Set in the early 1960s, The Mystery of the Caribbean Pearls follows young Biff Brewster as he visits his Uncle Charlie to discover priceless pearls in Martinique. Even worse, his uncle's friend has gone missing, leaving behind an anxious yet determined son. It is up to Biff Brewster and his new friend Derek to adventure through the Caribbean, dodging nefarious looters and kidnappers to find the hidden treasure and rescue Derek's father.

Edward Stratemeyer's 'The Rover Boys on the Great Lakes; Or, The Secret of the Island Cave' is a classic adventure novel that follows the thrilling journey of the Rover Boys as they uncover secrets on an island cave in the Great Lakes. Written in a fast-paced and engaging style, the book is filled with excitement, mystery, and friendship, making it a captivating read for readers of all ages. Set in the late 19th century, the novel reflects the adventurous spirit of the time and explores themes of bravery, loyalty, and perseverance. Stratemeyer's descriptive writing brings the scenes to life, transporting readers to the rugged landscapes of the Great Lakes. Edward Stratemeyer, a prolific writer of children's books, drew inspiration for this novel from his love of adventure stories and his desire to create wholesome entertainment for young readers. His unique storytelling ability and attention to detail set him apart as a master of juvenile fiction, influencing generations of readers and writers alike. Through his works, Stratemeyer aimed to instill positive values and morals in his audience, making his books both entertaining and educational. I highly recommend 'The Rover Boys on the Great Lakes; Or, The Secret of the Island Cave' to readers who enjoy action-packed adventures with a healthy dose of mystery and camaraderie. This timeless tale will appeal to fans of classic adventure stories and those looking for a thrilling escapade through the rugged landscapes of the Great Lakes.

Oliver Optic's 'All Aboard; or, Life on the Lake. A Sequel to "The Boat Club"' takes readers on a thrilling adventure centered around the idyllic setting of a lake. The book is written in Optic's signature engaging style, filled with vivid descriptions that bring the setting to life. Set in the 19th century, the novel captures the essence of leisurely lakeside living and the excitement of boating and water sports. Readers will be immersed in a world of camaraderie, competition, and the beauty of nature. Optic's attention to detail and character development make this book a delightful read for both young and adult audiences.Oliver Optic, a pseudonym for William Taylor Adams, was a prolific author known for his classic children's adventure novels. With a background in education, Optic wrote books that entertained and educated readers about nature, history, and morality. His love for the outdoors and his understanding of young readers' interests shine through in 'All Aboard.'I highly recommend 'All Aboard; or, Life on the Lake' to readers who enjoy classic adventure stories with a focus on friendship and outdoor activities. Optic's timeless tale will transport you to a simpler time and leave you longing for your own lakeside adventure.

Edward Stratemeyer's 'The Rover Boys on the Ocean; Or, A chase for a fortune' is a classic adventure novel that follows the thrilling journey of three brothers as they embark on a treasure-hunting expedition at sea. The book is written in a fast-paced and engaging style that will captivate readers of all ages, making it a timeless piece of children's literature. Set in the late 19th century, the novel reflects the sense of exploration and discovery prevalent during that time period. With its blend of mystery, action, and camaraderie, 'The Rover Boys on the Ocean' is a compelling read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Edward Stratemeyer's skillful storytelling and attention to detail make this book a must-read for fans of adventure fiction and historical novels. As the creator of several popular series such as the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, Stratemeyer brings his expertise in crafting thrilling tales to this dynamic story of brotherhood and adventure. Readers who enjoy action-packed narratives filled with excitement and intrigue will find 'The Rover Boys on the Ocean' to be a captivating and entertaining read that they won't soon forget.

