Romance is in the air with our special Valentine’s Day Spectacular! Of course, not all stories have romance, but we’ve done our best to weave a theme through many of the tales this issue. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the love and mayhem, as we present 7 great tales ranging from the here and now to the far future, 2 novels, and a solve-it-yourself mystery.

As always, special thanks to our Acquiring Editors, Michael Bracken and Barb Goffman, who teased original tales from R.T. Lawton and Sherry Harris, and all our great contributors. And special thanks to art director Ron Miller, who selected our great Steve Hickman cover.

Here’s the complete lineup—

NOVELSThe Doctor Who Held Hands, by Hulbert Footner

Madame Storey challenges a great criminal—and a great lover—to a duel to the death!

The Pirate of World’s End, by Lin Carter

The fifth volume of the Gondwane Saga, a far-future sword & sorcery epic!

SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY

“The Case of the Missing Book,” by Hal Charles

Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there!

SHORT STORIES

“The Rat,” by R.T. Lawton [Michael Bracken Presents short story]

Reggie the Rat scurries through Jersey’s underworld to crack a big case.

“Light My Fire,” by Sherry Harris [Barb Goffman Presents short story]

A routine garage cleanup leads Sarah Winston into unexpected danger…

“Undertoad,” by Marcelle Dubé

A cryptic message sends Cath on a race to save her granddaughter.

“Mystery of the Deep,” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman

A chance encounter on the beach leads to an unforgettable connection.

“Small Packages,” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman

A surprise hidden in a cereal box sends Sarah on an unexpected adventure.

“For Everyone’s Welfare,” by Charles Walter

A young couple fights for their future as colony rules threaten their love.

“Images of Love,” by Larry Tritten

A wandering adventurer finds love, passion, and heartbreak on his journey.

Let's Fake a Deal