My new book, SPACED OUT is now available. Eleven deliciously quirky tales featuring the wise-cracking shuttle rat, Cookie Sullivan, wreaking havoc on an unsuspecting Universe.
AND DON'T FORGET INHUMAN CONDITION - Remember to read it with the lights on.
My new collection of my favorite published short stories - is available from Denouement Press. Look for it at all the usual bookstores, plus Amazon.com - in trade paper, ebook and Kindle editions.
Here are some reviews!
"Kate Thornton’s imagination is only exceeded by her talent as a storyteller. From the sci-fi fascinations of Mare Tranquillitatus to the darkly provocative Working in the Suburbs, Thornton takes us on an impish joy ride through a mind field of criminal intents. Inhuman Condition is a rare and evocative find among story collections."
—Darrell James, Award Winning Author of Body Count
"In Inhuman Condition, noted short story author Kate Thornton has compiled some of her finest tales into one fun and exciting read. Whether you are a fan of science fiction, crime fiction or just good fiction, you will enjoy this diverse collection that smacks of the same juicy eeriness as found in classic Twilight Zone episodes."
– Sue Ann Jaffarian, best-selling author of the Odelia Grey, Ghost of Granny Apples, and Fang-in-Cheek mysteries
Add it to your collection! (And keep the lights on when you read it! )
MAGAZINE AND BOOK PUBLICATIONS
Some of the magazines in which I am published are print only, but many have an online presence where you may read my stories for free.
I have also listed the Anthologies in which my work appears. Here are my stories by category and medium:
MYSTERIES IN PRINT MAGAZINES
WOMAN'S WORLD (yes, the one at supermarket news stands!) published my short story, Key Witness - during the week of June 27, 1999.
GREAT MYSTERY & SUSPENSE MAGAZINE Vicki Lipira's classy print mystery magazine is new and exciting. Visit the site online for details and some free stories. My story, Dispatcher was published in 2006
Ässä (Ace) Juri Nummelin's new flash crime fiction magazine from FINLAND has asked to reprint Working in the Suburbs. Of course, I said YES! Juri Nummelin - for those of you who don't know him - is a premier small press and newspaper publisher in Finland. He also publishes a crime & mystery magazine, Isku (Punch) and is on the staff at Thrilling Detective.
COZY DETECTIVE MYSTERY MAGAZINE This print magazine published two of my stories in the Spring and Summer 1998 issues, it is now sadly out of print.
On The Other Hand Jeeves and the Catastrophe
MURDEROUS INTENT MYSTERY MAGAZINE The Queen of short mystery magazines was edited by Margo Power. Quarterly publication of this fine print magazine ceased publication in early 2001.
Hearts and Flowers summer 1999
Half Full spring 2000
MYSTERIES and Others IN ONLINE MAGAZINES
EVERY DAY FICTION This sleek and cross-genre daily dose of short stories is delivered directly to the email inboxes of subscribers everywhere. I am delighted that my story was selected as a Veteran's Day offering this year.
Veterans November 2007
Editorial - Who Writes Short? 2009
FLASH SHOTaccepted three of my flash stories (under 100 words) for publication in 2006, another three in 2007, six more in 2009, and three so far in 2010. Thank you Esther Schrader and GW Thomas! This great venue is delivered daily into the email inboxes of thousands of subscribers.
BLUE MURDER This was one of the very first - and finest - online mystery magazines, a very professionally-produced effort by David Firks. Unfortunately, Mr. Firks had to close the magazine in 2001. He is very much missed. Just Like in the Movies (Derringer nominee, 1999) High Noon Bette Davis Eyes Freudian Sloop The Invisible Woman (accepted but not published)
HandHeld Crimeand Plots With Guns - these prestigious online publications simultaneously published my hard-boiled story, The Eyes Never Change - in early 2001. Many thanks to editors Victoria Esposito-Shea and Neil Smith for their terrific presentation. Too Stupid to Live - was in Issue 20 of HandHeld Crime August2001. (Unfortunately, HandHeld Crime has closed and there are no archives, but Plots With Guns is returning in 2008!)
