Best Selling Books by Ron Miller

Private investigator Velda visits her cousin''s farm, where she finds more than pigs, chickens, cows, and food. There''s also a missing rich widow...

Join Ron Miller, as he delivers a deeply personal and vibrant recollection of his formative years. The 1900s housed some of history''s most interesting groups of people. There was the roaring twenties, prohibition, WWII, and the baby boomers. Miller is a baby boomer from a large family of seven boys. They worked hard, created much of their own entertainment, and became productive American citizens. ''We take so many things for granted—hot and cold running water, warm homes, food on the table, and free education for all K-12 students. As children we learned to do without a lot but children are resilient and with the right guidance overcome enormous barriers and flourish in society. Mom kept us focused on the things we could always afford, education, family, friends and faith.'' -Miller Join Ron as he takes you to Kateri Lodge: The Years We Lived.

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.

How did a Jewish teacher, healer, sage and mystic become the vehicle for so much hatred and harm directed against his own people? “Dialogue is demanding and difficult. It is often painful. It entails deep listening, letting others define themselves and being willing to confront and transform deep-rooted prejudices in ourselves. It requires the courage to re-envision absolutely everything we tend to cherish and protect, and to relinquish our entrenched vainglorious ego attachments, our inflated sense of ‘I, me and mine.’ This challenge to grow beyond tribalism, to approach others in a fair and reasonable way, is an essential step in our human evolution.” —from the Invitation to the Reader Judaism and Christianity have had a volatile relationship in their two-thousand-year history. Anger, rivalry, insensitivity, bloodshed and murder have marred the special connection these two Abrahamic faiths share. In the last several decades, scholars, activists, laypeople and clergy have attempted to expose and eliminate the struggles between Jews and Christians. This collaborative effort brings together the voices of Christian scholar Ron Miller and Jewish scholar Laura Bernstein to further explore the roots of anti-Semitism in Christian faith and scripture. In a probing interfaith dialogue, Miller and Bernstein trace the Jewish-Christian schism to its very source in the first book of the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew. Illuminating the often misunderstood context of Matthew’s gospel—a persecuted Christian minority writing some sixty years after Jesus’s death—this examination of a foundational Christian text discerns the ways in which the Jewishness of Jesus was forgotten and Jews and Judaism became Christianity’s foil. More important, it takes a renewed look at Matthew with contemporary retellings that present a new and better future of conciliation and compassion between the two faith traditions.

Private detective Velda''s back on the stage shedding feathers as she finds herself up to her ears in counterfeiters when "Her Chips Come In"! Also in this issue, Velda learns what a didgeridoo does and in "Velda vs the DA" she gets a kick out of meeting her archenemy face to face! And as a special bonus, Velda¡¯s Special Paper Doll kit is included that feature various clothing designs worn by Velda. An adventure of Neolithica: Girl of the Pleistocene and Hawkshaw Hawk: Bird Detective round out the issue.

Huge, towering clouds build up in the sky—it''s a super cell. The Doppler radar indicates that the system is rotating. But is there a funnel? Is it touching the ground? Only a storm chaser can confirm when a tornado is present—and help meteorologists warn nearby towns. Whenever severe weather threatens, storm chasers hit the road to hunt for tornadoes, hurricanes, or violent storms. Some drive thousands of miles in just a few days as they follow a storm system from Iowa to Texas. Others serve their cities and towns by taking photos from their backyards and phoning in storm details to local weather stations. Specially trained Hurricane Hunters hop into aircraft packed with scientific instruments to fly deep into powerful hurricanes, hoping to reach the eye of the storm. Are storm chasers a bunch of foolish daredevils? Not at all. Many are scientists while others are professional photographers and videographers. Storm chasers arm themselves with training about severe weather, use sophisticated instruments, and follow safety guidelines. In Chasing the Storm, you''ll meet real storm chasers and meteorologists, hear their stories, and discover how they do their work. You''ll learn tornado basics, get a great window into the science of meteorology, and learn how to pursue a career in the field. You might even decide to become a storm chaser yourself!

