Showing results by author "Murray Leinster" in All Categories

The Other Now by Murray Leinster is a haunting and emotionally resonant science fiction novella that explores love, grief, and the fragile boundaries of reality itself. When Jimmy Patterson is left shattered by the death of his wife, Jane, his quiet mourning is disrupted by unsettling anomalies—familiar moments replayed out of sequence, a doorway that seems charged with meaning, and diary entries written in Jane’s unmistakable hand after her passing.

Nobody Saw the Ship by Murray Leinster is a tense and quietly unsettling science fiction novelette that explores first contact from a chillingly indifferent perspective. When a small alien scout ship lands on Earth completely unnoticed, its lone occupant—an advanced being known as the Qul-En—begins a covert biological mission essential to its species’ survival. What follows is a methodical and increasingly disturbing search for a rare hormone, extracted through brutal experimentation on Earth’s wildlife.

An impulsive action, on his part? Hardly. Bron Hoddan went to the ship that landed on his native planet of Zan, the ship whose heartless crew was intent on lining up all his relatives for execution... and he stowed away.Bron had planned it all long before, hoping to escape to the planet Walden, a place of wealth and peace where he might have a chance to prove himself as an electrical engineer, then find the beautiful wife of his dreams.

This volume contains a variety of imaginative stories from both famous and not-so-famous science fiction writers.

Ten classic science fiction stories.

The Aliens by Murray Leinster is a gripping, high-stakes first-contact science fiction adventure from the golden age of the genre. Set during humanity’s expansion across the stars, the story follows the crew of the starship Niccola as they confront the mysterious and technologically advanced Plumies—an alien species whose intentions are entirely unknown. When an unexpected encounter leads to a violent misunderstanding and the two ships become physically fused together in deep space, humans and Plumies are forced into an uneasy alliance for survival.

Scattered through the galaxy are thousands of worlds colonized by humans. Many have native microbes dangerous to the human immigrants. Others have diseases brought to them accidentally - or on purpose - by visiting ships. When millions of lives are threatened, it's a job for the Interstellar Medical Service, and a Med Ship is sent to solve the problem. Calhoun is the best the Med Service has, and hard experience has taught him that often the major obstacle to curing the sick is...the sick.

When mysterious broadcasts hijack communication systems around the globe, military and scientific authorities are plunged into panic. Sergeant Bellews, a technician tasked with maintaining advanced experimental machines, finds himself at the center of an unfolding crisis involving intertemporal signals, biological catastrophe, and deceptive intelligence from an unknown future source. As warnings of a civilization-ending bacterial mutation emerge, the line between salvation and annihilation blurs.

In A Matter of Importance by Murray Leinster, the routine duty of a space police officer turns into a defining moment for humanity. As the passenger ship Cerberus sends a desperate distress call, veteran Sergeant Madden finds himself racing against time—not just for the passengers, but for his son’s fiancée trapped aboard. What begins as a standard rescue mission spirals into a delicate confrontation with the mysterious alien race known as the Huks.

Calhoun is an Interstellar Medical Serviceman on a mission to the forbidden planet of Dara. But venturing into this taboo territory poses a deadly risk if he breaks quarantine, he’ll be seen as a plague-carrier, making him a target for anyone from Weald. Yet, what’s a story without a little risk? As tensions rise, Calhoun finds himself under fire from mysterious men of Dara. What secrets lie within this perilous world? (Summary by Mark F. Smith)

In Tanks, Murray Leinster delves into the future of warfare, envisioning the grim consequences of technological advancement in combat. Written in the 1920s, he reflects on the devastating innovations of World War I—like armored tanks and poisonous gas—and speculates how these developments will shape conflicts to come. Set in 1932, this gripping tale portrays a war between the United States and the so-called Yellow enemy. Published in the inaugural issue of Astounding Stories of Super Science in January 1930, this story stands as a thought-provoking piece of science fiction, ...

