, Michael Palmeri, and Nick Manzolillo. Plus we have rare tales from British masters Philip E. High and John S. Glasby, plus another from U.S. author Larry Tritten. Our classic science fiction tale is by Katherine MacLean. Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art by: Ron Miller NOVEL Strong Poison, by Dorothy L. Sayers [Lord Peter Wimsey series] Fifth volume in the classic mystery series! SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “An Ounce of Prevention,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “Collateral Damage,” by Michael Bracken Who is the real victim when the local burger joint is gutted for cash? “Inside a Locked Room,” by Peter DiChellis The door was bolted from the inside. How did the murderer escape? “Velda Gets the Drop on the D.A.,” by Ron Miller [Velda P.I. series] A murder, a rifle, a rich suspect—who’s really pulling strings here? “Making Noise,” by Michael Palmeri In a perfect suburb, the loudest problem may be the least of them... “Baby Tyrants,” by Nick Manzolillo Would you kill a baby to save the world? Locke must decide...tonight. “How Do You Like Your Blue-eyed Boy, Mr. Death?” by Larry Tritten What if the last survivor isn’t spared by chance, but by design?. “Topside,” by Philip E. High After a thousand years, Earth is no longer human. Can we take it back? “A House of Unreason,” by John S. Glasby He came to solve a case of shock—then the house locked him inside. “The Snowball Effect,” by Katherine MacLean One equation turns a sleepy little sewing club into a runaway movement.

This time, we have another full issue, with classic novels by Victor Bridges and Justin Huntly McCarthy, a novelet by British horror maestro John S. Glasby, and shorts by Sierra Bibi, Ron Miller, Hal Meredith, Richard Deming, Nicky Nielsen, Tom Easton, Bud Pharo, and Marcelle Dubé. Plus, of course, a brand new solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles. Lots of fun! Here''s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Steve Hickman NOVELS The Red Lodge, by Victor Bridges [classic mystery] A young doctor''s attempt to help his mentor leads to mystery, romance—and murder! The Dryad, by Justin Huntly McCarthy [classic fantasy] A knight''s enchantment, a forest maiden''s love, and ancient gods'' last stand... NOVELET "Things of the Dark," by John S. Glasby When an ancient evil awakens in the snow, a mountain rescue turns into a nightmare... SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY "By the Numbers," by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES "The Sovereign Individual," by Sierra Bibi A billionaire''s bodyguard faces impossible choices during society''s collapse. "Velda on the Ropes," by Ron Miller [P.I. Velda series] A rigged fight, a sudden death—and Velda''s on the case again. "The Man in the Blue Blouse," by Hal Meredith [Sexton Blake series] Blake unravels a cunning murder plot involving a baboon and a bloody sword-cane. "Mugger Murder," by Richard Deming A routine self-defense case raises disturbing questions for a detective. "Helping Hands," by Nicky Nielsen The Venus de Milo grows arms nightly. No one must ever know! "Diamonds in the Air," by Tom Easton An out-of-work accountant uncovers a secret that defies his reality. "The Epeius Trap," by Marcelle Dubé What killed everyone aboard the salvage station? "An Icy Reception" by Bud Pharo A synthetic engineer faces deadly prejudice at a remote lunar mining facility.

With Labor Day almost here, it seems especially fitting to publish a Labor Day story in this issue: Shannon Taft’s “Downhill,” brought to us by Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman. But the fun doesn’t stop there. We have more originals from Paula Messina, Ron Miller (a new Velda P.I. story), Karl Dandenell, Kent J. Moore, and Zachary Reger, plus a new solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles. Classics include novels by Edgar Wallace and Olive Harper, as well as shorts from Lemuel De Bra and Bryce Walton. Good stuff! Here’s this issue’s lineup— Cover Art: Stephen Hickman NOVELS The Tomb of Ts’in, by Edgar Wallace A secret tomb hides ancient riches—and deadly secrets best left buried. The Sociable Ghost, by Olive Harper A reporter finds himself involved with ghosts! NOVELET “Velda Wins a Prize,” by Ron Miller [Velda series] When Miss Methylated 1952 hits Margate, a sinister secret surfaces! SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “Right on the Money,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “How to Finance an African Safari,” by Paula Messina A wily widow finds creative ways to fund her dream trip abroad… “Downhill,” by Shannon Taft [Barb Goffman Presents short story] On Labor Day, a fatal scooter crash hides careful, chilling sabotage. “Blue Eyes and Diamonds,” by Lemuel De Bra A desperate wife schemes with a detective to cover her shameful secret. “When the Third Bell Rings,” by Karl Dandenell Chased by magic hounds, Paheet begs the sun priests for sanctuary. “Feat of Clay,” by Kent J. Moore A gallery night turns tense as a statue draws the wrong eyes—and whispers… “Between Two Lions,” by Zachary Reger The midnight library calls, and crows answer with courage and doubt. “Victorious Failure,” by Bryce Walton His breakthrough unravels when time itself conspires against him!