About the Author

Evelyn E. Smith (1922 - 2000) was an American writer of science fiction and mysteries, as well as a compiler of crossword puzzles. During the 1950s, under her own name, Smith regularly published short stories and novelettes in such publications as Galaxy Science Fiction, Fantastic Universe and the prestigious The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. Her short fiction ranges from satires set in a post-apocalyptic setting such as "The Last of the Spode" and "The Hardest Bargain", to "BAXBR/DAXBR", where she explores the dangers of Martian crossword puzzles. Her science fiction novels, which chiefly deal with questions of gender identity and, like all of her work, are characterized by their wit and humor. Smith is probably best known, however, for her Miss Melville Mystery series, which chronicles the exploits of a middle-aged socialite-turned-assassin. Under the pseudonym of Delphine C. Lyons, she authored a number gothic romance novels and the nonfiction work Everyday Witchcraft, which collects magical spells. Smith's short story "At Last I've Found You" was adapted into an opera by Seymour Barab; it premiered in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1984.