Black Cat Weekly #173

NOVELS The House of the Missing, by Sinclair Gluck    When Margaret disappears during a routine shopping trip, her brother sets off on a relentless quest to find her. New Amazonia, by Elizabeth Burgoyne Corbett    This pioneering feminist utopian novel transports a Victorian-era woman into a future Ireland governed by women. NOVELET “Horsesense Hank in the Parallel Worlds,” by Nelson S. Bond    Hank ventures into parallel worlds where nothing is as it seems. SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “Murder on the Christmas Train,” by Hal Charles    Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “Hearth and Home,” by Rick McMahan [Michael Bracken Presents short story]    A detective’s pursuit of a fugitive reveals haunting truths about a family massacre. “The Queen of Christmas,” by Shari Randall [Barb Goffman Presents short story]    A Sugar Plum Fairy, a stolen necklace, and an icy night bring mischief and mayhem… “Two Words,” by Paula Messina    A struggling shop owner faces unexpected dangers—and blessings—on a snowy Christmas Eve... “Beginner’s Luck,” by Susan Love Brown    A too-clever Christmas plan unravels when past crimes resurface, exposing secrets, irony, and ultimate justice. “The Bleak Mid-Winter Snow,” by Andrew Welsh-Huggins    In a post-AI-revolt world, a first date sparks hope—until chilling truths shatter trust and safety! “A Stranger at the Door,” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman    A secretive elf gives Chiara a magical gift, transforming her Christmas—and her life—in unexpected ways. “Heel,” by Philip Jose Farmer    Achilles fights destiny as gods manipulate his fate in a cosmic war where the scriptwriter reigns supreme… “The Lost Race,” by Robert E. Howard    A Briton stumbles upon a hidden Pict civilization—where vengeance, honor, and ancient curses shape his fate…