TheCase.com MysteryNet is a delightful site for the mystery reader - you will find lots of stories, puzzles, teasers, flash mysteries and other related and intriguing items and links. My Twist stories are:
The Do-Gooder December 2, 1998 The Other Woman October 21, 2000 (Derringer nominee 2000) See No Evil August, 1998
Stories are re-published on the site all the time - there's no telling when one of mine may be up and available!
CRIME AND SUSPENSE Editor Tony Burton ran a sophisticated ezine full of great stories, wonderful old time radio mysteries and hot contests. Look for Summer Freeze in the July 2006 issue and in the PRINT ANTHOLOGY, Crime and Suspense Anthology I 2005-2006. My story Summers in the Cottage appeared during June of 2006 in the Summer Flash contest.
MOUTH FULL OF BULLETS this was BJ Bourg's hard-boiled ezine - published quarterly, and chock full of delicious shorts, columns and reviews. He graciously reprinted my short story, Working in the Suburbs in the premier issue. The Eyes Never Change was subsequently reprinted also. (Unfortunately, publication ceased in 2009.)
THE CURVE BALL CONSPIRACY was an interesting site run by Michael O'Mahony. While not strictly speaking a mystery site, the eerie pictures are the inspiration for their companion short flash fiction and there is always at least an aura of mystery about each story. Look for my story, Zoltar here. (Publication ceased, 2009.)
FLASHING IN THE GUTTERS Flash Fiction for the Twenty First Century! This beautifully done flash venue was a must read - editor Tribe did a terrific job, and it's a showcase for many seasoned professionals who like to write short (and I mean short!) fiction.
Not a Pretty Sight, or Dances With Puppies and Unicorns May 19, 2006
Working in the Suburbs May 13, 2006
Dog Day Afternoon May 12, 2006
Moonlighting May 10, 2006
Note: Tribe has taken the site down due to a flame war - this is a loss to all of us.
MYSTERIES IN PRINT ANTHOLOGIES
"A DEADLY DOZEN "- a Sisters in Crime Los Angeles Chapter anthology, look for my short story,
Ai Witness
Set in the Ai, a real sushi bar in South Pasadena, it's one meal you won't forget
" MURDER ON SUNSET BOULEVARD " - another great volume from SINCLA contains my Hollywood short story,
Two Mules for Sister Sarita
"LANDMARKED FOR MURDER" - my third appearance in a SINCLA anthology! What does it take to balance the order of the universe at Caltech? Find out in It Doesn't Take a Genius
"CRIME AND SUSPENSE ANTHOLOGY I, 2005-2006" - Selected Tales from the Crime and Suspense ezine's first fifteen months, edited by Tony Burton. Check out my story,
Summer Freeze More than popsicles were on that girl's lips...
Look for all these books at bookstores everywhere and at amazon.com
NOW AVAILABLE:
A COLLECTION OF MY MYSTERY AND SPECULATIVE FICTION STORIES:
INHUMAN CONDITION: Tales of Mystery and Imagination
SPECULATIVE AND SCIENCE FICTION
FLASHES OF SPECULATION Editor Jim Stitzel showcases short fiction in the science fiction, speculative fiction and horror genres.
Toshiba Layover July 14, 2006
Scourge of Humanity October 2007
APHELION Editor Dan Hollifield's long-running ezine is a mainstay of the genre. Check the author archives for these classics: The Captain's Log Language Barrier Vinnie's Cargo The Tanneh Death Chop: Dan's Story Junkyard Carol A Matter of Time But I Am The King!
Roots
The Genome Project (poem)
Slowing The Speed of Light (poem)
The Physics of Love (poem)
The Garden of Stories (poem)
Six Ring Haiku (poem) And look in the wonderful Mare Inebrium area for:
Sister at the Bar There is Always a Reason Cause and Effect A Mare Inebrium to All and to All a Good Night
A new feature debuted in the June 1999 issue - look for the Author Interview (in the archives now) with...me!
Look in APHELION for the chronicles of the NIGHTWATCH INSTITUTE for Strategic & Economic Studies - and see what a handful of Aphelion's writers have wrought. Look for my own stories:
CARDENIO October 2005
DEATH VALLEY July 2006
And check out the new Cookie Sullivan story, BLUE PLATE SPECIAL in the September 2013 issue!