Velda Bellinghausen is a tough, no-nonsense private investigator whose cases never seem to take her far from home. But when a murder happens two floors down from her apartment at the Zenobia Arms, she''s reluctantly pulled into a twisted mystery. Lonnie Porff, a gambler with a shady reputation, is found shot in his bed, and his wife, Ethelreda, claims an unknown man did it. As Velda starts asking questions, she uncovers a tangled web of secrets involving three housewives, greed, and betrayal. Can Velda untangle the truth before she becomes the next target?

Describes and provides illustrations of the kinds of space exploration that may be done in the near future, and discusses the economic and political implications for the people of the earth

Special oversized double issue! Leading off is the infamous "suppressed" 1950''s Velda comic issue as the ''original'' publisher folded under the weight of Dr. Frederic Werthham¡¯s expose of the comic industry in "Seduction of the Innocent". With the public outcry against this Velda storyline, the story has never seen print until now. As a bonus, this issue features a scrapbook of Velda as she shows us how she went from being a stripper to a private investigator and some of the interesting people she has crossed paths with.

NOVEL The Black Camel, by Earl Derr Biggers [Charlie Chan series] A Hollywood star, a Hawaiian beach, and Charlie Chan on the case—secrets will out! SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “Called Out,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “Rijal’s Run,” by Aeryn Rudel [Michael Bracken Presents short story] A man from Europa runs for freedom, vengeance, and a chance to change his world’s fate… “A Season of Night,” by David Dean [Barb Goffman Presents short story] Arctic peril: Murder, madness, and survival mix in a race against nature—and human betrayal! “The Early Bird Catches the Killer,” by Ron Miller [Velda series] A feisty P.I. battles time and danger to solve a deadly mystery before dawn. “The Dragonfly Summer,” by Jenna Austin A boy seeks the truth about dragonflies, magic, and the hope of a forgotten summer. “The Greatest Show on Mars,” by Mary Jo Rabe Battling bureaucracy, one man organizes a celebration to unite the colonies—and change the red planet’s future! “The Reincarnate,” by John S. Glasby The line between reality and reincarnation blurs in a race against unseen horrors… “The Golden Age,” by Philip E. High In a robotic utopia, one man’s defiance reveals a hidden truth, threatening a fragile reality. “No Place for Tears,” by E.C. Tubb A visit to the spaceport unveils a child’s wonder and a mother’s silent reflections.

A treasure hunt leads Velda into a dangerous maze of deceit, murder and misapplied baseball bats! Also in this issue, a vacation to the beach turns into a deadly adventure in "Velda Takes a Trip," and our sultry 1950''s sleuth has to escape the terrible "Curse of Mwabwebe-Tutu"! An additional adventure of Neolithica: Girl of the Pleistocene and Hawkshaw Hawk: Bird Detective round out the issue.

Could life have previously flourished on Mars? Will humans be able to travel there one day? Can humans one day colonize the red planet? NASA scientists have been interested in answering questions like these for a long time. In November 2011, NASA sent the rover Curiosity to Earth''s nearest planetary neighbor. By gathering information about Mars''s climate and geology, the robot is helping scientists uncover the secrets of the planet and its past. Since its launch, Curiosity has made some amazing discoveries. The rover found an ancient streambed where water once flowed for thousands of years, and rock samples proved that the surface soil on Mars still has water! In addition, from drilling into Martian rock, the rover detected the key chemicals necessary for life—sulfur, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and carbon. And Curiosity''s measurement of radiation on Mars shows levels similar to that at the International Space Station. These discoveries suggest that some parts of Mars could have been habitable—and may be again in the future. Learn more about the red planet and see what else Curiosity has uncovered!

Describes seven engineering feats from modern times that are noted for their extreme size, innovation, and ability to withstand stresses, including the Empire State Building, the Panama Canal, and the Three Gorges Dam in China.

