Charles E. Fritch

Charles E. Fritch (January 20, 1927 – October 11, 2012) was an American author and editor of fantasy, science fiction, horror and mystery fiction. He was the editor of Mike Shayne Mystery Magazine from 1979 until 1985. His short story, "Misfortune Cookie", was adapted for an episode of the television series The Twilight Zone.

Life and career Fritch was born in Utica, New York. Beginning at age 10, he wanted to become a science fiction writer and kept notes of story ideas in a notebook.

He was an active science fiction fan, and was good friends with Forrest J Ackerman, frequenting the Ackermansion and attending parties in his area. He was fond of his wife, Shirley, who was reported to bear a good resemblance to Elizabeth Taylor, and liked to prank acquaintances by having her make a grand entrance.

Fritch is buried in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Selected works Short fiction "The Wallpaper", Other Worlds Science Stories, 1951 "Night Talk", Starling Stories, 1952. "The Cog", Astounding Science Fiction, 1953. "The Ship", with William F. Nolan, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, 1955. "Big Wide Wonderful World", The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, 1958. "The Castaway", Gamma, 1963. "Different", California Sorcery. Edited by William F. Nolan. Cemetery Dance Publications, 1999.

Collections Crazy Mixed-Up Planet, short story collection. Author. Powell, 1969. Horses' Asteroid, short story collection. Author. Powell, 1970.

Editor Gamma, magazine. Editor. Star Press, 1963–1965. Mike Shayne Mystery Magazine, magazine. Editor. Renown Publications, 1979–1985.

Television "The Misfortune Cookie", segment. Writer. The Twilight Zone, 1986.

Novels Negative of a Nude. Author. Ace Books, 1959. Strip for Murder. As Eric Thomas. Kozy Books, 1960. 7 Deadly Sinners. As Christopher Sly. Athena Books, 1961. Psycho Sinner As Eric Thomas, Athena Books, 1961