TITAN Chad Cottle, Jody Speight and Steve Johnson did an excellent job editing this ezine...Unfortunately it has folded and there are no archives.
Mare Tranquillitatis
After the Fall Comes Winter
Neighborhood Clean Up
Yoon, inspired by the real Dr. Yoon of UCLA
Origins (along with a discussion of the city of Great Zimbabwe)..My story, "Neighborhood Clean Up" was voted one of the three top stories in Titan's first year of publication. It appeared in the Special Anniversary Edition of Titan in August 1998. Thank you, readers and editors, for your votes and support.
THE SPIRAL SEA Jack Egan's eclectic ezine was only out for one issue – but a beaut it was. I sincerely hope the rather generous amount he paid me for the cover story did not contribute to this 'zine's untimely demise. The issue is still available - go check it out.
The Spiral Seas
PLANET MAGAZINE Be prepared for laughs from Andrew McCann, the editor of this fine ezine! Check the archives (1998) for:
One of the Family
Eternity Online Notice: this magazine has folded and I can't find any archives.
Jeebie's Gift was printed in the September 1998 issue of Steve Algieri's publication.
Spacer's Digest - The Bad Boy of Science Fiction Notice! This wonderful 'zine has ceased publication. My story appreaed in the Premier Issue in August 1998
Mare Tranquillitatis
Neverworlds An impressive and fully illustrated science fiction magazine from K. L.McPherson. Note updated link and check the archives for:
Roots
FrightNetOnline Editor Ivan Graves' elegant horror 'zine has ceased publication
Baby's Breath
Piano Piece
Underworld Magazine Bobette Bryan's creepfest was a bold, if short-lived experiment.
Shakespeare Kick in the Rear appeared in the November 1998 issue.
FOGFIRE Kenneth Hoffman's literary (and literate!) 'zine was out for only 2 issues, but quality they were. Check the archives for:
The Common Cold (editor's note: "I chose Kate Thornton's "The Common Cold" as my featured story. The piece weaves a disturbing texture that kept me guessing and curious about the main character's reality.)
A Matter of Time (reprinted in Aphelion issue #42)
Spaceways Weekly was an Outstanding Canadian science fiction weekly magazine Ova and Out was in the May 1998 issue (#38) edited by Rigel Chiokis
DreamForge Editor Rick Arnold deserves credit for one of the first literary and accessible ezines. There are no archives, but:
The Chinese Tinkerbelle in 1997 came in 5th in the Preditors and Editors readers' poll.
Smart Time was a winner in the Reader's Challenge in February of1998 - many thanks to editor Rick Arnold.
Temporary Position June 1998
Pegasus Online Editor Scott Marlowe's beautifully-done fantasy ezine. Check the archives for:
Minor Magic
A Collection of my Cookie sullivan space stories is now available:
Cookie Sullivan pilots her rust-bucket, the Linda Rae, through eleven wild adventures
ROMANCE STORIES
"The One" combines the enduring nature of love and the heartbreak of disability in Breath and Shadow, editor Sharon Wachsler's amazing ezine and Journal of Disability Culture and Literature. The story appeared in the last quarter of 2006 issue.
Look for my first romance short story, "LifeSaver" in The Literary Journal's Special Romance Issue -'Amour ' published in hard-copy in December of 1998.
NON FICTION
Look for "Taking Stock of Open Stock" in the November 2002 issue of AMATEUR CHEF Magazine.
"A DEADLY DOZEN "- a Sisters in Crime Los Angeles Chapter anthology, look for my short story, 
" MURDER ON SUNSET BOULEVARD " - another great volume from SINCLA contains my Hollywood short story, 
"LANDMARKED FOR MURDER" - my third appearance in a SINCLA anthology! What does it take to balance the order of the universe at Caltech? Find out in It Doesn't Take a Genius 
"CRIME AND SUSPENSE ANTHOLOGY I, 2005-2006" - Selected Tales from the Crime and Suspense ezine's first fifteen months, edited by Tony Burton. Check out my story,
NOW AVAILABLE - ELEVEN SCIENCE FICTION TALES FROM THE FAR SIDE OF QUIRKY 