This issue features original mysteries by O’Neil De Noux and Shannon Taft (thanks to our Acquiring Editors, Michael Bracken and Barb Goffman), a Gil Brewer crime classic, and another entry in the Biff Brewer mystery series by Andy Adams. And what issue would be complete without a solve-it-yourself puzzler from Hal Charles? On the more fantastic side of things, you might say things have gone to the birds…we have a pair of classic avian-themed stories by Cordwainer Smith and Richard McKenna. But we also have a terrific Norman Spinrad short, about the effects of virtual entertainment on actors, and Darrell Schweitzer contributes a poignant tale of a man whose father has delusional battles against the dreaded Zeppelin Gang. Or are they delusions? And a few issues ago, I promised more of the humorous Toffee tales from Charles F. Myers. Well, in my research through the pulps, I only looked at titles…imagine my surprise when The Shades of Toffee turned out to be a novel, instead of a short story! Here it is. More Toffee shorts (I assume they’re short) will follow in future issues. Here’s the complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “The James Mason Effect,” by O’Neil De Noux [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “The Clue in the Conservatory,” Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “A Tail of Justice,” by Shannon Taft [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “The Gesture,” by Gil Brewer [classic short story] The Mystery of the Caribbean Pearls, by Andy Adams [novel, Biff Brewer series] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “A Man of the Theater,” by Norman Spinrad “Fighting the Zeppelin Gang,” by Darrell Schweitzer “The Night of Hoggy Darn,” by Richard McKenna [classic short story] “From Gustible’s Planet,” by Cordwainer Smith [classic short story] The Shades of Toffee, by Charles F. Myers [novel, Toffee series]

Includes Part 1, Number 2: Books and Pamphlets, Including Serials and Contributions to Periodicals July - December)

Get ready for a bumpy ride! The Blue Gypsy is a spectacular Caribbean pearl that has been in the Williams family for over four hundred years. For thirteen generations, the Blue Gypsy travels with Buccaneer Thomas Williamss descendants, who revere and treasure the pigeon eggsized pearl, believing it to have protective powers. However, the bloody history in which it was acquired follows it. In 1974, the past finally catches up with Thomas Williamss heirs, and it falls to Jack Colquhoun, eleventh great-grandson of the buccaneer, his mother and pearl custodian, Lala Colquhoun, and longtime ally Spencer Duffy to cross swords with dangerous adversaries. What ensues is a fight not only for possession of the pearl but for the very wealth and continuance of their family, for possession of the pearl has never been solely about its monetary value but the Williams familys history and legacy. As storms brew on St. Croix, in the US Virgin Islands, Lala, Jack, and Spencer are lashed by more than violent winds when they come face-to-face with the long-lost scions of the Williams family, Antonia Toset and her crazed daughter Dolores. Unforgettable characters are brought to life as they journey through often-turbulent American and Caribbean historycharacters so dynamic the reader will not soon forget.

A child is born in the West Indies. She is sweet, inquisitive, bright, sensitive and caring all qualities that she will maintain for many, many years to come. The sister islands of Trinidad and Tobago are among her earliest homes. She lives and learns in the most beautiful and popular areas of all the Caribbean, where rich legacies and history precede her: Once ruled by both Spain and Britain, today Trinidad and Tobago are governed by their own proud people, whove kept the traditions and culture of their ancestors since long before the islands found independence in 1962. Located just off the coast of South America, these small territories have developed an identity throughout the years that is completely their own. Dr. Eric Williams, the legendary Caribbean scholar, became the first prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, which is one of the most diversely populated ethnic regions in the world. People of African, Native West Indian, Asian, and European descent live, love and mingle together on these lovely islands in the sunshine. English is mainly spoken among residents, but one will often hear traces of Creole, African and other language dialects in the colorful words and rhythmic accents of those who reside there. And when it comes to rhythm its hard to mention the islands without mentioning the lively calypso sounds that have entertained countless music lovers throughout the western world. Hearing them, the child one day becomes a woman who is told she naturally walks to a calypso beat. As far back as 1498, explorer Christopher Columbus named Trinidad in honor of the Holy Trinity, and it remains a place where worshipers, many of whom are Catholic, give praise and thanks to the Creator. With more than one million people on both islands, the majority of inhabitants live in Trinidad, while about four percent of the population calls Tobago home. Trinidads major event is the Carnival, a week-long festival of live music, costumes and parades through the street. The event attracts people from throughout the world. In fact, both islands are visited by travelers from around the globe, who enjoy pleasant weather, beaches more beautiful than postcards, tropical trees and delicious home-grown fruits. With generations of people tracing roots to the area, Trinidad and Tobago have become not only a visitors destination, but a cradle to which great scholars, entertainers and athletes in America and elsewhere often return. This cradle in the Caribbean has given birth to the Gittens family. It has provided the earliest sights, sounds and sensibilities that influenced that special little child born into the family, a daughter who will become known as Black Pearl.