What’s in Issue 159

Novel	The Qwell are reluctant to reveal to Katia and Cyr all the skeletons in the family closet all at once, but they may not have a choice. Meanwhile, the Galactics discover a mysterious network linking englobed and even previously unknown worlds: euhal allen, The Bridge, IV ; chapter 2: Coming Home, part 1; part 2; part 3.
Serial	New contributor Joe Vadalma brings a time tourist from the future to New York city; the exotic meets the exotic. But think twice: given the choice, would you want to be a stranger in so strange a land? A Visit to the 21st Century, part 1; part 2.
Short Stories	New contributor Jonathan Bishop depicts the mental struggle of life “on the inside.” Why is freedom, with all its dangers, always better than Imprisonment? What distinguishes horror fiction from a news report? When it’s about the gun culture in the hands of madmen, it’s mostly the point of view: Doug Hiser, Texas Fire Ants, part 1; conclusion. New contributor Susan Mart-Charman introduces us to a would-be writer seeking inspiration. “Write what you know” isn’t easy; sometimes it takes a Muse to tell you what it is: The Ad, part 1; conclusion. Augustus Poe is not easily vanquished by the vampire Medusa. With the help of a strong woman and a good doctor, the marshal of the Weird Wild West finds a new career all staked out for him: Robert L. Sellers Jr, Gentlemen’s Club, part 1; part 2; part 3. New contributor Don J. Webb confirms our suspicions: Texas is a crazy, gun-totin’ place. But just relax and go with the flow while the peaceful little town of Doublesign treats you to Seventeen Views of Madness.
Flash Fiction	New contributor Mary King joins another newcomer in the time-tourist business but in a very different key. A song festival of long ago becomes a sweet and defining moment: From Time to Time: Susannah’s Story. New contributor Jim Schicatano joins another newcomer in depicting imprisonment, but from an opposite viewpoint. You know you’ll be doing hard time when you hear “You’re under existential arrest”: A.K.A. Hell.
Poetry	Viacheslav Yatsko writes another lyric; this one is a love song: Jane and Mike. Thomas D. Reynolds writes a counterpoint in a minor key to the story of the Muse. In the end, are we naught but our trash? Are ashes the fire that was? The Collector.
Essays	Don’t throw out those old vinyl records, you’ve got a buyer! Steven Utley, Turn, Turn, Turntable. ‘The pity that body feels for body even in the unhappiest circumstances I feel for outcasts of the world. It is a pity that comes from consciousness of inhabiting a body that could be anyone’: Prakash Kona, The Personal and the Political, part 2.

Departments

Welcome	Bewildering Stories welcomes Jonathan Bishop, Susie Hawes, Mary King, Susan Mart-Charman, Jim Schicatano, Joe Vadalma and Don J. Webb.
The Critics’ Corner	Don Webb looks at four works From Within and Without, and Poles Apart.
Letters	Mary King writes about First Impressions of 158 and prompts a question...
The Reading Room	New contributor Susie Hawes reviews C. G. Davis’s and Eric S. Brown’s Blood Rain. Jerry Wright reviews Rajnar Vajra’s Opening Wonders.
Editorial	Jerry Wright, Fame

In Times to Come

In issue 160

Novel: euhal allen, The Bridge IV, chapter 3 “Starhell Standoff”
Serials:: Joe Vadalma, “A Visit to the 21st Century” conclusion; New contributor Sandra Miller, “The Enemy in the Mirror” parts 1-2
Short stories:: New contributor Tammy Cox, “Visits”; Robert L. Sellers Jr, “Dead Calm”; New contributor Angelo Snow, “D is for Evil”; Thomas Lee Joseph Smith, “War of the Worlds”
Flash fiction:: New contributor Kelly Gillette, “Put the Gun Down, Warren”; Mary King, “From Time to Time: Frankie’s Story”
Poetry:: Kelvin Bueckert, “Television Cattle”; Thomas D. Reynolds, “Mission to Mars”
Essay: Prakash Kona, “The Personal and the Political” conclusion
Reviews:: Raiumundo Echegaray reviews Alfa Eridiani Nº 16; D. A. Madigan reviews The Matrix

Readers’ reactions are always welcome.
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