My name is Velda Bellinghausen. I''m a private investigator. I used to be a showgirl at Slotnik''s Follies, but I got pretty sick and tired of shedding my clothes twice a day, four times on weekends for matinees. So I followed up on an ad I saw on a matchbook cover and sent in my twenty bucks for the Hawkshaw Course on Detection. It was the best twenty bucks I ever spent, too! In no time at all, I had my license and was in business for myself! Now I’m called upon to investigate murders, burglaries, and all sorts of crimes occurring in the big city. Velda: Girl Detective - Volume 1 is a multi-leveled parody representation of not only the more lurid of the 1950s crime comics but of comic collecting itself. This series is also more than a passing homage to the noir films and hard-boiled detective school of writing of the 1950s. Purporting to be an anthology of all the issues of a little-known golden age comic, it includes a history of the creation of the Velda; Girl Detective comic, an interview with its creator and an episode list of the "Girl Detective" TV show as well as special features such as vintage ads and featurettes "Hawkshaw Hawk, Bird Detective" and "Neolithica: Girl of the Pleistocene." "Velda is the kind of detective I like." - Richard S. Prather (writer, Shell Scott novels). "Hubba Hubba!" - Kevin Burton Smith, thrillingdetective.com. "A pulp classic! If you like your action gritty, yet full of surprises, then you''ll love Velda..." - Rick Overton (writer, Dennis Miller Show, actor). "The Velda Comic is spectacular. I felt like I was a kid again as it had the real flavor of the old detective comics I used to read." - Bob Burns A Caliber Comics release.

Only moments after a giant ape crashed onto 34th Street, filmmaker and entrepreneur Carl Denham found himself on the run, with not only insurance companies hot on his heels but Thomas Dewey, the fiery District Attorney of New York City. It''s a flight, however, that throws Denham squarely into the convoluted machinations of a mysterious, bronze-haired tigress named "Patricia Wildman," machinations that take the pair from running guns to a Central American revolutionary to finding themselves in Manchuria in the midst of the Chinese struggle against the Japanese. Carl and Patricia deal as best they can with prisons and firing squads, madmen and zealots---all to say nothing of the Japanese navy, a ruthlessly ambitious officer and the fate of the civilized world. But never did either of them think that the answer to their dilemma lay in leading a Japanese invasion of fabulous Skull Island and the mind-boggling secret that waited for them there. At the publisher''s request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).

"Velda: Girl Detective" is a multileveled representation of the more lurid of the 1950s crime comics as if it actually existed as a classic Golden Age comic. Velda is more than a passing homage to the noir films and hard-boiled detective school of writing of the 1950s as it included in issues as special features such as a Velda paper doll kit and the complete 1955 Velda pinup calendar to provide authenticity. The comics also include vintage parody ads as well as short story featurettes such as "Hawkshaw Hawk, Bird Detective" and "Neolithica: Girl of the Pleistocene" to entertain readers. The exciting 1st issue: Velda is awakened from her wholly unnecessary beauty sleep to solve a brutal murder in the "Case of the Homicide Hotel"! Also in this issue: Velda chases a thief in "Butter Safe Than Sorry" and a larcenous dentist in "Velda Does a Favor." An adventure of Neolithica: Girl of the Pleistocene and Hawkshaw Hawk: Bird Detective round out the issue.

Hundreds of years in the future, the pioneering space flight made by Princess Bronwyn has evolved into an empire of interstellar commerce---an empire always on the shakey verge of rebellion. It is also a world that ranges from dense industrial slums to the glittering towers of the legendary Vortex Patrol. Into the former is born an extraordinary girl who finds herself fighting, cheating and stealing her way from the gutters of the spaceports of Blavek to the ranks of the Patrol itself. At the publisher''s request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).

This issue (which is the largest we have ever published) has quite a few great stories, including 2 novels, 3 novellas, and 6 shorts. From private investigators to utopian science fiction, from pulp adventure on Mars to criminal hijinks on the high seas, it’s safe to say we have something for everyone this time! Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Ron Miller NOVELS Doris Force at Locked Gates, by Julia K. Duncan [Doris Force #1, Classic Mystery] A curious invitation leads to adventure at a foreboding estate. Limanora, by Godfrey Sweven [Classic utopian science fiction] An island hidden by fog holds secrets that could transform humanity. NOVELLAS “Velda on the High Seas,” by Ron Miller [PI Velda series] Velda wins a sea cruise—but ends up sleuthing instead of relaxing! “The Ruby,” by Anna Katharine Green At a grand ball, a priceless jewel vanishes... “Queen of the Martian Catacombs,” by Leigh Brackett [Eric John Stark series] In Martian ruins, immortal beings weave webs of betrayal and power. SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “Death in the Park,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “Mill Mountain,” by Tom Milani [Michael Bracken Presents short story] Wrongly accused and on the run, Spencer’s only weapon is his wit. “Snitches Local 422,” by Alan Orloff When snitches unionize, can they stop a killer in their own ranks? “Inundation,” by David McGillveray The last humans abandon Earth as new species claim the flooded world. “Goldhounds,” by P. L. Sundeson In twilight country, the strangest prospectors aren’t even human... “The Life-Eater,” by Harold Ward A formless evil emerges from Beyond, leaving withered corpses in its wake...

