Black Cat Weekly #264
Late September/early October has always been my favorite time of year. The summer heat breaks, the autumn colors start to appear, “Witch’s Brew” (marshmallow) KitKat candy bars appear at the local CVS Pharmacy, and there’s more than a hint of pumpkin spice in the air. We’re taking all that in with delight as we begin preparations for Black Cat’s October festivities (which will feature spookier stories and more than a few Things that go bump in the night).
But in the September doldrums, we still strive to bring you exceptional reading material, and this issue is no different. This time, our headliners are reader-favorites John M. Floyd and Ron Miller, both with original tales, plus we have new short stories from Nils Gilbertson, Sharon Hunt, Shari Held, Maureen Bowden, DJ Tryer, and Hal Charles (a solve-it-yourself puzzler)…plus there are classics from Jack Williamson and Margaret St. Clair.
Here’s the complete lineup—
Cover Art: Ron Miller
NOVELETTE
“In the Scarlet Star,” by Jack Williamson
What lies beyond the strange scarlet star found in an El Paso pawnshop?
SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY
“Strike Zone,” by Hal Charles
Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there!
SHORT STORIES
“How Blue the Sky,” by Nils Gilbertson
Avery is losing his memory—but something at Indigo Ridge feels wrong… [Michael Bracken Presents]
“Sweet Loretta Morgan,” by John M. Floyd
Stealing Clyde’s wife is bad enough. Taking his hound means trouble!
“Velda Stamps Out Crime,” by Ron Miller [Velda, P.I. series]
A stolen fortune vanishes—and a postage mistake may solve the case.
“The Secret of Echo Village,” by Shari Held
Echo Village seems peaceful—until an old friend whispers a warning...
“Waking Hubert,” by Sharon Hunt
Can an old family secret finally lay a vanished boy’s ghost to rest?
“Belesama’s Daughter,” by Maureen Bowden
A scarlet crystal opens a door no explorer was ever meant to enter...
“Keltos and the Abankos,” by DJ Tryer
A wandering warrior meets a foe that strength alone cannot conquer.
“Squee,” by Margaret St. Clair
Can a tiny robot squirrel save the morale of a desperate space crew?
