Michael Bracken

Derringer Award winning short story writer Michael Bracken returns with another impressive collection of hardboiled crime fiction, including his new novella, "Yesterday in Blood and Bone." When veteran newspaper reporter Benjamin "Bucky" Weaver and Alderman William Kelvin and killed, reporter Dan Fox finds himself searching deep into the past to discover how the two men were connected and why someone would want them dead. In the process, Fox learns a lesson about prejudice, 1950s justice, and how the power of the press is sometimes embodied in the things that aren't said.

Yesterday in Blood and Bone

David Housewright

Duane Swierczynski

Stuart Neville

Gary Phillips

William Kent Krueger

Nick Petrie

Randy Wayne White

Michael Stanley

Jenny Milchman

Lissa Marie Redmond

Jess Lourey

Michael A. Black

Reed Farrel Coleman

Lois Greiman

Eric Beetner

Scott Adlerberg

Jen Conley

Libby Fischer Hellmann

John Gaspard

Kristi Belcamino

Jessie Chandler

Michael Allan Mallory

Terrence McCauley

Don Bruns

Gary R. Bush

Austin Camacho

Dave Case

Case Younggren

Edited by Rick Ollerman. Alphabetical list of contributors: Scott Adlerberg, Eric Beetner, Kristi Belcamino, Michael A. Black, Michael Bracken, Don Bruns, Gary R. Bush, Austin Camacho, Dave Case, Jessie Chandler, Reed Farrel Coleman, Jen Conley, John Gaspard, Lois Greiman, Libby Fischer Hellmann, David Housewright, William Kent Krueger, Jess Lourey, Michael Allan Mallory, Terrence McCauley, Jenny Milchman, Stuart Neville, Rick Ollerman, Nick Petrie, Gary Phillips, Lissa Marie Redmond, Michael Stanley, Duane Swierczynski, Randy Wayne White, and Case Younggren. Many of today’s top writers get together to celebrate the themes of books and bookstores (and even a tuba or two!) As we celebrate the life of Mystery Writers of America Raven Award-winning Gary Shulze, long-time owner of the legendary Once Upon a Crime bookstore in Minneapolis. Gary left an indelible mark on the crime fiction community across the world before he passed away in 2016 due to complications from leukemia. Join as Duane Swierczynski, William Kent Krueger, Randy Wayne White, Jess Lourey, Stuart Neville and more come together in this tribute to a man whose legacy will not be forgotten.

Blood Work

Sheree R. Thomas

Harold Lamb

Bev Vincent

George O. Smith

Hal Charles

Arthur Leo Zagat 

E.E. “Doc” Smith

R.T. Lawton

Philip M. Fisher

 Dick Donovan

Our 51st issue is another strong one one, with four of our acquiring editors finding tales for us. Michael Bracken has an original Bev Vincent mystery, and Barb Goffman has a winner from R.T. Lawton. Cynthia Ward turns the tables on fellow editor Michael Bracken and selects a haunted house story by him! And too-long-absent editor Paul Di Filippo has picked a powerful story by Sheree R. Thomas. Good stuff. As if that’s not enough (which it never is for the Black Cat!), we have gone back to the pulps for some historical mystery-adventure tales by Harold Lamb and Philip M. Fisher, and dived even deeper for a collection of mysteries by Dick Donovan called The Chronicles of Michael Danevitch of the Russian Secret Service. On the science fiction front, we have novellas by Arthur Leo Zagat and George O. Smith, plus Skylark Three, by E.E. “Doc” Smith. Here’s the complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Death Sentence,” by Bev Vincent [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Letter Perfect,” Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Tightening of the Bond,” by R.T. Lawton [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “The Man Who Measured the Wind,” by Harold Lamb [novella] “The Yangtze Horde,” by Philip M. Fisher [short story] The Chronicles of Michael Danevitch of the Russian Secret Service, by Dick Donovan [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Little Spring,” by Michael Bracken [Cynthia Ward Presents short story] “Thirteen Year Long Song,” by Sheree R. Thomas [Paul Di Filippo Presents short story] “The Faceless Men,” by Arthur Leo Zagat [novella] The Kingdom of the Blind, by George O. Smith [novella] Skylark Three, by E.E. “Doc” Smith [novel]

Black Cat Weekly #51

John M. Floyd

Debra H. Goldstein

Elizabeth Zelvin

John Hegenberger

Black Cat Mystery Magazine is a new journal devoted to the best in mystery short fiction. Crime? Noir? Cozy? Private eye? You'll find all genres present and accounted for -- with new tales by the best writers of today! The second issue features contributions by Michael Bracken, John Hegenberger, John M. Floyd, BK Stevens, and Debra H. Goldstein, plus a classic reprint by Melba Marlett. Complete contents: THE CLEANSING SOIL, by Charlie Hughes SKIRTS, by Michael Bracken A DISTURBANCE IN THE HAREM, by Elizabeth Zelvin A WEIGHTY MATTER, by Debra H. Goldstein BURIED SECRETS, by Steve Shrott JACOB’S LADDER, by Cynthia Benjamin THINGS PAST, by BK Stevens THIN BLOOD, by Trey R. Barker TWO IN THE BUSH, by John M. Floyd THE BAD SLEEP, by John Hegenberger THE SECOND MRS. PORTER, by Melba Marlett

