Black Cat Weekly #210

   This issue, we seem to have a wee bit of a sea theme. But there’s more than enough variety to go around, with original crime and mystery tales from Hal Charles, Neil S. Plakcy, Pam Barnsley—plus original science fiction and fantasy from Steven Mathes, Tim Fahlstedt, and Maureen Bowden. As to classics, we have a Sherlock Holmes parody from Maurice Baring and a rare Irish fantasy from Ruth Sawyer (who is a writer I’ve recently become interested in—she published a significant body of supernatural fiction, but in literary and mainstream publications). We also have classic novels from Victor L. Whitechurch and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (of Sherlock Holmes fame)—though this one is a science-fantasy tale of lost Atlantis!

   And here’s a giant salute to Ron Miller. This is his 75th issue as Art Director. He’s been either using his own artwork or that of his friend, the late Stephen Hickman (courtesy of Vicki Hickman), for covers since he took over. Hickman’s cover this issue is another great one.

   Here’s the complete lineup:

Cover Art: Stephen Hickman

NOVELS

The Templeton Case, by Victor L. Whitechurch

   A mysterious will, hidden motives, and a case that tests sharp wits…

The Maracot Deep, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

   Explorers dive beneath the ocean waves—and find a lost world!

SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY

“Sweet Tooth,” by Hal Charles

   Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there!

SHORT STORIES

“A Dog of Justice,” by Neil S. Plakcy [Michael Bracken Presents short story]

   When justice falters, one golden retriever helps uncover the real story.

“Catch-and-Kill,” by Pam Barnsley

   She made a career chasing scandals—until one scandal came chasing her…

“Alibi,” by Hal Charles

   A retired agent and his brother test a suspect’s shaky alibi at Fenway Park.

“The Story of a Skat Scoring Book,” by Maurice Baring [Sherlock Holmes series]

   A lost scoring book draws Holmes and Watson into intrigue in snowy Russia!

“Unmistakable Laughter,” by Steven Mathes

   On Venus, a salesman dares to bargain with a mountain that kills intruders.

“Assisted Evolution in the Suburban Life,” by Tim Fahlstedt

   Machines hum, children excel, and doubt shadows a flawless society.

“Annabelle,” by Maureen Bowden

   On Anglesey’s wild coast, witches, ghosts, and destiny entwine across ages.

“The Blessing of the Waters,” by Ruth Sawyer

   On Donegal’s shores, hunger and hope collide with the mysteries of faery.