Velda Bellinghausen is a down-on-her-luck private eye barely scraping by in her run-down apartment building. When her elderly neighbor, an antiquarian book dealer named Mr. Arkady, falls ill, Velda agrees to help with his errands in exchange for some much-needed cash. As she delivers rare books to Arkady''s eccentric clients, Velda begins to suspect that someone may be deliberately trying to harm the old man in order to get their hands on one of his valuable tomes. With the arrival of a shady new tenant in the building, the mystery deepens. Velda must use her street smarts and detective skills to unravel the puzzle before it''s too late.

For centuries, astronomers have placed a special importance on the other planets of the solar system. But with the advent of spacecraft and the tremendous missions undertaken by the Voyager and Cassini probes, astronomers have discovered that the natural satellites of the planets—the solar system''s moons—are some of the most extraordinary places imaginable. There are moons with towering geysers, erupting volcanoes, and subterranean oceans of warm, mineral-rich water. Some of the highest mountains and deepest canyons can be found on moons. There are moons that have shattered into pieces and then reassembled. There is even a moon where it rains rocket fuel. Recently, scientists have turned to moons for answers in their investigations of the origins of the solar system and the evolution of life on our own planet. Featuring full-color, scientifically accurate illustrations by NASA artist Ron Miller, Natural Satellites: The Book of Moons chronicles these investigations and the questions we have yet to answer in our exploration of the solar system''s moons.

Exciting stuff this time: a new Velda P.I. story from Ron Miller, a new supernatural mystery from Steve Liskow (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), plus great modern tales from Melodie Johnson Howe (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman) and Anna Tambour. On top of that, we have a mystery novel from Isabel Ostrander and a space opera novel from Edmond Hamilton. (Truly something for every taste.) And did I mention science fiction classics from Nelson S. Bond, Ray Cummings, and Evelyn Goldstein? And another solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles? Here’s the lineup— Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Kindred Spirits,” by Steve Liskow [Michael Bracken Presents short story ]“Who Killed Yogi Barrett?” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Losing It,” by Melodie Johnson Howe [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “E-I-E-I-Oh, Velda!” by Ron Miller [short story, Velda P.I. series] The Fifth Ace, by Isabel Ostrander [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Kindred Spirits,” by Steve Liskow [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “None So Seeing As Those Who’ve Seen,” by Anna Tambour [novelet] “The Recalcitrant,” by Evelyn Goldstein [short story] “He Who Served,” by Ray Cummings [short story] “The Ghost of Lancelot Biggs,” by Nelson S. Bond [short story, Lancelot Biggs series] The Universe Wreckers, by Edmond Hamilton [novel]

“At NASA, our eyes are not just focused on the stars but also fixated on the sky.” –NASA Administrator Bill Nelson “NASA’s future will continue to be a story of human exploration, technology, and science.... We will continue to try to answer the question, ‘Are we alone?’” –NASA In 1915 the US Congress created the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). The committee’s first goal was to support the development of aviation. But in the wake of the space race with the Soviet Union that began in the late 1950s, NACA became NASA—the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. From novel technology to international collaboration to scientific research, NASA has become a global leader in space exploration. It even enabled people to walk on the moon for the first time. But how did NASA get here? What has the agency accomplished along the way? Award-winning science author Ron Miller explains NASA’s rich history through a curious, detailed exploration of its successes and failures. Discover the full story of how NASA came to be and learn about its many accomplishments and the scientists and technology behind them. Then look to the future through NASA’s Artemis program and their next big goal of sending astronauts to Mars.

