As for the short stories, we have lots of returning favorite authors this issue, including Ron Miller (with a new Velda P.I. story), Andrew Welsh-Huggins (with an original mystery, thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), Shannon Taft (another original, thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman), and Veronica Leigh (with a new Smith Sisters story). New to BCW are Zary Fekete and Phil Giunta (though we hope to see more from them in the future).
And, of course, we have a new solve-it-yourself mystery from Hal Charles and a classic sci-fi tale from Robert F. Young. Lots of good stuff, as always.
Here’s the complete lineup—
NOVELS
The Roman Hat Mystery, by Ellery Queen
In a Broadway theater, a prominent lawyer is found dead, and his missing hat may be key to unraveling a baffling murder mystery.
The Warrior of World’s End, by Lin Carter
A warrior awakens in a distant future, embarking on a surreal journey across a world shaped by ancient technologies, strange beasts, and forgotten sorcery.
SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY
“Tree of Paradise,” by Hal Charles
Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there!
SHORT STORIES
“The Hunt,” by Andrew Welsh-Huggins [Michael Bracken Presents short story]
On a deserted trail, a shadowy figure stalks human prey—until the tables turn.
“Missing,” Shannon Taft [Barb Goffman Presents short story]
A tourist’s mother vanishes from a luxury Bed and Breakfast…
“Velda Gets Framed,” by Ron Miller [Velda series]
Velda’s meeting in a rundown office leads to a locked-room murder, a setup—and sizzling intrigue.
“Red Summer,” by Veronica Leigh [Smith Sisters series]
In 1919 Indiana, the Smith sisters uncover dark truths while seeking justice for a murder.
“The World Beneath the Page,” by Zary Fekete
Elaine escapes her mundane life by stepping into the world of her book, only to uncover unsettling secrets…
“In the Span of a Heartbeat,” by Phil Giunta
A team’s mission on a desolate planetoid unravels into danger, discovery, and personal reckoning.
“Plane Jane,” by Robert F. Young
A man questions reality, identity, and truth as he unravels the mysteries of two worlds.