The War to End All Wars has finally come to a close, and the world is slowly trying to regain its footing in the chaotic aftermath of 1919. But just as peace seems within reach, a sinister supervillain emerges, determined to impose his rule over the globe. Armed with his supersonic helicopter, the Black Flyer, he launches a ruthless campaign to seize control of the worlds major ports and rivers, creating massive icebergs with his devious inventions. Nations tremble before his might, but they underestimate the resilience of our hero—a brilliant scientist specializing in low temperatures ...

SPACE PLATFORM takes you on a thrilling journey with a young man as he contributes to the construction of the worlds first space station. Renowned science-fiction author Murray Leinster brings to life the intricate details of building and launching this groundbreaking platform, blending scientific accuracy with vivid imagination. Prepare for a fast-paced narrative filled with intrigue, sabotage, and murder surrounding a project more secretive and valuable than the atom bomb! - Summary by Gutenberg text

Bors was reeling as if struck by a thunderbolt. This was absurd! He had meticulously planned and executed the destruction of that warship based on information he believed was solid, confirmed by a magnetometer. However, if he had known the truth—that the intel came from a paranoid ex-employee of the spaceport, who had guessed the ships location using nothing more than a hazel twig—he would have dismissed it outright. This revelation changed everything. (Summary from the Gutenberg text)

As the Earth expedition traverses the vast, rock-hewn corridors of the desolate asteroid, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary celestial body. This ancient fortress, brimming with incomprehensible weapons of destruction, stands as a haunting testament to a long-gone civilization. Who were the architects of this formidable stronghold? What unfathomable threat did they once defend against? And why has it remained eerily abandoned for centuries? The answers elude the explorers—everything here is lifeless… or is it? High above the somber depths of the fortress, a powerful ...

"The Aliens" by Murray Leinster is a classic science fiction story exploring humanity’s first contact with an intelligent extraterrestrial race. Filled with suspense, diplomacy, and interstellar tension, this tale examines how communication and understanding can bridge the vast gap between species—or spark galactic conflict. Leinster masterfully blends scientific imagination with timeless human emotion, offering readers a thought-provoking vision of alien encounters. Perfect for fans of classic sci-fi and space exploration, The Aliens remains a must-listen audiobook for anyone who loves ...

In a puzzling predicament, the crew faces a maddening paradox without the necessary repair parts, they are unable to retrieve the very ship that holds those parts! Join us as we explore this intricate dilemma.

If you enjoyed The Mad Planet by Murray Leinster, youre in for a treat with its thrilling sequel. Set in a distant future where colossal insects and gigantic fungi dominate the landscape, humanity is struggling to adapt to this transformed world. Our courageous hero, Burl, returns to face an even more formidable threat than before. The monstrous insects are still lurking, but the true horror lies in the deadly Red Dust that endangers the very survival of the human race. Prepare to be captivated by this extraordinary tale as Burl confronts unimaginable challenges. Burl raised his spear and ...

Dive into the captivating realm of science fiction with Nightmare Planet, where timeless tales of adventure and exploration await. Celebrated stories like Murray Leinsters The Mad Planet and Red Dust have enchanted readers for nearly a century, and now they are being revived for a new audience. In this latest addition to the series, Leinster crafts a thrilling narrative featuring the beloved character Burl, as he embarks on extraordinary adventures amidst vibrant landscapes. This installment not only entertains but also weaves in profound philosophical and psychological insights, elevating the...

Life as a Med Service officer may seem monotonous, darting from one human-inhabited planet to another aboard a small ship with only a furry companion for company. Yet, excitement lurks just beneath the surface. In this gripping tale, Calhoun and Mugratroid find themselves crash-landed on a plague-infested world, hunted and facing grave danger. As they navigate this perilous landscape filled with surviving plague victims, they must rely on their resourcefulness and resilience. Will they emerge unscathed? Join us for a thrilling adventure that proves life in the Med Service is anything but dull!