DEATH WAITS IN SHANGHAI

 

DEATH WAITS IN SHANGHAI

By Wayne Carey

Bold Venture Press

236 pgs

 

With “Death Waits in Shanghai,” New Pulp writer Wayne Carey introduces one of his most intriguing heroes ever, John Falco. The son of a New York gangster, Falco abhors his family’s business. He runs away to China where he is taken into a Shaolin monastery and taught their way of living to include martial arts. Settling in Hong Kong and soon befriends both a former Irish revolutionist named Flanagan and a former Zulu prince, Mzoma. Once their partnership is established, Falco directs their affairs to helping others in trouble. One can’t help reading this stuff and not recall previous classic pulp teams ala Doc Savage and his crew.

Now all this is backstory. This story begins with the kidnapping of a young American woman living in San Francisco. Her father being a U.S. Senator, the local FBI contacts Falco requesting his assistance in finding her. Her kidnapper proves to be a small time crook named Lee Wong and he is going to smuggle the girl to China aboard a luxury liner. Falco and company procure passage and soon all of them are sailing across the Pacific. During the trip Falco is introduced to Wong’s sister, Jiao; a beauty who intrigues him. But is she part of her brother’s plot or an innocent bystander brought along to misdirect pursuers? Falco and his companions fail to find the missing daughter by the time the boat arrives in Honolulu. He then hopes to find the girl with the aid of the local police but once again Wong eludes him, departing the very next morning aboard a Japanese ship bound for Shanghai.

So the chase continues to the Far East with the action moving from Shanghai, then to Hong Kong and finally back to Shanghai. Against this backdrop are the historical machinations ala the Chinese Communist insurgency to overthrow the government at the same time Japan’s encroaching continues to grow bolder with the threat of immanent invasion. 

Wayne Carey is one of the real bright stars in the New Pulp fiction today and “Death Waits in Shanghai” soundly proves that claim. Great characters, exotic locales and non-stop action. What more could any serious pulp fan want?

TALES OF TOM MIX - SAVAGE MESA

SAVAGE MESA

Tales of Tom Mix

By Scott McCrea

DS Productions

128 pgs

 

This is the second in a series starring the late cinema western star, Tom Mix and it is rip-roaring actioner from the first page to the left. In this tale, Mix, a semi-retired marshal, has gone back to work for the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Wild West Show. At the same time two different events are on a collision course which will draw him into one of the most dangerous situations of his life.

 

Three Mexican brothers, the Cabrerras, have learned that he U.S. government is shipping new five dollar bill plates to Washington. They plan on stealing those plates and printing their own money. At the same time, in nearby Oklahoma, Comanche renegade Red Wolf as assembled a band of fanatical young warriors whose goal is to create a new Indian rebellion. They are going to destroy as many white towns and settlements as possible in the hopes of rallying all tribes to their cause.

These disparate plots come together when the Cabrerras, fleeing with the stolen plates, commandeer a hot-air balloon from the Wild West Show to use for their escape from the law. In the process they kidnap an elderly couple and the show’s top magician, Mr. Mirakle and his daughter Ima.  Arriving just as the balloon is lifting off the ground, Mix manages to grab hold of one of the anchor ropes and is instantly lifted aloft with the fleeing bandits.

After forty eight hours, the balloon eventually descends on a rugged plateau in Oklahoma known as Black Mesa; only a few miles from Red Wolf’s camp. Thus the legendary Mix finds himself battling on two fronts while at the same time having to protect the innocent hostages. “Savage Mesa” is a near perfect western, wonderfully written and filled with memorable characters, both noble and evil. The pacing is swift so buckle up and hold on tight. This one is terrific.

 

MEN'S ADVENTURE QUARTERLY # 8

 

MEN’S ADVENTURE QUARTERLY

Issue No 8 : Full Color Edition

Edited by Robert Deis & Bill Cunningham

Pulp 2.0

163 pgs

 

Every time a new issue of Men’s Adventure Quarterly shows up, we’re reminded of Christmas morning wondering what’s hidden in those brightly wrapped boxes under the tree. In this case, the anticipation is what’s between the beautiful, and skillfully designed covers. To date, we’ve yet to be disappointed. In fact the actual, articles and fiction only seem to getter better with each new issue. Number 8 is no exception.  

