This time, we have holiday-themed stories from Ron Miller (a great new tale featuring burlesque-queen-turned-private detective Velda), Nina Kiriki Hoffman (who remains one of my favorite fantasists active today), and Lillian M. Roberts (thanks to Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman).

Plus, we have great originals by Elizabeth Zelvin (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), Hala Dika, Joshua David Bellin, and Edmund Glasby (concluding his two-part novel serial from last issue). Our classic reprints are by John S. Glasby and Philip E. High.

Here’s the complete lineup—

SERIAL NOVEL

The Battle of Mageddo**, by Edmund Glasby** [Part 2 of 2]

The Third Apocalypse of Brother Santiago concludes!

NOVELET

“Ho, Ho, Ho, Velda!” by Ron Miller [Velda series

] Velda’s holiday turns chaotic when a cryptic clue leads to a baffling mystery. Can she solve it before Christmas is ruined?

SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY

“An Uncharitable Tournament,” by Hal Charles

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

SHORT STORIES

“Scorched Earth,” by Elizabeth Zelvin [Michael Bracken Presents]

Family tensions simmer as ambition and secrets collide. A gripping tale of loyalty and betrayal!

“The Reunion,” by Lillian M. Roberts [Barb Goffman Presents]

A stray dog leads Andi to a mystery that shakes up her holiday.

“The Best Farnsworth**,” by** Hala Dika

Detective Margot Cabot infiltrates a glittering world of wealth to uncover a deadly secret. Can she outwit the powerful Farnsworth family?

“Company for the Holidays,” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman

Aunt Phyllida*’s Christmas guest is a boy with a mysterious past—and her house is hosting a party of shadows….*

“The Troop,” by Joshua David Bellin

A girl raised among apes warns of a threat to their sanctuary. As two worlds collide, survival means navigating trust, betrayal, and primal instincts.

“The Method,” by Philip E. High

In a galaxy where ancient instincts clash with advanced technologies, can Marsin ignite a rebellion and restore humanity’s place among the stars?

“Where Dead Men Dream,” by John S. Glasby

In Haiti, a reporter uncovers a sinister ritual. The drums call, the dead rise—and terror awaits!