This issue, we have an original mystery from Mike Adamson, plus a recent tale by Neil S. Plakcy (courtesy of our Acquiring Editors). Classic mystery reprints come from Dale Clark and Edgar Wallace. Plus, of course, a solve-it-yourself puzzler by Hal Charles.

I broke out the Adventure category for Vera Shamarin, by William Murray Graydon. It’s an exciting tale of escape from Russia. Not really mystery, but perhaps more suspense, I thought it belonged in its own category. See if you agree.

It’s an all-classic lineup from our science fiction writers: Ted White & Marion Zimmer Bradley lead off, followed by Frank Belknap Long, Ivar Jorgenson, and Edmond Hamilton. Jack Sharkey’s short novel, “The Programmed People,” caps things off.

Here's the lineup:

Mysteries / Suspense:

“A Reliquary in Stone” by Mike Adamson [Michael Bracken Presents short story]
“The Letter of the Law” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery]
“Oystery Creek” by Neil S. Plakcy [Barb Goffman Presents short story]
“A Knife in His Chest,” by Dale Clark [novelet]
Angel Esquire, by Edgar Wallace [novel]

Adventure:

Vera Shamarin, by William Murray Graydon [novel]

Science Fiction & Fantasy:

“Phoenix,” by Ted White and Marion Zimmer Bradley [short story]
“Little Men of Space,” by Frank Belknap Long [short story]
“Ozymandias,” by Ivar Jorgenson [short story]
“Sunfire!” by Edmond Hamilton [short story]
The Programmed People, by Jack Sharkey [short novel]

In the Dark