Time Crime

Time Crime was originally published in Astounding Science Fiction in 1955 as a two-part serial with illustrations by Kelly Freas. Many readers have long believed that this short novel was incomplete, due to its abrupt ending. John F. Carr, who has continued H. Beam Piper’s Kalvan series, has written a new third part to this intriguing novel, adding vital information about the depths to which the Wizard Traders have infiltrated Home Time Line. The Paratime Police are the guardians of the Paratime Secret and it is their ability to travel to alternate time-lines which have allowed the decadent First Level society to thrive as the ultimate parasites for over ten thousand years. The Paratimers, like any successful symbiots, must conduct their activities in complete secrecy without warning their hosts. It’s up to the Paratime Police to make sure this code is enforced. Verkan Vall, Special Assistant to the Paratime Police Chief, faces a conspiracy that threatens to undermine the stability of Home Time Line civilization. The Paratime Police uncover a First Level slave ring which is looting outtime worlds and harvesting slaves for debauched Home Time Liners. The Paratime Police quickly discover that this criminal organization, called the Wizard Traders, has its tentacles into every institution on Home Time Line.