Stacy Woodson

It has been quite some time since I have been able to pick up an issue of Black Cat Mystery Magazine as the recent issues have been print only. But, the most recent issue, Black Cat Mystery Magazine #15, is available in print and digital formats so I was able to get the eBook version. Not only is that better for my shrinking finances as I pick up things via my Amazon Associate account, but I can adjust the typeface so that I can actually read it.

As always, Editor Michael Bracken leads things show more off with his piece, “From The Cat’s Perch.” The theme for this issue is praise for the Short Mystery Fiction Society. Like this reviewer, Mr. Bracken previously served terms as Vice President and President of the SMFS. A number of the authors featured in this issue are current SMFS list members as well.

Stacy Woodson’s short story, “Armadillo By Morning,” leads things off where Roy is looking forward to retirement. He has enjoyed being an Animal Control Officer for many decades, but his hip is telling him that enough is enough. So too is Millie Wendell who has constant complaints from her place just inside their rural jurisdiction. This time she is mad about an armadillo that keeps coming back and tearing up her garden.

The guy is dead in “After Their Convictions, Six Murders Reflect On How Killing Mr. Boddy Changed Their Lives” by Tara Laskowski and Art Taylor. The husband and wife, who each individually, have quite an authorship record, collaborate here with a complicated and amusing tale based of the legendary boardgame, CLUE. I’m certainly not going to ruin this short story by telling you more.

Author, and in this case, translator, Josh Pachter is up next with his translation of “Promises To Keep” by Gert-Jan van den Bemd. In a gut-wrenching story that hit way too close to home for this reader, Mrs. van Tilt is at the door wanting to make a certain purchase. The item in question that she wishes to buy from the elderly couple will change everything for all involved.

Prolific author John M. Floyd is up next with “A Cold Day In Helena.” The brothers, Ray and Will Hardy, are up against it. Their only option seems to be to rob the local bank. The First National Bank is a relatively easy target as far as banks go and they have a good plan. They just need the nerve to execute the job.

The large barrels arrive on the occasional truck at the isolated and derelict station in Arizona. The cartel has stuff that needs disposing of in those barrels and that is why he has the job. At least job he has the for now in “Human Waste” by Davin Ireland. The always taciturn Jorge is back with his truck on this Sunday and he is not happy. His presence, and his attitude, is not good news in many ways.

Life on the island was a bit limited and routine. Then, a week before his Peace Corps gig was supposed to be over, Janine’s body was found in a ravine nearby. In “Hiva-Oa” by J. W. Wood, Michael is naturally a suspect in the death of the married woman. Especially after several and very public events that led to rumors and gossip by nearly everyone on the island.

R. T. Lawton is next and takes readers to NYC in his tale titled, “Most Important Meal Of The Day.” Our narrator very much likes his free breakfast that Sarah, the cashier, gives him each day. Times are tough, he is unemployed, and winter is coming. Breakfast is important and often his only meal. He needs the free food and does not want to lose it. Leonard and Jules are probably going to ruin things.

She knows he is watching her in the bar. He thinks he is going to get lucky. He most definitely is, but not the way he thought in “Luxury Goods” by R. M. Lowery.

Talia Houghton barely survived the murders of her family. Our narrator, the public defender that had to defend the accused, Danny Houghton, remains haunted by her eyes and the horror of her case in “The Child” by Elizabeth Elwood. All these years later though there have been court actions, a prison sentence, and more, the case is not over.

Marcelle Dubé’s short story, “Getting Back Into Heaven” comes next and takes readers to the Yukon. Growing up, Jonas’ mom always told him he was a special boy and that God had a special place for him right by his side waiting for him. He knew that space, and heaven itself, would never happen after he served in Afghanistan. These days, Jonas Bellechasse, is working with a group of geologists. His job is to keep them safe and the main threat has been wild bears. Jonas likes his job and finds the rugged forest peaceful and pleasant. A wildfire threatens everyone involved in this increasingly tense tale.

She was having fun playing at being a spy in ‘An Imp In Spy’s Clothing” by Robert Jeschonek. Then things got very serious. Now she is wearing what seems to be a suicide vest and she may not live long enough to enjoy her beloved Lisbon, Portugal, again.