The theme is “hit-men” and Editor Bob Deis digs deep into his bag of goodies to offer up eight exceptional stories from the various MAMs of the 50s and 60s. It would be hard to pick a favorite from this all star collection, but if forced, we’d lean to “The Hit Man Who Turned Out To Be A Woman.” Deis has an encyclopedic knowledge of hundreds of writers and artists who worked for those periodicals and his enthusiasm for introducing us to them to the world is contagious. 

As for fact articles, Gary Lovisi’s interview with Betty Brosmer was a really nice bonus. Whereas most readers of this series are all too familiar with brunette Betty Page, it is nice to see Lovisi shine the spotlight on the blonde bombshell whose own career was equally stellar. That she ended that life by marrying bodybuilding promoter and celebrity Joe Weider was a surprise to this reviewer who fondly recalls those ads in comics when the skinny kid got sand kicked in his face…before he took Weider’s at home course.  

As always all this reading treasure is accentuated with great, classic artwork from the MAMs deftly layout out by design guru, Editor Bill Cunningham. In all, a fantastic issue that tips its hat to the bad guys and those so with panache. Pick up a copy at Amazon. You can thank me later.

FANCY ANDERS - FOR THE BOYS

 

FANCY ANDERS – FOR THE BOYS

By Max Allan Collins

Illustrated by Fay Dalton

Neo Text

118 pgs

 

This is Collins’ second book featuring Hollywood debutante turned detective, Fancy Anders, set in the early days of World War II. What with Pearl Harbor fresh in the minds of most Americans, the people in Los Angeles right worry about a possible Japanese invasion and the Army quickly establishes military outpost in the hills overlooking the city. Many of these set up with anti-aircraft artillery installations.

With that many boys in uniform soon flooding the streets of Hollywood, the movie community comes together under the leadership of actors John Garfield and Bette Davis to open a canteen exclusively to cater to these servicemen and staffed by cinema stars and young, beautiful ingénues.

When Army Intelligence learns of possible enemy saboteurs targeting the famous Hollywood Canteen, Fancy is recruited, along with several of her girl friends, to pose as canteen hostesses and ferret out the foreign agents. Once again, Collins uses his considerable imagination to drop the reader into the middle of one of Hollywood’s most memorable locales. Through his words, it is so easy to see the beautiful ladies, the eager young men away from home and hear the big band music. It all comes alive against a backdrop of a world turned upside in the throes of war.

“Fancy Anders – For the Boys” is a fun read. Especially for this reviewer, whose father, Pfc. George Fortier served on one of those gun crews and spend his 1942 Thanksgiving, along with two other men, at the home of crooner Bing Crosby and his family. All before he shipped out for the Philippines and three years of hell.

RUSSIAN ROULETTE

 

RUSSIAN ROULETTE

A Tale from Champion City

By J. Walt Layne

Champion City Press

150 pgs

 

Supposedly this particular title is one of a series created by the writer. Unfamiliar with those, we can only discuss the prevalent events and plots of this one book. Which is itself a puzzling proposition as taken as a whole, “Russian Roulette” comes off as an odd mash up of two different stories.  

The story takes place in the early 70s at the height of the Cold War between the Soviets and the rest of the world. Klaus and Ivana are a married couple trained by the Russian government from an early age to be assassins. As the book opens, due to behind the scenes Kremlin politics, the two stage the public murder of a group of private Russian industrialist at a highly publicized soccer match. At the same, both of them have agreed once the assignment is completed, they will defect to the United States with the help of C.I.A. operatives.  

This is the setting for the first three fourths of the book and it is by one far one of the most thrilling, well produced action chases ever put on paper. From the desperate American spies and the obsessed Russian hunters, the story moves across East Germany like a rocket blast compelling this reader to whip through the pages. Layne has the ability to suck us in, wondering with every new mile if the good guys are going to win, or fall to the relentless pursuit of their foes.  

