We have another great issue this week, with original mysteries from N.M. Cedeño (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and Brian Rieselman, plus a terrific tale by David Dean (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman). Our classic mystery novel is The Winning Clue, by James Hay, Jr. (A note to the sensitive: it has some dialog in racial dialect, which was common in novels of the era.) And, of course, we have a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles.

On the science fiction and fantasy side, we start with an original tale by Jack Ritchie, best known for his crime stories. It was unpublished at the time of his death, and his estate has allowed us to publish it. We also have classics from Henry Slesar, Harlan Ellison, and a fantasy by E. Hoffmann Price. Our SF novel is by Jack Williamson.

Here’s the complete lineup—

Cover Art: Ron Miller

Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure:
“Wedding Vibes,” N.M. Cedeño [Michael Bracken Presents short story]
“Random Numbers,” Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery]
“Sofee,” by David Dean [Barb Goffman Presents short story]
“The Crystal Goblet,” by Brian Rieselman [short story]
The Winning Clue, by James Hay, Jr. [novel]

Science Fiction & Fantasy:
“Wedding Vibes,” N.M. Cedeño [Michael Bracken Presents short story]
“The Return,” by Jack Ritchie [short story]
“Space Brat,” by Henry Slesar [short story]
“Cosmic Striptease,” by Harlan Ellison [short story]
“A Jest And A Vengeance,” by E. Hoffmann Price [short story]
The Prince of Space, by Jack Williamson [novel]

Black Cat Weekly #145