Evelyn Wheatley and James Vaughn don’t agree on much of anything in “Let’s Settle This” by Jack Ritchie. At least, that is what they publicly say. Jimmy’s dad, owner of the law firm, thinks they should get married. The fact that her current guy, Eddie Conley, a classmate of Jimmy’s from law school and an adversary in the current legal case, makes things far more complicated in this story that ends the issue.

As always, this publication showcases a variety of mysteries in the spectrum with a variety of writing styles, locations, and more. Black Cat Mystery Magazine #15, not to be confused with the also very good Black Cat Weekly, is another solidly good edition and well worth your time.

My reading copy came by way of an Amazon Associate purchase using funds in my account.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2025 show less

Black Cat Mystery Magazine #9 opens with a brief word from Editor Michael Bracken and then moves on to the stories. First up is Stacy Woodson with “Last Rites” where Colonel Wilson and a few of his unit were lucky enough to survive an ambush. Several were killed. The survivors have suffered significant physical and mental injuries. Thanks to Nurse Lucy and Doc Taylor, they all should be on the mend and headed home soon.

Victor Connelly has a plan in “The Jericho Train” by John M. show more Floyd. He knows the train schedule having grown up on the massive Connelly ranch. He has built quite an empire. The arrival of the train is one small cog in a major plan to change his life for the better. It is going to be a long ten minutes until the train arrives at the station.

Peter Shirkey also has a plan in “Coral Cove” by B. A. Paul. Painting the traffic barricades is just one small part of the plan. Being the handyman and more for the Bungalows of Briny Breeze gives him skills and opportunity.

“The Alley” by Ann Aptaker revolves around Howard Vickers and Louie Sharp. For Howard Vickers, the timing is what is a bit of a surprise. He knew Louie Sharp was going to come for him sooner or later. Apparently, it is now in a cold, dark, and wet alley. The man known as the “Angel of Death” is edging his way steadily closer.

It is 1935 and the town population of Granbury, Texas, has turned out to see “Sonny Goodman and His Orchestral All-Stars.” The band entertains for twenty-five cent a head several nights a week as they tour the southwest. They do not make very much off of ticket sales so they have to supplement that income in other ways as explained in “Sonny’s Encore” by Editor Michael Bracken.

It is the middle of March in 1978 as “Switch Bait” by Cynthia Ward begins. Bethany and Chase Hayes plan to make their displeasure with Billy Bolduc known in a public way. Boulduc is not getting how things are done in the lobster business and needs another lesson.

Professor Arnold Pugmire pulled off the perfect murder in “Becoming Zero” by James. A. Hearn. With the wealthy Texas oil man dead, now Pugmire can woo the man’s wife, Amanda. Things are now finally going to be right with Amanda as his. The money is nice, but having Amanda as far more than a plutonic friend will be far nicer.

“The Mmurder of Jonathan Greystone” by Barry Fulton follows where the play is the thing. The play was also the scene of the murder of Jonathan Greystone. That event resulted in the subsequent incarceration of a fellow actor, Tony Lancaster, for the murder. There were other ramifications of the murder as well.

Temptation and desperation are a combined powerful force and such is the case for the postal clerk in “You Gotta Be In It!” by Elliot Capon. The clerk has the means, motive, and the opportunity. Getting away with it is doable if things work out as planned.

“The You-Don’t-Know-The Half-Of-Dearie-Blues: An Alexander Brass Mystery” by Michael Kurland comes next. It is early 1936 and anything and everything involving the New York World Syndicate is off limits to Alexander Brass, Gloria, and the narrator. An editorial dispute has escalated into the trio being banned from the newspaper property because Brass thinks Dr. Weld is not guilty of murder. Banning him means they now have the freedom to chase the story and prove it.

The fighter Charley Robertson was getting treatment post fight when Mr. John Massey and his group barged into his dressing room beneath Madison Square Garden. Massey bought his contract and is now his manage in “A Fighter By His Trade” by Graham Powell. His new manager is going to change his training schedule and a lot more.

The issue closes with “Smelling Like A Rose” by Gill Brewer. In this classic reprint, Mr. Vince Helman is doing everything he can to keep it together. The woman is the next cottage is certainly no help with that.

Black Cat Mystery Magazine #9 is another all around solidly good issue. The tales, past and present, often share a common theme where the plan does not work as expected. In rare cases, the plan worked out as ultimately intended thus proving the idea that crime can pay and pay very well. As on expects with this publication, the tales selected are good ones and are well worth your time to read.

I bought the eBook copy of the issue back in January 2021 to read and review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2021 show less