Black Cat Weekly #209
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With Labor Day almost here, it seems especially fitting to publish a Labor Day story in this issue: Shannon Taft’s “Downhill,” brought to us by Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman. But the fun doesn’t stop there. We have more originals from Paula Messina, Ron Miller (a new Velda P.I. story), Karl Dandenell, Kent J. Moore, and Zachary Reger, plus a new solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles. Classics include novels by Edgar Wallace and Olive Harper, as well as shorts from Lemuel De Bra and Bryce Walton. Good stuff!
Here’s this issue’s lineup—
Cover Art: Stephen Hickman
NOVELS
The Tomb of Ts’in, by Edgar Wallace
A secret tomb hides ancient riches—and deadly secrets best left buried.
The Sociable Ghost, by Olive Harper
A reporter finds himself involved with ghosts!
NOVELET
“Velda Wins a Prize,” by Ron Miller [Velda series]
When Miss Methylated 1952 hits Margate, a sinister secret surfaces!
SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY
“Right on the Money,” by Hal Charles
Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there!
SHORT STORIES
“How to Finance an African Safari,” by Paula Messina
A wily widow finds creative ways to fund her dream trip abroad…
“Downhill,” by Shannon Taft [Barb Goffman Presents short story]
On Labor Day, a fatal scooter crash hides careful, chilling sabotage.
“Blue Eyes and Diamonds,” by Lemuel De Bra
A desperate wife schemes with a detective to cover her shameful secret.
“When the Third Bell Rings,” by Karl Dandenell
Chased by magic hounds, Paheet begs the sun priests for sanctuary.
“Feat of Clay,” by Kent J. Moore
A gallery night turns tense as a statue draws the wrong eyes—and whispers…
“Between Two Lions,” by Zachary Reger
The midnight library calls, and crows answer with courage and doubt.
“Victorious Failure,” by Bryce Walton
His breakthrough unravels when time itself conspires against him!
Bryce Walton
Bryce Walton was an American author and screenwriter, known for his contributions to the science fiction genre, particularly during the mid-20th century. His work spans both short stories and novels, with a focus on suspense, action, and speculative themes. His writing explored a wide range of other themes, including the consequences of technological advancement, interplanetary conflict, rebellion, and the moral complexities of human nature. Walton's narratives typically centered on ordinary individuals caught in extraordinary situations, often dealing with political intrigue, alien encounters, and the ethical dilemmas of survival in dystopian settings. His stories, such as Design for Doomsday and Savage Galahad, showcase his ability to create high-stakes, action-driven plots while still addressing deep philosophical and social questions. His works often included philosophical reflections on the nature of freedom, the costs of progress, and the role of individual choice in a rapidly changing world. Walton's contribution to the genre remains significant for its exploration of complex moral and societal questions through gripping, thought-provoking narratives. His stories reflect the anxieties and possibilities of the mid-20th century, making them resonate with readers interested in the intersection of technology, humanity, and the unknown.
More by Bryce Walton
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