Short Story Wednesday Review: Black Cat Mystery Magazine #15

 

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 MysteryMagazine #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 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.

 

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4j8rIXl

 

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

 

Kevin R. Tipple ©2025