Then, as this all comes to a climatic wrap up, the book unexpected jumps ahead by a few years and suddenly we’re dropped into suburban Champion City U.SA. where our former KGB killers are now living new lives as normal…even boring, U.S. citizens. But all is not happy, as with their new quieter careers, Ivana and Klaus find themselves at odds and drifting apart. As if that wasn’t jarring enough, we are then introduced to a Champion City police officer named Bill Davis and brought into his world. Davis is dealing with a rash of murders all pointing back to two rival city gangs. But before he can get uncover any further details, the book ends.  It is too abrupt and closing. 

J. Walt Layne knows how to tell a story. Whereas he would have served his readers better had he ended the book with the Klaus and Ivana epilogue and left Bill Davis’ chapters for another time and title. Is “Russian Roulette” worth your time? Yes, definitely. Just be ready for that Pg # 124 drop-off.

SPACE DETECTIVE

 

SPACE DETECTIVE

A Science Fiction Private Eye Novel

By Duane Spurlock

InterroBang Tales

303 pgs

 

Every now and then a book comes along that pretty much spins readers around as if caught in a carnival ride. Spurlock’s story takes place in an alaternate Earth where Native Americans still are active and present in modern times; New York is called New Angouleme and hidden among the billions of humans on the planet are agents of outer space alien races; both friendly and not so friendly.

The protagonist of our tale is one such agent known as Space Detective. He poses as a private eye who ears a bright red helmet over his head all the time. He’s one of the good aliens and his sidekick, is a Plutonian AI who lives in a canister hidden somewhere in his office. Space Detective hears his pal via telepathy.

When strange events begin happening throughout the city, all teenagers going wild because of comic books and factory works becoming violent due to tainted beer, Space Detective suspects these are diversions masking an all out invasion. When he’s proven correct, it takes all his energy and unique gadgets to foil the enemy and save the planet.

“Space Detective” is a truly remarkable work of imagination run riot and if you are looking for something truly “out there” then look no further. This book is simply weird from the first page to the last in a delightful, fun way. Nuff said.

 

 

ZOMBIE ISLAND

 

ZOMBIE ISLAND

By Wayne Carey

Pro Se Press

181 pgs

 

For years young readers thrilled to the adventures of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Now leave it to New Pulp scribe Wayne Carey to give us a thriller featuring a family made up of two brothers and one sister. The Hillstrands siblings, Shawn, Bear (a nickname Edward) and Kira are the children of a famous husband and wife writing couple. While parents are on a cross-country promotional tour for their latest book, the trio is sent to the Caribbean island of San Bernardo to vacation with their Aunt Marilyn. Though the teens appreciate the natural beauty and serenity of island life, they soon become bored, missing their friends back home.

But before restlessness sets in, several incidents occur involving the appearances of zombie-like beings attacking locals from the nearby fishing town. Not one to shy away from adventure, Bear, sets out to investigate despite the arguments of the more cautious and older Shawn. When Bear and a younger boy name Skylar discover the remains of an old man, things heat up fast. The local authorities believe the victim fell prey to an island predator, but the Hillstrands aren’t convinced.

They learn there is a clinic on the island run by a scientist named Hector Spinoza and there appears to be a connection with the facility and the zombie sightings. Then a powerful Colombian military figure arrives at the clinic and the junior detectives’ imaginations run riot. Has someone found a way to make zombies? And if so, are they doing it for a would-be dictator to help him stage coup in his home country?

Writer Wayne Carey once again spins a truly fantastic adventure mixing both horror and political intrigue as only he can. “Zombie Island” with all its twists and turns is a terrific book filled with wonderful new heroes. Looking for something new to read this summer, check this one out. You can thank me later.

