Black Cat Weekly #186

This issue, we have an assortment of goodies for the discerning reader, kicking off with 5 mysteries: an original by Steve Liskow (thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), a Sherlock Holmes pastiche by Mike Adamson (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman), and an original crime/detective story from John Patrick Nelson. Our mystery novel is a Golden Age classic by Virgil Markham. Plus, of course there’s a brand new solve-it-yourself puzzler by Hal Charles.

On the science fiction and fantasy side, we have great originals by Ira Nayman and Lyle Hopwood, a science fiction/vampire tale from modern master Nina Kiriki Hoffman, and the second in the Space Hobo series from E.C. Tubb. Our novel is a magical golden age fantasy from Norman H. Matson. Definitely fun!

Here's the complete lineup:

Cover Art: Steve Hickman

NOVELS

Death in the Dusk, by Virgil Markham

A killer strikes at dusk, leaving terror—can justice survive the night?

Flecker’s Magic, by Norman H. Matson

A sorcerer’s spell goes awry, plunging lives into peril and wonder…

SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY

“Good Fences,” by Hal Charles

Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there!

SHORT STORIES

“Taking the Plunge,” by Steve Liskow [Michael Bracken Presents short story]

A model's fiancé plunges to his death. Suicide or a rich killer's cover-up?

“A Damnation in Negative,” by Mike Adamson [Barb Goffman Presents short story]

Sherlock Holmes tracks thieves using stolen photos. Will a negative prove deadly?

“Mob Dick,” by John Patrick Nelson

Mafia muscle forced into detective work, tracking a boss’s missing daughter.

“How I Saved the World (and Lost My Job),” by Ira Nayman

He saves the world from disaster but learns heroism has consequences.

“The Biting-a-Hologram Blues,” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman

Vampires, holograms, and blues music—survival gets tricky after sunset…

“That Zamboni,” by E.C. Tubb [Space Hobo #2]

A mysterious ice-resurfacing machine skates dangerously close to murder…

“The Oathbreaker,” by Lyle Hopwood

Breaking an oath brings dark magic and betrayal—is escape even possible?