Black Cat Weekly #260

This is one of our largest issues in a while, with a pair of classic novels by John Taine and A.E.W. Mason serving as anchors. We also have masterful original mysteries from Josh Pachter, Ron Miller (yes, another Velda tale!), Diana Kamieniarz, and Gary Earl Ross. Plus a pair of science fiction originals from Sarah EA Hart and John Leahy, plus sci-fi classics by John Jakes and Kendell Foster Crossen. Of course, there’s a new solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles, too.

Here’s the complete lineup—

Cover Art: Stephen Hickman

NOVELS

The Prisoner in the Opal, by A.E.W. Mason [Inspector Hanaud series]

The French detective investigates occult happenings in the wine country.

The Greatest Adventure, by John Taine

Was the man’s fatal plunge suicide, murder—or something stranger?

NOVELETTE

“Falling For Velda,” by Ron Miller [Velda, P.I. series]

Velda’s newest case begins when a corpse drops from a clear blue sky.

SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY

“Nyx In a Fix,” by Hal Charles

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

SHORT STORIES

“The Stone Stairs of Death,” by Josh Pachter [Michael Bracken Presents]

A Savannah bartender keeps a grim score on the Stone Stairs of Death.

“The Last Dinner Party,” by Diana Kamieniarz 

When the lights go out at dinner, which old secret will surface first?

“Nickel City Unicorn,” by Gary Earl Ross

A vanished lover leaves behind a trail of lies, fear, and danger…

“The Feelconomy,” by John Leahy

When emotions become energy, grief may be the most valuable fuel.

“The Heiress and the Guardian,” by Sarah EA Hart

Can a spoiled heiress learn to trust the Guardian she never wanted?

“Public Enemy,” by Kendell Foster Crossen

A rookie cop gets the chase he wants—but not the case he expects.

“Forever Is So Long,” by John Jakes

A medical miracle gives Frank a future that may cost him everything…