Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine - November/December 2023

In this issue

EQMM’s November/December issue is full of treasure—and treasure hunts. In “The Iron Maiden” by Doug Allyn, competing factions are after a long-lost shipwreck, and an unsuspecting man of the streets stumbles into a potentially lucrative situation, if he can find the goods first, in “Kit’s Pad” by David Krugler. Sometimes the sought-after is more sentimental than pricey—and thereby even more dangerous—such as in “Moldova, 1992” by A.F. Bhuyan, in which a child feels abandoned by his mother.

In a new case for the begrudgingly hooked Darcy and Payne, “The Men Who Knew Too Much” by R.T. Raichev, a complicated ritual unravels into a map that ends in murder—and in Joyce Carol Oates’s “***”, a man searches for an elusive gem of fact in his memory. Speaking of gems, jewelry is sought in “Uprooted” by Cath Staincliffe (where more than a trinket is unearthed from the past), “The Ring” by Pip Thompson (from the Department of First Stories), the storm-drenched “A Small Mercy” by Alice Hatcher, and “A Woman in Miniature” by Carol Goodman, in which a WWII era information-desk worker at the Plaza finds herself in pursuit of a spy.

Fame is an elusive pearl, and characters in “The Stars of Reality TV” by Brendan DuBois and “The Good Winemaker” by Beatrix Kramlovsky (from the Passport to Crime department) are out to find it—whatever the cost. Even small-timers like the “Spear Carriers” (by Richard Helms) are roped into extortion schemes, whether they like it or not.

Readers know well that gambling can lead to fortune or a fall, such as in “Texas-Sized Vanity” by Travis Richardson. Two stories set in Vegas continue the precarious momentum: “Two Thousand Miles from Vegas” by J.D. Frain (from the Department of First Stories) and “Sign-Removal Day” by Michael Grimala. Topping off the issue is a jewel from the past in the Black Mask Department: “Three O’Clock in the Morning” by Erle Stanely Gardner. Don’t miss this trove of wonderful tales!

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.