Sam Merwin, Jr. (1910-1996) is one of those great "lost" authors. Equally adept and mystery and science fiction, he produced a significant body of work in both fields. In fact, this volume adds as a bonus two of his classic mystery stories, in addition to a selection of 7 science fiction stories. Included are:JUDAS RAMTHE AMBASSADORTHE FINAL FIGUREREEL LIFE FILMSA WORLD APARTIT'S ALL YOURSTESTINGAMY STOPS THE CLOCK (Bonus Mystery Sto...

The story is set in a future where humanity has established contact with alien civilizations and is engaged in interstellar diplomacy. The protagonist, the Ambassador, is tasked with representing humanity's interests in negotiations with alien races.As the Ambassador navigates the complexities of intergalactic politics, he encounters intrigue, betrayal, and danger. The novel explores themes of diplomacy, power struggles, and the challenges of communication and understanding between differe...

"Judas Ram" is a science fiction novel that blends elements of mystery and adventure. The story revolves around the discovery of an alien artifact and its implications for humanity.The plot typically follows the protagonist or a group of characters who come into contact with the alien artifact, which may possess mysterious or dangerous properties. As they investigate the artifact, they encounter various challenges and uncover secrets that have significant consequences for their world.

The novel likely explores themes of advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and the ethical implications of human interaction with intelligent machines. Given the era in which it was written, "The Final Figure" might also touch upon Cold War anxieties and the race for technological supremacy between nations.Sam Merwin, Jr.'s writing typically includes fast-paced narratives, speculative science, and social commentary. "The Final Figure" is expected to reflect his style of blending fut...

Charles Justin paused briefly in the encroaching darkness to look at the north front of the Old State House in Boston. He was engaged in the process of walking home from his office on State Street to his house in Louisburg Square. The ancient building, he thought, with its palladian windows and gilded lion and unicorn, still looked much as it must have when Paul Revere engraved his crude but effective print of the Boston Massacre, back in 1773. One of the things Justin loved most about Bos...

This issue, we have an original mystery by dbschlosser (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), a recent tale by Bruce Robert Coffin (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman), and a slightly older tale by James Holding. Our mystery novel is As a Thief in the Night, by R. Austin Freeman—part of his Dr. Thorndyke series. And, of course, a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles.On the science fiction side, we have an original story by Larry Tritten, plus classics...

When telepath Lynne Fenlay is mysteriously brought from Earth to Mars, she finds herself caught in a battle for the planet's future. As Mars' atmosphere is restored, invisible alien creatures that feed on electricity are gaining strength and possessing the minds of human telepaths. To save Mars, Lynne must penetrate the nightmarish crystalline tower where her twin brother battles madness and discover the true nature of the aliens. But even if she triumphs, will she have a home to return to...

The Admiral a thrilling wonder tells you a story about a great Admiral who won countless battles at the sea. It was terrible to hold supreme command on the eve of battle, terrible and frightening. Despite the battles fought, the victories he had won, such malaise had never failed to visit him when action loomed close.In this book you you will find out how the Admiral overcame difficult circumstances even the once that almost calmed his soul. He was well know and respected for his w...

This issue, we are happy to reprint Earl Derr Biggers’ third entry in the classic Charlie Chan detective series, Behind That Curtain. But the highlights don’t stop there! We have an original mystery by Travis Richardson (thanks to acquiring editor Michael Bracken), a great modern mystery by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier (thanks to acquiring editor Barb Goffman), an original science fiction story from Robert Lopresti (best known as a mystery writer), and Diana Deverell’s “Payback is a Bit...

Climate change may be a hot topic today, but when this story was first published in 1948, such tales were the stuff of crackpots...and visionary science fiction writers. In "Climate--Disordered," a hot publicity man gets a $25,000 chill!

In "Arbiter," Sam Merwin crafts a captivating and intricate narrative that delves deep into the realms of morality and human decision-making, set against a backdrop of an interstellar society teetering on the edge of collapse. Merwin's prose is a brilliant amalgamation of speculative fiction and philosophical inquiry, poised within the science fiction genre, where vivid imagery and complex characterizations compel readers to interrogate the ethical implications of technological progress an...

The Sane Men of Satan by Sam Merwin delivers a bold and thought-provoking science fiction narrative that challenges perceptions of sanity, morality, and control within a highly unconventional setting. Merwin crafts a gripping story where the concept of “sanity” is turned on its head, forcing readers to question who truly holds reason in a world that seems to defy it. As the narrative unfolds, tension builds through psychological conflict and unexpected twi...