This issue, we have a locked-room mystery novel, a far-future science-fantasy sword-and-sorcery novel, and 8 shorts featuring everything from dogs to cats to buried skeletons to time travel-and more! Truly, something for everyone.

As always, special thanks to our Acquiring Editors, Michael Bracken and Barb Goffman, for picking a pair of terrific original tales. And our editorial board-Tom Easton, Ryan Hines, Vicki Erwin, Paula Messina, and Richard Prosch-who patiently read submissions. (We get a lot of submissions. But then, Black Cat Weekly is the largest magazine market in the world for genre fiction.)

Here's the complete lineup-

Cover Art: Ron Miller

NOVELS

The Draycott Murder Mystery, by Molly Thynne A country house, a locked room-and a killer who vanishes without a trace!

The Barbarian of World's End, by Lin Carter [World's End #4] A giant warrior journeys through a dying Earth, where magic and science collide.

SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY

"Murder Takes a Dip," by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there!

SHORT STORIES

"Hips Don't Lie," by Nikki Knight [Michael Bracken Presents short story] A long-buried secret surfaces at a Vermont restaurant, pulling a radio DJ into a chilling mystery.

"The Dog Who Smiled," by Michael Mallory [Barb Goffman Presents short story] A loyal dog waits for his owner, but some promises are never truly broken...

"A Dime a Dame," by Michael Bracken A taxi dancer crosses the wrong man and learns survival has its own price.

"The Warden's Game," by John M. Floyd A mysterious stranger arrives in an Alaskan town ruled by fear. Is change coming?

"Valiant," by Alexis Ames A stranded rock band faces a deadly threat in deep space-and music may be their only weapon!

"Itsy, Bitsy, and Beezle," by Nikki Blakely A lonely bank teller adopts three kittens-one of whom might be the Prince of Darkness!

"Lost Property," by E.C. Tubb A stolen briefcase holds more than money-but some things aren't meant to be found...