We kick off December with several holiday-themed stories. First up is John M. Floyd’s tale of a Christmas scam artist (with thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman). Then we have Paula Messina’s tale of a stray Christmas tree found on a beach. Finally, blasting off to outer space, we have an AI reindeer full of mischief in a story by Theresa Duck.

Of course, we have our usual assortment of mystery, fantasy, and science fiction stories, including originals by Dave Zeltserman (thanks to Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), R.M. Linning, and Steve Rasnic Tem. Plus we have classic reprints from E.C. Tubb and Manly Bannister, plus we begin the serial of Edmund Glasby’s The Song of Mageddo, final volume of the Apocalypses of Brother Santiago trilogy. (See our previous four issues for volumes 1 and 2 of this great fantasy series.)

We also have Mary Roberts Rhinehart’s mystery novel Two Flights Up. And no issue would be complelte without a solve-it-yourself mystery from Hal Charles. All told, another great issue!

Here’s the complete lineup—
NOVEL
Two Flights Up, by Mary Roberts Rhinehart
In 1920s America, a mysterious lodger becomes entangled in scandal, stolen bonds, and forbidden love in an aristocratic household fallen from grace.

SERIAL NOVEL
The Battle of Mageddo, by Edmund Glasby [Part 1 of 2]
The Third Apocalypse of Brother Santiago begins!

NOVELET
“A Song in the Thicket,” by Manly Bannister
When the Drakes move into a new suburban development, impossible, persistent, and always returning puddles appear on their property.

SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY
“Book Smart,” by Hal Charles
Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there!

SHORT STORIES
“The Roommate,” by Dave Zeltserman [Michael Bracken Presents short story]
A new boyfriend with strange habits, a mysterious past, and a deadly curfew—is Lisa dating a liar or something worse?

“Christmas Gifts,” by John M. Floyd [Barb Goffman Presents short story]
Meeting a troubled woman in an elevator, a suave businessman is reminded that Christmas is a time for helping those in need—especially if he benefits, too.

“Legacies,” by R.M. Linning
In a powerful Chicago dynasty, secrets, ambition, and ruthless manipulation bind generations of the Nyland family together.

“O Tannenbaum,” by Paula Messina
On a stormy Revere Beach, Margaret stumbles upon a forlorn Christmas tree that stirs memories of love and loss.

“Silent Night in System Nine,” by Theresa Duck
A space captain and exuberant mechanic race to deliver holiday trees, but chaos erupts when an AI reindeer joins the crew.

“Catch and Release,” by Steve Rasnic Tem
A man recalls his eerie foster mother, whose strange abilities and secrets haunt him as he searches for her—and himself—years later.

“Honour Bright,” by E.C. Tubb
A spaceship’s engine malfunctions mid-journey, threatening the lives of its crew.

Exploring Dark Short Fiction #1