This issue, we have an extended lineup, celebrating our 200th issue—2 novels, 1 novella, and 9 short stories…6 of which are originals! We’re also reducing the price to 99 cents (or the local equivalent) to help share the reading joy. It’s been a fun journey, and it’s all due to the help of our terrific editorial and production team: Acquiring Editors Barb Goffman, Michael Bracken, Paul Di Filippo, Darrell Schweitzer, and Cynthia M. Ward brought in some amazing authors over the years, and the editorial team handling submissions through the submissions portal at blackcatweekly.com (Thomas A. Easton, Ryan Hines, Vicki Erwin, Paula Messina, and Richard Prosch) have added hundreds more stories by writers new and old. We have published everything from first sales to thousand-somethingth sales (and yes, we’re looking at you, Michael Bracken!) Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Ron Miller NOVELS The Four-Fingered Glove, by Nicholas Carter [Nick Carter series] A baffling crime, a strange glove, and a master detective on the trail. The Time Traders, by Andre Norton [Time Traders series] To stop a future war, agents must risk everything by traveling to the distant past. NOVELLA “This Gig Is Murder,” by A.L. Sirois [Michael Bracken Presents novella] Drummer, singer, sleuth—Cozi never expected murder at the end of her set. SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “A Real Gem,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “Independence Day,” by R.T. Lawton [Barb Goffman Presents short story] A burglar on jury duty faces a choice: follow the law—or the code of thieves. “Velda and the Naked Milkmaid,” by Ron Miller [Velda, P.I. series] The gallery was quiet—until someone stole the wrong painting! “Second Line,” by donalee Moulton All Taylor wanted was quiet. What she got was a killer at her front door. “Special Delivery,” by James Holding Five grand in a dog’s mouth, two thugs on his tail—Foley’s in deep now! “For Bailey,” by Barb Goffman Fireworks, a terrified dog, and a neighborhood secret explode into crime. “The Day the Clocks All Stopped,” by Steve Lockley The clocks have stopped—and only she knows why they won’t start again… “An Ephemeris for Button,” by William R.D. Wood In a world of monsters, Ben’s mission is simple: keep Button safe. “Over the Top,” by Lester del Rey The Mars mission failed. His air is running out. And something is watching…

Velda, our sultry private detective, takes on the biggest and most unusual client in her career when she "Goes to the Circus"---to say nothing of fire-breathing horses and killer clowns! Also in this issue: Velda "Goes to Hollywood" to make a movie and discovers that the cameramen aren''t the only ones shooting! Also included as a special bonus is Velda¡¯s special 1955 calendar layout. An adventure of Neolithica: Girl of the Pleistocene and Hawkshaw Hawk: Bird Detective round out the issue.

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]

This issue, we have original mysteries from Janice Law (thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and our BCW’s very own Ron Miller (who moonlights as our Art Director), plus a modern masterpiece by Gina Nelson (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman). Add a rare Golden Age mystery novel by James Hay, Jr. and we have quite a winning mix. But wait, there’s more! No issue is complete without a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles. On the science fiction side, we have a great story by British master Philip E. High, as well as tales by Harlan Ellison, Henry Slesar, and Stephen Marlowe. Our novel is an early classic by Jack Williamson. Here’s the complete lineup— Cover Art: Ron Miller Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “The Lasker Circle,” by Janice Law [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “One Common Denominator,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Maggie McGrady’s Murder Mystery Cruise,” by Gina Nelson [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “I, Golem,”by Ron Miller [short story] No Clue! by James Hay, Jr. [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Infection,” by Philip E. High [short story] “Beauty Contest?” by Henry Slesar [short story] “The Passionate Pitchman,” by Stephen Marlowe [short story] “Biddy and the Silver Man,” by Harlan Ellison [novelet] The Alien Intelligence, by Jack Williamson [novel]

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.

Examines how robots are used to explore space.

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.

For hundreds of years scientists have sought and studied new worlds beyond Earth. Author Ron Miller describes the long, hard trek from the first tentative attempts to fly rocket-powered vehicles, to the first humans to brave traveling beyond Earth’s atmosphere, to the explorers who left their footprints in the soil of the Moon. This history of space exploration will compel you to consider the future of our journey.

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?

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).