CAPTAIN FUTURE - 1,500 LIGHT YEARS FROM HOME

 

CAPTAIN FUTURE

1,500 Light Years From Home

By Allen Steele

Amazing Selects

164 pgs

 

This is the third entry in writer Allen Steel’s four-part Captain Future science fiction adventure and it is a rocket blast fun. Picking up where “The Guns of Pluto” ended with a terrific cliffhanger. Curt Newton, aka Captain Future, had been captured by his arch enemy Ul Quorn and shanghaied to an alien star system via a time-spanning wormhole. Ul Quorn is obsessed with the ancient race from the planet Deneb that supposedly visited out Earth millions of years earlier. As to why he wants to contact them is the true mystery of the series. 

What Ul Quorn, also known as the Magian of Mars, does not know is that one of Curt’s Futuremen, cyborg Dr. Simon Wright managed to stowaway on the spacecraft before it launched. Now, connected with Curt view the mental relay system known as “ani” he plots to rescue his friend and make good their escape. Before this can transpire, Curt learns the small, ectoplastic Denebian pet creature his team had discovered is actually a programmed, organic Denebian translator willing to help him learn the history of the vaquished empire and in so doing defeat Ul Quorn. 

As ever, Allen Steele’s story-telling is a wonderfully balanced mixture of action, adventure and thought provoking concepts. When the reasons of the crime lord’s machinations come to light, this reviewer couldn’t argue the warped rationalization for his actions. “1,500 Light Years From Home” works on many levels. Though staying true to known science, it still manages to capture the spills and thrills of classic pulp space operas. Oh, and did we mention it ends with as yet another doozy cliffhanger?  All in all a terrific with a rather unique and funny bonus feature. Not to be missed.

Final note, we totally loved Jon Eno’s cover and M.D. Jackson’s interior illustrations.

BENEDICT AND BRAZOS # 20 BORN TO HANG

 

BENEDICT AND BRAZOS # 20

Born to Hang

By E. Jefferson Clay

111 pgs

Bold Venture Publishing

 

Here we have another fast paced, fun entry in this terrific western series about two Civil War veterans traveling the American West in search of adventure. Duke Benedict is a suave, skilled gun-fighter and ex-Calvary Captain, while Hank Brazos, a former Confederate Sergeant, is a good old Texas cowboy. An unlikely pair who, through their many challenges come to begrudgingly respect each other and work extremely well against all manner of frontier villainy.  

In this tale, the due comes to the aid of one of Brazos’ former regiment pals who has been falsely accused of murder and is about to be hanged. Posing as the official State Hangman, Benedict comes into town and begins learning both about the victims and the current conflict between the Cattleman's Association and other group looking to put them out of business. Soon it becomes clear Brazos’ pal, Dusty Lane, is nothing but a pawn in a grander, more devious plot. How the two go about saving him from the rope and exposing the murderous cartel makes for another dandy read.

To date we’ve read a half dozen of the Benedict and Brazos books. All of them, including “Born to Hang” are winners. If you like westerns, pick it up.

SUMMON UP THE BLOOD

 

SUMMON UP THE BLOOD

By R.N. Morris

Canelo US

340 pgs

 

This is the first in a mystery series by R.N. Morris featuring Scotland Yard Detective Silas Quinn. Detective Quinn is the head of the Special Crimes Department. In this debut case, he is assigned the matter of a murdered homosexual whose body was discovered drained of blood. Which is why the case is dropped in Quinn’s lap. The story, set against the Victorian era, does a wonderful job of showcasing the disparity of the social classes at that time and how the laws were unjustly skewered protect the wealth and landed gentry while offering no such shields for the working classes and dirt poor minorities. 

As much as homosexuality was considered by the public at large as an abnormal, deviant behavior to be condemned and punished, there was no lack of the lifestyle among the bluebloods of the London. They felt above the law which puts Quinn, a regular bloke, at odds with certain people of interest in the case. That’s the main plot and Norris handles it well enough. 

Whereas his major strength here is his beautifully designed supporting cast. These characters add so much depth and weight to the story; it would suffer greatly without any of them. From the fellow residents at the boarding house where Quinn resides to his two subordinated in attic office of Special Crimes. Detectives Inchball and Macadam are great characters who come to life within a few pages of dialog that clearly sets their opposing personalities. This offers up dynamism to the trio working together, despite their obvious different world views, to stop a madman before he can kill again.
In all, “Summon Up The Blood” is a good read and if you like mysteries series, we highly recommend considering this one to add to your list.