Black Cat Mystery Magazine #2

Robert Lopresti

The sixth issue of Black Cat Mystery Magazine presented a stellar lineup of new stories, plus a classic reprint. Included in this issue are: NEW STORIES: SEVEN CARD JOKER HIGH, by Trey R. Barker THE LOSER, by Robert Guffey BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS, by Michael Bracken THE MAGNIFICENT SCORE, by John Hegenberger WORSE THAN DEATH, by Robert Lopresti THE LAST THING HE REMEMBERED, by Patricia Dusenbury PAINT THE CLOWN RED, by Laird Long CLASSIC REPRINT THE CONTAGIOUS KILLER, by Bryce Walton

Black Cat Mystery Magazine #6

Janice Law

Black Cat Mystery Magazine is a new journal devoted to the best in mystery short fiction. Crime? Noir? Cozy? Private eye? You'll find all genres present and accounted for—with new tales by the best writers of today! The fourth issue features the following lineup: THE SHOW MUST GO ON, by Michael Bracken EMILY AND ELODIE, by Dara Carr PARTNERS IN CRIME, by Tracy Falenwolfe RHONDA AND CLYDE, by John M. Floyd THE IDEA, by Charlie Hughes THE BODYGUARD, by Janice Law TRIGGER WARNING, by Dennis Palumbo BLUE SKIES, by Keith Snyder A UNICORN IN THE HAREM, by Elizabeth Zelvin DON’T DO THAT, by Gil Brewer

Black Cat Mystery Magazine #5

Cynthia Ward

Michael Kurland

Stacy Woodson

Ann Aptaker

James A. Hearn

Barry Fulton

Elliott Capon

Graham Powell

The ninth issue of Black Cat Mystery features a stellar lineup of new stories (and one classic reprint). Here are— LAST RITES, by Stacy Woodson THE JERICHO TRAIN, by John M. Floyd CORAL COVE, by B.A. Paul THE ALLEY, by Ann Aptaker SONNY'S ENCORE, by Michael Bracken SWITCH AND BAIT, by Cynthia Ward BECOMING ZERO, by James A. Hearn THE MURDER OF JONATHAN GREYSTONE, by Barry Fulton YOU GOTTA BE IN IT!, by Elliott Capon THE YOU-DON'T-KNOW-THE-HALF-OF-IT-DEARIE BLUES, by Michael Kurland A FIGHTER BY HIS TRADE, by Graham Powell Classic reprint: SMELLING LIKE A ROSE, by Gil Brewer

Black Cat Mystery Magazine #9

Black Cat Mystery Magazine is a new journal devoted to the best in mystery short fiction. Crime? Noir? Cozy? Private eye? You'll find all genres present and accounted for -- with new tales by the best writers of today! The third issue features the following: Suburbia, by Michael Bracken The Sorority House, by Eve Fisher Tourist Season, by JM Taylor Diversions, by John M. Floyd The List, by Charlie Drees Something Certain, by Peter W. J. Hayes The Moment of Righting, by Robb T. White Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, by Ashley Lynch-Harris The Target, by Charlie Hughes Whale Watch, by Charles Roland

