Black Cat Weekly #208

This is one of our darkest issues, with the world’s first eco-disaster novel (Nordenholt’s Million, by J.J. Connington, from 1923) depicting a world ravaged by a bacterial plague that destroys food supplies and leads to worldwide catastrophe. We also have our first story with a trigger warning (Darren O. Godfrey’s powerful “I Used to Live Here”). Alan Orloff has a unique take on a very hungry plant (shades of Little Shop of Horrors!), and there’s plague in space from Andrew Welsh-Huggins. Of course, there are lighter tales, too, and new stories from returning favorite authors like Elizabeth Zelvin, Teel James Glenn, and Ed Teja. It’s a great issue.

NOVELS
The Markenmore Mystery, by J. S. Fletcher
A country squire’s murder unravels dark secrets and hidden motives.

Nordenholt’s Million, by J. J. Connington
A ruthless leader protects a million people as famine threatens humanity…

NOVELET
“Missing Men,” by Vincent Starrett [Jimmie Lavender series]
Lavender uncovers family secrets behind a series of missing persons cases.

SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY
“Not Just Another Day at the Office,” by Hal Charles
Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there!

SHORT STORIES
“Won’t You Be Vine?” by Alan Orloff [Michael Bracken Presents short story]
Jack’s neglected yard hides a plant with a disturbing appetite…

“I Used to Live Here,” by Darren O. Godfrey
One man’s nostalgia becomes another family’s terror in this chilling thriller.

“The Raven’s Gamble,” by Teel James Glenn [The Raven series]
Duncan Corbie’s hunt for a murderer leads to stolen treasure—and betrayal.

“Death Will Cancel Your Comeback,” by Elizabeth Zelvin
A canceled celebrity’s comeback plans end in murder…

“Bus Drivers and Nurses,” by Ed Teja
What happens aboard a colony-bound spaceship when Earth suddenly goes silent?

“The Leap,” by Andrew Welsh-Huggins
On an alien world, a journalist pursues the secret behind humanity’s survival.

“The Recalcitrant,” by Evelyn Goldstein
After the Great War, an android must choose between love and humanity.