Black Cat Weekly #209

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!

   September is just a couple of days away, but I’m already surrounded by all things Halloween. Indeed, Halloween candy has been showing up in local stores since the end of July. (I’m addicted to the seasonal “Witches Brew” marshmallow-flavored KitKat bars.) My wife has been acquiring new ghostly decor at an alarming rate. (Do we really need more ghosts walking ghost-dogs? Of course! You can never have too many.)

   Since I’m all but bursting with Halloween spirit, I must admit that we’ve been planning special things for our month-long Halloween celebration. One of them is a special issue celebrating an author of particularly spooky tales—British master Edmund Glasby. Ed has written some new stories just for Black Cat Weekly, filled with his trademark over-the-top chills. Definitely something to look forward to!

   Now, 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!