Black Cat Mystery Magazine #3

Isabella Maldonado

Alison McMahan

Robert J. Randisi

Elaine Viets

Bruce Robert Coffin

Rick Ollerman

Jeffery Hess

Josh Pachter

Leigh Lundin

Laura Oles

Neil Plakcy

M.E. Browning

Jimmy Buffett is one of the great contemporary singer/songwriters, and it’s hard to imagine a citizen of Planet Earth unfamiliar with such classic hits as “Margaritaville.” Jimmy has also written novels, children’s books, memoirs, and a stage musical based on Herman Wouk’s Don’t Stop the Carnival, and his family-friendly concerts almost always sell out to audiences comprised of a mix of dedicated Parrotheads, casual fans, and newbies. In The Great Filling Station Holdup, editor Josh Pachter presents sixteen short crime stories by sixteen popular and up-and-coming crime writers, each story based on a song from one of the twenty-nine studio albums Jimmy has released over the last half century, from Leigh Lundin’s take on “Truckstop Salvation” (which appeared on Jimmy’s first LP, 1970’s Down to Earth) to M.E. Browning’s interpretation of “Einstein Was a Surfer” (from 2013’s Songs from St. Somewhere). If you love Jimmy’s music or crime fiction or both, you’ll love The Great Filling Station Holdup. Mix yourself a boat drink, ask Alexa to put on a buffet of Buffett tunes, kick back, and enjoy! Table of Contents Introduction by Josh Pachter Down to Earth (1970) “Truckstop Salvation” by Leigh Lundin A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean (1973) “The Great Filling Station Holdup” by Josh Pachter A1A (1974) “A Pirate Looks at Forty” by Rick Ollerman Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes (1977) “Tampico Trauma” by Michael Bracken Son of a Son of a Sailor (1978) “Cheeseburger in Paradise” by Don Bruns Volcano (1979) “Volcano” by Alison McMahan Coconut Telegraph (1981) “Incommunicado” by Bruce Robert Coffin Somewhere Over China (1981) “If I Could Just Get It On Paper” by Lissa Marie Redmond One Particular Harbour (1983) “We Are the People Our Parents Warned Us About” by Elaine Viets Riddles in the Sand (1984) “Who’s the Blonde Stranger?” by Robert J. Randisi Last Mango in Paris (1985) “Everybody’s on the Run” by Laura Oles Hot Water (1988) “Smart Woman (in a Real Short Skirt)” by Isabella Maldonado Off to See the Lizard (1989) “The Pascagoula Run” by Jeffery Hess Don’t Stop the Carnival (1998) “Public Relations” by Neil Plakcy Beach House on the Moon (1999) “Spending Money” by John M. Floyd Songs From St. Somewhere (2013) “Einstein Was a Surfer” by M.E. Browning

Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Jimmy Buffett

The Great Filling Station Holdup

The 10th issue of Black Cat Mystery Magazine features another great lineup of original crime and mystery fiction, plus one classic reprint. Here are: THE LAST GASP, by H.K. Slade SPOOK, by Emilio DeGrazia OUT OF A FOG, by Barb Goffman EL PESCADOR ZURDO, by Tom Larsen A BLUE UMBRELLA SKY, by R.S. Morgan DEATH WILL GIVE YOU A REASON, by Elizabeth Zelvin THE MANNEQUIN GRAVEYARD, by Gregory L. Norris SAVING THE INDIANA DAE, by Vicki Weisfeld THE CONTROL TOWER, by Janice Law SLOW DOWN, by Steve Liskow BURNIN BUTT, TEXAS, by Mark Troy CLASSIC REPRINT AFFAIR OF LAMSON'S COOK, by Charles Felton

Black Cat Mystery Magazine #10

Joseph "Joey D" Garrett owes everything to his Aunt Sylvia, including a stint in the Stateville Correctional Center. When he's released, Joey returns to the only life he knows, and he soon becomes an instrumental part of his aunt's plan to rob four banks in a single day. Before that can happen, though, Joey meets Gloria Sanchez, and she turns his life upside down. Gloria's everything his aunt isn't, and their developing relationship makes him think about how life could be if he weren't so dependent on Sylvia. When he's forced to choose between the two most important women in his life, Joey finds the answer in a take-out bag from a taco truck.

Guns + Tacos, Book 2

Three Brisket Tacos and a Sig Sauer

Joseph “Joey D” Garrett owes everything to his Aunt Sylvia, including a stint in the Stateville Correctional Center. When he’s released, Joey returns to the only life he knows, and he soon becomes an instrumental part of his aunt’s plan to rob four banks in a single day. Before that can happen, though, Joey meets Gloria Sanchez, and she turns his life upside down. Gloria’s everything his aunt isn’t, and their developing relationship makes him think about how life could be if he weren’t so dependent on Sylvia. When he’s forced to choose between the two most important women in his life, Joey finds the answer in a take-out bag from a taco truck.

Mickey Finn: 21st Century Noir, Volume 2, the second entry of the hard-hitting anthology series, is a crime-fiction cocktail that will again knock readers into a literary stupor. Contributors push hard against the boundaries of crime fiction, driving their work into places short crime fiction doesn’t often go, into a world where the mean streets seem gentrified by comparison and happy endings are the exception rather than the rule. And they do all this in contemporary settings, bringing noir into the 21st century. Like any good cocktail, Mickey Finn is a heady mix of ingredients that packs a punch, and when you’ve finished reading every story, you’ll know that you’ve been “slipped a Mickey.” The nineteen contributors, including some of today’s most respected short-story writers and new writers making their mark on the genre, include: Trey R. Barker, John Bosworth, Michael Bracken, Scott Bradfield, S.M. Fedor, Nils Gilbertson, J.D. Graves, James A. Hearn, Janice Law, Hugh Lessig, Gabe Morran, Rick Ollerman, Josh Pachter, Robert Petyo, Stephen D. Rogers, Albert Tucher, Joseph S. Walker, Sam Wiebe, and Stacy Woodson.

