THE CAT’S MEOW
517 Words
THE CAT’S MEOW
Welcome to Black Cat Weekly.
This issue, we have an extended lineup, celebrating our 200th issue—2 novels, 1 novella, and 9 short stories…6 of which are originals! We’re also reducing the price to 99 cents (or the local equivalent) to help share the reading joy.
It’s been a fun journey, and it’s all due to the help of our terrific editorial and production team: Acquiring Editors Barb Goffman, Michael Bracken, Paul Di Filippo, Darrell Schweitzer, and Cynthia M. Ward brought in some amazing authors over the years, and the editorial team handling submissions through the submissions portal at blackcatweekly.com (Thomas A. Easton, Ryan Hines, Vicki Erwin, Paula Messina, and Richard Prosch) have added hundreds more stories by writers new and old. We have published everything from first sales to thousand-somethingth sales (and yes, I’m looking at you, Michael Bracken!)
Personally, I have a deep love for short fiction, and with the near-collapse of the short story magazine market in recent years, it’s been a privilege to help keep form writing alive and kicking. Anthologies can only pick up so much of the slack. I can safely say that Black Cat Weekly is the largest single market for short mystery and science fiction/fantasy stories in the world.
Here’s the complete lineup—
Cover Art: Ron Miller
NOVELS
The Four-Fingered Glove, by Nicholas Carter [Nick Carter series]
A baffling crime, a strange glove, and a master detective on the trail.
The Time Traders, by Andre Norton [Time Traders series]
To stop a future war, agents must risk everything by traveling to the distant past.
NOVELLA
“This Gig Is Murder,” by A.L. Sirois [Michael Bracken Presents novella]
Drummer, singer, sleuth—Cozi never expected murder at the end of her set.
SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY
“A Real Gem,” by Hal Charles
Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there!
SHORT STORIES
“Independence Day,” by R.T. Lawton [Barb Goffman Presents short story]
A burglar on jury duty faces a choice: follow the law—or the code of thieves.
“Velda and the n***d Milkmaid,” by Ron Miller [Velda, P.I. series]
The gallery was quiet—until someone stole the wrong painting!
“Second Line,” by donalee Moulton
All Taylor wanted was quiet. What she got was a killer at her front door.
“Special Delivery,” by James Holding
Five grand in a dog’s mouth, two thugs on his tail—Foley’s in deep now!
“For Bailey,” by Barb Goffman
Fireworks, a terrified dog, and a neighborhood secret explode into crime.
“The Day the Clocks All Stopped,” by Steve Lockley
The clocks have stopped—and only she knows why they won’t start again…
“An Ephemeris for Button,” by William R.D. Wood
In a world of monsters, Ben’s mission is simple: keep Button safe.
“Over the Top,” by Lester del Rey
The Mars mission failed. His air is running out. And something is watching…
Until next time, happy reading!
—John Betancourt
Editor, Black Cat Weekly
- Writer