LEVON'S NIGHT

 

LEVON’S NIGHT

(Levon Cade: Book Two)

By Chuck Dixon

Rough Edges Press

193 pgs

 

Whereas we’ve already reviewed the truncated book # 3 in this series, it was time to back pedal and get to this one, which is by far the more impactful entry. Picking up where number left off, former Marine Levon Cade, and his daughter, are on the lam from vicious South American drug cartels whose plans he foiled in the first volume. Opting to get as far away from any hunters, Cade heads for the deep forest of Maine in the middle of winter; a more inhospitable environment would be hard to find in the continental U.S.  

Whereas Cade’s luck turns sour as the lake community he’s chosen to hide in is the target of a deadly squad of killers searching after the stolen wealth of a former New York Ponzi scheme magnet named Blanco. Having already murdered the man and his family in South America without find the loot, the team is now hell-bent on searching every one of the dead man’s holdings. Including his forgotten Maine lodge. And so their path of death and destruction crosses Cade’s escape haven and the second it does, the bullets fly and the action explodes.  

Dixon is a master of writing fast paced, nail biting action sequences. What we found truly remarkable and fun in this particular tale is how Cade’s daughter, Merry, has adapted to their survival lifestyle and when separated from her father for a while, she easily begins using the skills he taught her diligently. In the end, she’s just as savvy as her old man. 

“Levon’s Night” is a brutal, non-stop action thriller worthy of the series…and your support.

 

THE REVENGERS

 

THE REVENGERS

A Jeremiah Halstead Western

By Terrence McCauley

Pinnacle Books

320 pgs

 

When a western novel begins with a shoot-out and 300 pgs later ends with one, you’d better believe this reviewer was most satisfied. Such is the case with burgeoning western superstar, Terrence McCauley’s newest Jeremiah Halstead entry, “The Revengers.” Of course it being the third in the series, we are obligated to tell you reading the first two will certainly increase your enjoyment while devouring this new one.

Part of that process, in any ongoing series is the obligatory recap which McCauley smoothly goes through in the first few chapters. Really, it’s painless. Then we are back in Battle Brook, Montana, with Deputy Marshal Halstead who learns his nemesis, crooked politician Ed Zimmerman, about to stand trial for murder, has been pardoned by the departing, bribed governor and is once again a free man.

Overwhelmed with hatred, Halstead soon begins to act rashly allowing his emotions to take control of his thoughts. Enough so, that Abby, the love of his life, wires Marshal Aaron Mackey to come to Battle Brook and rescue Halstead from himself. By the time Mackey, and his riding compadre, Billy Sunday, arrive, matters have gotten considerable worst. Zimmerman and his cronies have managed to pressure the mayor of Battle Brook into hiring Emil Riker, a Texas gunman, to be the new Sheriff. Well aware he and Halstead have as past. Years earlier, Halstead had shot and killed Riker’s father.

Amidst this cyclone of events, Riker convinces an angry saloon mob to attack the jail while Halstead is out of town resulting in the near death wounding of his colleague, Deputy Sandborne. It is enough to force Mackey to order Halstead to return to the capitol, Helena, or surrender his badge.

“The Revengers” is a fast paced, beautiful written novel and a testament to McCauley’s insightful awareness of the human condition. His characters, both good and bad, live and breathe on these pages. He gives them depth and their colliding stories propel the narrative to its gun-blasting finale. An ending this reviewer did not see coming. If you truly love cowboy stories, do not miss “The Revengers.”

BACK TO THE DIRT

 

BACK TO THE DIRT

By Frank Bill

FSG Originals

307 pgs

 

In his afterword, author Frank Bill tells us his father servied in Vietnam from December of 1967 to Jan of 1969 as a Marine. We mention this reviewer was in-country between the summer of 67 and summer of 68. We were one of thousands of American that served there. For reasons we won’t get into, we generally don’t read books involving that war. Why we opted to look at this one was the slant it employed dealing primarily with the lasting affects of that conflict on the book’s protagonist thirty years later.

