Fredric Brown

An undercover reporter. An elaborate ruse to get committed in an asylum to discover the story of lifetime. It should be a simple enough assignment; pretend to be crazy, get inside, observe, have someone to certify you are cured, and then get out. The story will be published and awards may be given to the intrepid reporter who braved the high walls of a nuthouse in search of the truth. However, for reporter George Vine, the assignment is far from being exciting. It is scary and anxiety-provoking... more info>>

Mystery and science fiction writer Fredric Brown (1906-1972) remains best-known for his short fiction. His story "Arena" (in this volume) became the basis for a "Star Trek" episode of the same title. "Arena" was also voted by the membership of the Science Fiction Writers of America as one of the twenty finest SF stories of all time. In addition to "Arena," this volume contains five more of Brown's classic tales: "Daymare," "The Little Lamb," "The Geezenstacks," "The Hat Trick," and "Don't Look B... more info>>

Crag was a no good drunk and deviant, now facing life in prison. But the good judge Jon Olliver offers him his freedom--plus a million credits!--in exchange for a small favor: steal a harmless tool from a rich scientist in Mars. Crag suspects a catch, but he finds it so hard to resist ? especially when he knows that Olliver's beautiful wife, Evadne, will be joining them in the adventure! A great 1940s novella from a master of the form.

Mr. Henry Smith, agent for the Phalanx Life and Fire Insurance, will stop at nothing to protect the interests of his company.... A classic mystery from the March 22, 1941 issue of "Detective Fiction Weekly."

Peter Kidd should have suspected the shaggy dog of something, right away. He got into trouble the first time he saw the animal. It was the first hour of the first day of Peter Kidd's debut as a private investigator. Specifically, ten minutes after nine in the morning...