Futures Mysterious Anthology Magazine, Issue 28 (Winter 2002/2003)

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this issue is full of short stories of various genres. In this particular issue, there are no novellas or serials, just short stories. They are mostly mystery/suspense/thriller stories, including several hard-boiled detective stories. There are also a couple of science fiction tales, along with some mainstream stories, plus some non-fiction columns, book reviews and cartoons. The magazine is approximately 8.5 by 11 inches in size, and is 126 pages long. Some of the stories cover just two or three pages (sometimes you need a long novella or serial, and sometimes you need a short story).

A person could quibble about the cover art or interior design, but that's not why a person buys a fiction magazine. The stories inside are actually very good. These writers have learned to do lot with a comparatively small number of words. The names in this issue are not household names (for some, their first published fiction appears here); even Dashiell Hammett and Ed McBain had to start somewhere. They are names to remember for the future.

Since the short story magazine field in America is not in good condition (to say the least), a magazine like this is greatly needed. Remember this magazine if or when it ever gets any sort of wide distribution. You won"t be sorry.