21st Century Noir

Mickey Finn Vol. 2

Dashiell Hammett

Brian Stanley

Boris Dralyuk

Isaac Babel

William Burton McCormick

Frederick C. Davis

Jane Jakeman

Carroll John Daly

Frederick Nebel

Brian Townsley

Hannah Honeybun

Katrina Younes

Frank Megna

Jonathan Sheppard

Jim Doherty

D.L. Champion

T.T. Flynn

Arthur Rodman Bowker

Norman Saunders

Black Mask, the greatest American detective magazine of all time, is back with another issue. This time around, it includes nine new stories in the Black Mask vein by Brian Townsley, Jane Jakeman, Brian Stanley, Hannah Honeybun, William Burton McCormick, Frank Megna, Jonathan Sheppard, Michael Bracken, Jim Doherty, as well as a new article on Raymond Chandler’s The Little Sister by Katrina Younes. In addition, Boris Dralyuk has kindly supplied his translation of Isaac Babel’s “Lyubka the Cossack” and arranged for its reprinting here. And, as with previous issues, Black Mask collects some of the best hard-boiled detective fiction from the Popular Publications vaults, as written by some of the genre’s best: Dashiell Hammett, D.L. Champion, Carroll John Daly, Frederick Nebel, T.T. Flynn, and Frederick C. Davis.

Black Mask 2019 Yearbook

Mickey Finn: 21st Century Noir is a crime-fiction cocktail that will knock readers into a literary stupor. Contributors push hard against the boundaries of crime fiction, driving their work into places short crime fiction doesn’t often go, into a world where the mean streets seem gentrified by comparison and happy endings are the exception rather than the rule. And they do all this in contemporary settings, bringing noir into the 21st century. Like any good cocktail, Mickey Finn is a heady mix of ingredients that packs a punch, and when you’ve finished reading every story, you’ll know that you’ve been “slipped a Mickey.” The twenty contributors, some of today’s most respected short-story writers and new writers making their mark on the genre, include J.L. Abramo, Ann Aptaker, Trey R. Barker, Michael Bracken, Barb Goffman, David Hagerty, James A. Hearn, David H. Hendrickson, Jarrett Kaufman, Mark R. Kehl, Hugh Lessig, Steve Liskow, Alan Orloff, Josh Pachter, Steve Rasnic Tem, Mikal Trimm, Bev Vincent, Joseph S. Walker, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, and Stacy Woodson.

Mickey Finn Vol. 1

O'Neil De Noux

Dan Sontup

This still ain't your Mama's anthology. Whether they crawl up from the gutters or stroll down from the mansions, the private eyes and tough guys in these stories make the mean streets meaner and the dark alleys darker. While some stories punch you full in the face, others sneak up from behind and place the cold steel barrel of a .38 against the back of your skull. Either way, you won't be able to defend yourself against the raw, gritty power between these covers. Noir never looked so dark as it does in these tales -- tales of twisted love, violence, and vengeance. Here are fourteen more hardboiled tales guaranteed to blow your hat off!

Fedora II

Frank Zafiro

There’s a taco truck in Chicago known among a certain segment of the population for its daily specials. Late at night and during the wee hours of the morning, it isn’t the food selection that attracts customers, it’s the illegal weapons available with the special order. Each episode of Guns & Tacos features the story of one Chicagoland resident who visits the taco truck seeking a solution to life’s problems, a solution that always comes in a to-go bag. Episode 1: “Tacos de Cazuela con Smith & Wesson” by Gary Phillips. Episode 2: “Three Brisket Tacos and a Sig Sauer” by Michael Bracken. Episode 3: “A Gyro and a Glock” by Frank Zafiro. Episodes 4-6 of Season One are featured in Guns + Tacos Vol. 2.

Guns + Tacos Vol. 1

There's a serial killer loose in the Windy City--a stalker picking off prostitutes in the red light district. The catch--his victims are all white girls.

All White Girls

Chris Fortunato

Mary Kowalchyk

Featuring established and new literary voices comes the fifth issue of Thriller Magazine! This issue features short stories that will leave readers on the edge of their seat and some amazing artwork. Showcasing a wide range of tales, everything from psychological thrillers, to brutal tales of murder, to political thrillers, and much more, this issue has it all! Authors included are: Chris Fortunato, Michael Bracken, John Grey, J.B. Stevens, Mary Kowalchyk, Peter DiChellis, Kolby Diaz, G. Wayne Ashbee, J.B. Stevens, Arthur Davis, & A.R. Bender Artists included are: Denny Marshall Be sure to grab your copy today!

Thriller Magazine (Volume 3, Issue 1)

Fourteen hardboiled tales of love and hate, sex and power, fear and retribution - tales that grab you by the throat, slam you against the wall, then drag you back for more, tales of men and women who catch everything life throws at them.

Private Eyes and Tough Guys

Fedora

Michael Bracken

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