Miles Knox is a pragmatic middle aged veteran working a tough, dirty factory job. Since his days his Vietnam, his life has been filled with drugs, booze and merely finding a way to get by day by day. Eventually, he becomes involved with a beautiful young stripper working at a local men’s club. Though young enough to be his daughter, Shelby has suffered own hardship being abandoned by the mother and raised by an abusive father who is also a vet, but one totally twisted by his combat experience. Somehow Miles and Shelby find mutual solace together.

When her younger brother, Wylie, while strung out on drugs, murders his suppliers, a young married couple, all hell breaks loose. The couple’s young son, Shadrack, escapes and flees to the safety of his uncle, Nathaniel Timberlake, a former police officer. Enraged by the death of his brother and sister-in-law, Nathaniel, with the boy in tow, sets out to find Wylie and deliver his own vengeful justice. At the same time, Miles can’t find Shelby and becomes worried something bad has befallen her.

As the night wears on, both he and Nathaniel’s paths crisscross. When they finally meet and join forces, the true horror of what they uncover far surpasses even their worst imaginings.

Frank Bill is a terrific writer with so much courage and integrity he portrays the fragility of life with all its blessings and curses. His sensitivity is palpable in his characters and by then story’s conclusion, one is left emotional spent. “Back to the Dirt” is a brilliant work of reality…disguised as fiction. Don’t miss it.

 

PULP FAN # 7

 

PULP FAN #7

Edited by Jim Main & Robert J. Sodaro

Magazine format

36 pgs.

 

A good friend surprised us the other day by sending along this terrific looking new magazine series devoted to pulps. Not overly large in contents, what this issue # 7 makes up in is the quality of the few articles it does feature. And then there are the wonderful reproductions of art throughout. Note, the color reproductions of the old pulp covers is gorgeous and the sampling of the late Frank Hamilton’s stipple art pieces beautiful.  

Article wise, Will Murray leads off with an insightful look at the evolution of the Shadow into a gun-blasting avenger. Whereas very few fans today are unaware that this particular persona was never writer Walter Gibson’s intent. In the early years, the Shadow left the vanquishing of his foes to others. How all that changed makes for fascinating reading. 

Next up, Michael Housel looks at the career of premier Shadow cover artist George Jerome Rozen and deftly examines some of his more popular pieces. It’s extremely well done. Finally, writer Dennis Kininger takes a look at the Shadow’s agents. He shines a light on their attributes and skills, how they were recruited by the crimebusting avenger and their roles in various adventures. Lots of fun for both long time Shadow fans and newbies. 

All in all, PULP FAN # 7 is terrific, beautiful magazine truly worth your interest.

MOONLIGHT SERENADE - Part Two

 

MOONLIGHT SERENADE – Part Two

Book Three of the Vim Hood Chronicles

By Terry Mark

Available from Amazon

278 pgs

 

With this book, writer Terry Mark wraps up his alternate world mega-saga he began several years ago with his first novel, “Kill the Night.” Having brought events to World War II, famous personalities ala Amelia Earhart, Nikola Tesla, Glen Miller and sailor Paul Newman mysterious find themselves on a lost island in the North Atlantic where exist the super powerful Vim material. Adolph Hitler and the Nazis want it so as to assure their victory ultimate domination over all mankind. 

In this second half of that struggle, Mark has the German using amazing technical weapons to battle giant robots and monstrous mythological beasts all part of the wondrous island that well may be the long lost Atlantis. Each chapter propels the cast forward in incredible adventures all culminating in a truly epic campaign between the forces of good versus those of pure, merciless evil. 

If you enjoy wild, unbridle adventure, look no further. Terry Mark’s writing is sensational and damn impossible to categorize. He simply writes poignant and sometimes nightmarish scenarios that will thrill the most jaded sci-fi, fantasy readers. Don’t miss this one and when you’ve finished it, tell your friends about it. We just did.

