Bryce Walton was a prolific short story writer as well as a popular novelist. He began his career writing for the science fiction pulp magazines, and later moved into the more respectable (and higher paying) mystery short story and Young Adult book fields.Wildside Press has been working to reissue many of his classic works. Here, then, are four of his action-adventure novels aimed at the Young Adult market (they are quite readable for adults, too):Cave of DangerHarpo...

Wade is a down-and-out actor, with no work in sight. When he sees his agent, Wade tells him he's going to rob a bank. It's all a joke. Isn't it?

When his parents leave him alone in his house for the weekend, a teenager can't get a woman off his mind. When he turns to a visitor for advice, the motto "Show don't tell" comes into play—vvwith disastrous results. One of Bryce Walton's darkest tales, this crime classic originally appeared in the September, 1957 issue of MANHUNT.

Barstac walked the mile across the red Martian plain. He felt but little emotion as he reached the resort building, and the sports rockets waiting on the other side. He had to get one of those rockets and get to Deimos—or die trying. One would be about as good as the other. Then a slight tension grew in his stomach and sweat began to run down under his helmet and pressure suit, down his sharp nose and the burned face, as he started directly for the sports rockets. He saw no one at all at f...

In "The Victor," Walton crafts a narrative set in a future society where human conflict and competition have taken on new and dramatic forms. The story likely revolves around themes of power, survival, and the nature of victory in a technologically advanced world. The protagonist, who may be involved in some form of competitive or combative scenario, must navigate complex challenges and moral dilemmas to emerge as "the victor."Walton's writing style is typical of mid-20th-century pulp fict...

"The Floater" is a crime novel that typically involves elements of mystery and suspense. The title suggests a plot revolving around a character or a situation that "floats" in or out of the narrative, possibly indicating a central figure in a crime or a complex, elusive case that drives the story.The novel likely features intricate plotting, a detective or investigator, and a series of twists and turns that are characteristic of Walton’s writing style. Readers can expect a gripping and sus...

The story is set in a future where humanity has developed advanced technology that impacts the way people live and interact. "The Happy Herd" explores themes of conformity, societal control, and the nature of happiness.The plot follows a group of individuals who are part of a society where happiness is manufactured and maintained through technological means. The central character grapples with the implications of this engineered happiness and the loss of personal freedom and individuality ...

"Mary Anonymous" is a science fiction novel that delves into themes of identity, society, and technology. The story follows the protagonist, Mary, who navigates a futuristic or altered reality where personal identity and societal roles are scrutinized or manipulated.The plot typically involves Mary facing challenges related to her identity or existence within a highly controlled or technologically advanced environment. The narrative explores the implications of anonymity, societal expectat...

"Freeway" is a gripping crime thriller that centers around a high-stakes crime involving a freeway. The novel delves into the world of criminal activity and the tensions that arise when a planned heist or criminal operation goes awry. It focuses on the lives of the characters involved in the crime, exploring their motivations, actions, and the consequences of their decisions.The plot typically involves a mix of suspenseful scenarios, including tense confrontations and dramatic twists, as t...

"Martian Nightmare" is a science fiction novel that explores the theme of extraterrestrial life and human encounters with Martians. The story is set in a future where humanity has made contact with or encountered life on Mars, leading to unforeseen challenges and conflicts.The plot typically involves the protagonist, who may be a scientist, astronaut, or explorer, dealing with the consequences of this contact. The Martians in the story might present a threat, a mystery, or a challenge that...

When biochemist Professor H. Klauson develops a method to grant humanity immortality, strange forces seem determined to prevent his success. Each time he approaches the final experiment, his mind collapses into unconsciousness. His wife Lin begs him to abandon the research, sensing an otherworldly presence working against them. Despite support from the World Science Presidium's medical staff, no logical explanation emerges for his mysterious breakdowns.As Klauson pushes forward wit...

"Dark Windows" is a suspenseful and atmospheric novel that delves into themes of crime, psychological tension, and the darker aspects of human nature. The story revolves around a protagonist who becomes entangled in a complex and dangerous situation.The plot centers on a series of mysterious events that occur around a character dealing with personal and professional crises. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist uncovers hidden secrets and faces a series of challenges that test their re...