I’m pleased to announce that “Best in Class” is now live in audio form on Variant Frequencies, and is also available in the upcoming release of issue #6 of Murky Depths.

One of my first tales in print, “Paston, Kentucky”, landed a spot in issue #1, so it’s a damned fine pleasure to come back for a return visit. My fiction can be seen in this latest issue alongside a host of other notables, including Lavie Tidhar and Luke Cooper, so go order a copy now.

“Best in Class” was inspired by watching the Barrett-Jackson collector car auctions, and a host of other events similar to them. In many ways I’m a car buff, admiring the art and engineering in a fine vehicle, but in other ways I loathe these devices. How much of our land is covered in pavement? What do miles of these things baking in traffic do to our stress levels? Our quality of life? Our cities?

They are indeed creations of inherent dichotomy. And with this tale, I wanted to take that to the extreme. “Sunday Night Special” is the finest car ever built. Doors are open. Step inside and let’s take it for a spin.

I want to thank the MD staff, as always, especially for agreeing to let this puppy run on Variant Frequencies alongside the print release. I also want to thank Rick and Anne Stringer, two knock-out great people who have been so open to my work appearing on their podcast. Check out Rick’s production and that oh-so-slick cover art. The man is a wizard and deserves a Parsec — oh wait, he’s already won three. And I want to extend sincere thanks to Chuck Tomasi, the narrator in this story, for bringing the piece to life. Check out Chuck’s work at his official site. The man is quite multi-talented.

Thanks so much and as always, if you love the tale, leave feedback at Variant Frequencies or Murky Depths‘ official sites or shoot me an e-mail. Even better yet, buy an issue of this wonderful print magazine and tell them Jonathan sent you.