MYSTERY OF THE ATOMIC HAMMER

 

MYSTERY OF THE ATOMIC HAMMER

Hollywood Cowboy Detectives # 8

By Darryle Purcell

Available at Amazon

146 pgs

 

The three amigos, Curly Woods PR guy, Hoot Gibson former western star and Nick Danby studio chauffeaur, are back again in another fantastic adventure. But this time writer Purcell, sets his action-packed tale after the end of World War II, 1946. Nick is a combat vet doing his best to return to civilian life. When Monogram’s second Charlie Chan actor, Sidney Toler, goes missing, Nick’s older brother, studio boss Rick Danby, sends Curly and Hoot to find him. At the same time he hopes they can help Nick overcome his own personal mental depression and adjust to his former fun loving personality.  PTSD has always been prevalent after every war ever raged. In 1946 they called it “Shell shock.”

 

Only too eager to help their pal, Curly and Hoot begin searching Los Angeles’ own Chinatown and ultimately, with Nick’s help, learn Toler is being held in some kind of new hospital and undergoing some fancy new radiation treatment. They then encounter a mysterious doctor with ties to former Nazis who are now working with Communist agents. They are illegally experimenting with atomic rays. Rays that can turn normal spiders into giant mutated monsters. Once again the boys are up their necks in trouble battling forces intent on destroying America.

 

Purcell’s writing is flawless and his characters tons of fun. This is a series we relish and each new entry is like an early Christmas gift. If you haven’t met the Hollywood Detectives yet, what are you waiting for?

CAPTAIN FUTURE IN LOVE

 

CAPTAIN FUTURE IN LOVE

(The Return of Ul Quorn, Book 1)

By Allen Steele

Amazing Stories

108 pgs

 

Once again we find ourselves playing catch up with a new pulp series. Last year we found “Captain Future – The Guns of Pluto.” Seeing that it was a new adventure based on Edmond Hamilton’s classic pulp hero, we eagerly snatched up a copy and loved it. At which point we learned it was the third entry in the series by veteran writer Allen Steele. The first chapter had been released by another publisher with the title “Avengers of the Moon.” We found it, read and give it major thumbs up.

Sadly things went awry and that publisher chose not to continue the series. Steele then partnered with the good folks at Amazing Stories and wrote two more action packed entries. In “Captain Future in Love,” he picks up the story of orphaned Curt Newton who was raised by an android, cyborg and robot in a hidden cave on the moon. Newton’s obsession is to find the corrupt millionaire politician who murdered his parents.  

But first Captain Future must deal with possible terrorists  on attack Venus installations. This triggers flashback memories wherein we learn of his first visit to that planet as a teenager and his encounter with a lovely young thief who steals his heart. It’s a fun tale and told with the proper emotional sensitivity. As with his other Captain Future stories, Steele combines elements of both hard science fiction with the more romantic elements of pulp space operas. What are two radically different styles merge seamlessly in his storytelling. Having read both the first and third, we’re delighted to have filled in the missing chapter of this truly enjoyable saga. Ed Hamilton would have loved these. 

LEVON'S RIDE - Levon Cade Book # 3

 

LEVON’S RIDE

Levon Cade # 3

By Chuck Dixon

Rough Edges Press

90 pgs Story

49 pg preview of next in series.

 

We are big fans of this series about an ex-marine widow, single father, trying his best to get by in a world filled with criminals, organized gangsters, corrupt politicians and perverts praying on the young and innocent. That the so-called “civilized” world Cade came home to after his campaigns in the Middle East. Not exactly the Norman Rockwell America we all once valued. 

Whereas Dixon’s writing is always lean, mean and just amazingly well structured. We had a real problem with the book’s overall make up. Whereas his actual story only takes up 90 slim pages, it was clearly intended to be an action packed bridge between volumes two and four. With that goal, the book ends up being too slim for the publisher and so to fill more pages, we’re give almost 50 pages from book four. Huh?

