Black Cat Weekly #255

I was recently reminded of something Bill Pronzini said when I complimented his science fiction—and asked why he didn’t write more of it. He said he writes only mysteries because most fiction—even science fiction—has a mystery at its core. And I immediately realized he’s absolutely right!

By his definition, almost every story in this issue is technically a mystery. Sometimes it’s subtle, but a mystery element is almost always there—even in the fantasy and science fiction. It’s just good plotting and good drama.

We do have some good mysteries this issue, from our Barb Goffman Presents tale—a new story by Stacy Woodson—to originals from Ron Miller (a new Velda story), Phyllis Ann Karr (a new Mavarel tall tale—perhaps more a tall tale than a mystery, though…), N.M. Cedeño, M.A. Blume, Holden Jones (dinosaurs in space!), and, of course, Hal Charles (a new solve-it-yourself puzzler). Plus, we have classics from science fiction legends Clifford D. Simak and Stephen Marlowe, and a Cold War novel by Jeff Sutton—extrapolating from Sputnik to orbiting atom bombs.

Here’s the lineup—

Cover Art: Stephen Hickman



NOVEL

Bombs in Orbit, by Jeff Sutton

The Russians threaten world peace with nukes in orbit.

NOVELLA

“Velda and the Ball Bearing Mystery,” by Ron Miller [Velda, P.I. series]

Can Velda clear a frightened kid before the police close the case?

SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY

“A Time to Kill,” by Hal Charles

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

SHORT STORIES

“Mirror Life Meltdown,” by N.M. Cedeño

Can a routine infidelity case expose a threat to the entire world?

“She Loves You,” by Stacy Woodson [Barb Goffman Presents]

A country star follows jealousy into a strange midnight encounter.

“A Snake in the Grass,” by M.A. Blume

A garden-party death draws a society reporter into deadly intrigue.

“Mr. Clackworthy Revives a Town,” by Christopher B. Booth

A roadside snub gives Clackworthy an appetite for a richer prize.

“Beta and the Dinonauts on Proxima Centauri b,” by Holden Jones

What could possibly go wrong while hauling dinosaurs through space?

“Door in the Forest,” by Phyllis Ann Karr [Mavarel series]

Some doors guard secrets. This one may guard something far worse. .

“Bathe Your Bearings in Blood!” by Clifford D. Simak

What happens when machines decide not to serve?

“Ennui,” by Stephen Marlowe

When reality bends to one man’s wishes, boredom is dangerous.