This issue has more of a fantasy focus than usual—just the way the stories lined up, not a permanent trend—but it really showcases the strengths of modern fantasy writers, as none of the stories is anything like the others. On the mystery front, we have a new Capitán Ernesto Guillén story from Tom Larsen, for those who have been following the Ecuador-set series with interest. Our mystery novel is by Henry Kitchell Webster, and our fantasy novel is a Victorian-era feminist allegory from Edith Allonby. Don’t skip the introductions for some interesting insights into both books and their authors.
Here’s the complete lineup—
Cover Art: Stephen Hickman
NOVELS
The Corbin Necklace, by Henry Kitchell Webster
A wedding, a missing pearl necklace, and family secrets collide.
Jewel Sowers, by Edith Allonby
On planet Lucifram, a mute girl seeks her voice.
SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY
“A Walk in the Park,” by Hal Charles
Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there!
SHORT STORIES
“The Mailbox Murders,” by Mary Angela Honerman
When red dots appear on calendars, residents of Green Meadows start dying.
“El Sicario (The Hit Man),” by Tom Larsen [Capitán Ernesto Guillén series]
A corrupt cop uses an elaborate sting to catch a killer he can't forget.
“Last Call at the Gasping Banshee,” by Devin James Leonard
A wife thinks her husband's been replaced. The bartender knows better.
“Skipjack,” by Gary Earl Ross
A boy discovers he can time travel through photos—but he's not alone.
“Gods in Reduced Circumstances,” by B. Morris Allen
Retired gods crash at Prometheus's cottage until he can find them a home.
“The Elves Stole Her Away,” by J.A. Prentice
p>Can a witch rescue a girl who chose love with an elf over safety?
“The Black Kiss,” by Robert Bloch and Henry Kuttner
An artist inherits a cursed house where dreams of sea monsters come alive…