Sorry but as a professional review, we really detest these kinds of “preview” chapters. If we like a book well enough, we don’t need any prompting to pick up the next in the series.  And especially one that goes all of 50 pages. Would have been a lot better had the author simply given us story for this bridge episode. In the end, Dixon remains a favorite and you’ll enjoy those 90 pages. After that you’re on your own.

THE SCORPION'S TALE

 

THE SCORPION’S TAIL

By Preston & Child

Grand Central Publishing

401 pgs

 

This is the second thriller in the Special Agent Pendergast spin-off series starring two of his best supporting characters. The first being Archeologist Nora Kelly who was around from the first Pendergast adventure teaming up with his young protégé, newly minted FBI Agent Corrie Swanson. Though why the publisher opts to label this the “Nora Kelly” series is beyond my logic. It really should be the “Kelly – Swanson” series. Oh well, the eccentricities of publishers.  

Like the first, this one also focuses on historical mysteries with these set in the western state of New Mexico. A young, extremely likeable town Sheriff named Homer Watts encounters a would-be looter at work in a high mountain ghost town. When he confronts the fellow, the perp tries to shoot him. Much to his dismay as Watts is a fast draw crack shot and wounds the varmint. But that isn’t what sets alarms off. Rather it is the fact that the two-bit artifact thief was in process of uncovering a dead body; a dead body buried on government land. Enter the FBI and Agent Corrine Swanson.  

Realizing the excavation of a body is beyond her considerable expertise, Corrie recruits Nora Kelly to assist her and pretty soon the trained archeologist finds herself pulled into the mystery. Not only is the corpse weirdly mummified, but in his possession is an ornate, bejeweled cross that dates back to the days of the Spanish conquistadores. Could the dead man have been hunting lost Spanish gold mines rumored to be hidden in those mountains? And what connection does the dead man have to the White Plains Desert Military base; home to the first atom bomb test? 

Once again, Preston and Child weave an intricate, pretzel twisty plot that mushrooms multiple new questions whenever one is answered. Enough to keep both Nora and Corrie hopping back and forth from one end of the state to the other looking to solve not one, but several historical puzzles all seemingly intertwined. And along the way they encounter some truly colorful western characters ala Sheriff Watts and a descendant of Geronimo. In the end, “The Scorpion’s Tale” is another grand Preston & Child outing and one we heartily recommend. Kelly and Swanson may not be Pendergast, but they sure are the next best thing

THE DAUGHTER OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

 

THE DAUGHTER OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

By Leonard Goldberg

Minotaur Books

303 pgs

 

When we breeze through a book of 300 pages swiftly, it is a sign that it is not only well written, but that the story itself is totally captivating. And both those elements are clearly present in this wonderful book. Of course it helps if you’re a Sherlock Holmes fan as we are.    

The plot opens quickly in 1914. Sherlock Holmes has been dead for several years. His companion, widower Dr. John Watson, has made 221 B Baker St. his permanent resident and often enjoys the company of his son, Dr. John Watson the second. Watson senior occasionally sees people seeking assistance based on his time with the Great Detective. Such is the case when Miss Mary Harrelston arrives seeking their help in proving her older brother, Charles, did not commit suicide by hurling himself out of a two story downtown office building. The father and son amateur detectives soon learn that there were three eye witnesses to the man’s tragic demise; a gardener working across the street at the time and a young widow taking a stroll with her ten year old son. They begin their investigation by interviewing the woman, a Mrs. Joanna Blalock and her son John.  

Young Dr. Watson is taken not only with Mrs. Blalock’s beauty, but also her keen intellect. The attractive widow is immediately intrigued by their inquiries and begins to express her own misgivings as to the police’s verdict and what she actually witnessed. She volunteers to assist the two doctors in their quest for the truth and proves herself most adept in the role. Whereas Watson senior is already familiar with the woman and her lineage and when he reveals it in confidence to his son, the story’s narrative shifts into high gear.  

“The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes” is a pure delight and Joanna Blalock one of the most endearing detectives to inherit the legacy of Sherlock Holmes. Oh, that someone in Hollywood would latch on to this book. We can always dream.