In this issue

With this first issue of 2016, our annual holiday issue, we have an extra special reason to celebrate: It’s the beginning of our 75th-anniversary year! As befits the occasion, we begin with a clever classic mystery by the magazine’s namesake: “The Adventure of the Seven Black Cats” by Ellery Queen, never before seen in EQMM. We have new stories by some Readers Award favorites too—including the chilling “The Old Man and the Seashore” by Marilyn Todd and “The Salvation of Seamus Tyrrell” by David Dean (the second in a series from the Black Mask department). Also returning, in “Wolfe and Warp” by Loren D. Estleman, are two enchanting series characters, Nero Wolfeian detective Claudius Lyon and his assistant Arnie.

Naturally, we also bring you some stories set at the holidays and full of wintry weather—like the tense “Secondhand Heart” by Christine Poulson,” the heartfelt “Cruel Memory” by Ed Wyrick, and the satirical “To Kill a Rocking Horse” by James Powell, whose lighthearted Christmas tales have become an EQMM yearly staple.

Merrymaking, at various seasons of the year, takes darker turns in “Just Desserts” by Catherine Robson, from the Department of First Stories, as well as in the puzzler “Game of Errors” by Alberto Mussa from the Passport to Crime Department—and perhaps most shockingly in Cath Staincliffe’s twisty historical “Two Birds.”

Don’t miss the beginning of this important milestone year, which also includes a letter from the editor’s desk and our two monthly columns. And stay tuned for more to come!

Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine Description:

Enter the captivating world of mystery fiction with Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. We're excited to introduce you to this legendary publication, your premier destination for classic and contemporary mystery stories, detective tales, and crime fiction.

Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, published by Penny Publications LLC, is not just a magazine; it's a timeless institution that has been a beacon for mystery enthusiasts for decades.

As you explore the pages of Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, you'll find a world of content that caters to mystery aficionados and lovers of crime fiction:

* Classic Mysteries: Enjoy timeless classics and iconic mysteries that have stood the test of time.

* Contemporary Crime Fiction: Dive into the latest works of contemporary authors, exploring new twists and turns in the world of crime.

* Detective Stories: Experience the thrill of detective stories, featuring brilliant investigators, cunning criminals, and perplexing puzzles.

* Short Story Collections: Access a curated selection of short stories that deliver suspense, intrigue, and surprise in every page.

* Author Interviews: Gain insights into the minds of mystery authors with exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their creative process.


Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine is your key to unlocking a world of mystery, suspense, and intellectual challenge. Subscribe now and immerse yourself in the timeless art of deduction.