In this issue

In EQMM’s May/June 2019 issue, sunny shores contain dark secrets, as in Edgar Award nominated Art Taylor’s “Better Days” and the edge-of-your-seat ride “Hurricane Jonah” by T.J. MacGregor. Speaking of sunshine, join Pat Black’s policemen on a bittersweet day, “The First Day of the School Holidays”—and a private investigator in Mark Stevens’s “A Bitter Thing,” a story taking place in the world of hit rock musicians.

Classical-mystery fans will love the impossible-crime tale “Murder With a Flick of the Wrist” by William Burton McCormick and Carlos Orsi’s locked-room puzzle “Hatred in the House of Prayer.” Ellery Queen fans will delight in the return of The Puzzle Club in Josh Pachter’s pastiche “A Study in Scarlett!”

Several authors take a look at childhood: Anna Scotti in “From Deep Within the Earth, She Smiled” and Marilyn Todd in “Boys Will Be Boys” explore the temperaments of young men, while Sheila Kohler’s “The Darling” looks back on trauma and a family secret. Janice Law’s “My Companion” follows a lonely kid looking for friendship. Other stories explore different family dynamics (see “The Shrew” by Bill Pronzini and Dave Zeltserman’s “Brother’s Keeper” [Black Mask]).

Battles of the past wage on for a soldier in “A Question of Rabbits” by J.L. Orchard (Department of First Stories), a doomed activist in Adrian J. McKinty’s “From Hell,” and characters in the twisty tales “The Duelist,” a historical by David Dean, and “The Workout,” a noirish thriller by Brendan DuBois.

Also not to miss are Chad Baker’s wry “The Smoking Bandit of Lakeside Terrace,” where a miffed tenant in an assisted-living facility sleuths; a haunting bedtime story by Jyotirmoyee Devi Sen translated from the Bengali (“The Queen and the Concubine”); the satirical “The Girl on the Bandwagon” by Martin Edwards (a sly take on psychological suspense); a poem by James Sallis (“Dear Interrogator”), and the results of our 2018 Readers Award contest!

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.