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Doc Savage (Bantam) #67
The Freckled Shark
In his most exotic adventure, the Man of Bronze encounters the insane money lust of Senor Steel, president-dictator of Blanca Grande (a very unfortunate South American republic); decodes the awful secret of Matacumbe; and sinks -- for what may be the last time -- into the muddy horror of the primitive jungle.
138 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1939
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About the author
Kenneth Robeson
918 books134 followersKenneth Robeson was the house name used by Street and Smith Publications as the author of their popular character Doc Savage and later The Avenger. Though most Doc Savage stories were written by the author Lester Dent, there were many others who contributed to the series, including:
William G. Bogart
Evelyn Coulson
Harold A. Davis
Lawrence Donovan
Alan Hathway
W. Ryerson Johnson
Lester Dent is usually considered to be the creator of Doc Savage. In the 1990s Philip José Farmer wrote a new Doc Savage adventure, but it was published under his own name and not by Robeson. Will Murray has since taken up the pseudonym and continued writing Doc Savage books as Robeson.
All 24 of the original stories featuring The Avenger were written by Paul Ernst, using the Robeson house name. In order to encourage sales Kenneth Robeson was credited on the cover of The Avenger magazine as "the creator of Doc Savage" even though Lester Dent had nothing to do with The Avenger series. In the 1970s, when the series was extended with 12 additional novels, Ron Goulart was hired to become Robeson.
William G. Bogart
Evelyn Coulson
Harold A. Davis
Lawrence Donovan
Alan Hathway
W. Ryerson Johnson
Lester Dent is usually considered to be the creator of Doc Savage. In the 1990s Philip José Farmer wrote a new Doc Savage adventure, but it was published under his own name and not by Robeson. Will Murray has since taken up the pseudonym and continued writing Doc Savage books as Robeson.
All 24 of the original stories featuring The Avenger were written by Paul Ernst, using the Robeson house name. In order to encourage sales Kenneth Robeson was credited on the cover of The Avenger magazine as "the creator of Doc Savage" even though Lester Dent had nothing to do with The Avenger series. In the 1970s, when the series was extended with 12 additional novels, Ron Goulart was hired to become Robeson.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 16, 2017
This Doc Savage adventure was first published in 1939, often considered by rabid Doc fans as a rather dismal year for quality Doc stories. However, this particular one, written by the original author of the character, Lester Dent, is a standout for the year. It is a little different from most Doc Savage tales in that throughout much of the book, Doc is in disguise as Henry Peace, a disguise so good that even by the end of the novel, Monk hasn’t yet figured it out. This allows Doc to not only gain valuable intel from the bad guys but the effect for the reader is to see Doc act with a completely different personality...and it’s a hoot.
A clever, fast-moving plot is combined with some well-handled mis-directs and it’s also one of the few books in the entire series to see Doc get completely flustered and red-in-the-face by a woman. Only three of Doc’s aides have a role in this adventure: Monk, Ham , and Johnny. It doesn’t make my top 10 Doc Savage books but is definitely worth the read.
A clever, fast-moving plot is combined with some well-handled mis-directs and it’s also one of the few books in the entire series to see Doc get completely flustered and red-in-the-face by a woman. Only three of Doc’s aides have a role in this adventure: Monk, Ham , and Johnny. It doesn’t make my top 10 Doc Savage books but is definitely worth the read.
February 7, 2019
Of all the pulp era heroes few stand out above the crowd, Doc Savage is one of these. With his 5 aides and cousin he adventures across the world. Fighting weird menaces, master criminals and evil scientists Doc and the Fab 5 never let you down for a great read. These stories have all you need; fast paced action, weird mystery, and some humor as the aides spat with each other. My highest recommendation.
October 15, 2016
The first Doc Savage story appeared in 1933 and the series ran in pulp and later digest format into 1949. Bantam reprinted the entire series in paperback with wonderful, iconic covers starting in the 1960's. Doc was arguably the first great modern superhero with a rich background, continuity, and mythos. The characterizations were far richer than was common for the pulps; his five associates and their sometimes-auxiliary, Doc's cousin Pat, and the pets Chemistry and Habeas Corpus, all had very distinctive characteristics and their byplay was frequently more entertaining that the current adventure-of-the-month. The settings were also fascinating: Doc's Fortress of Solitude, the Hidalgo Trading Company (which served as a front for his armada of vehicles), and especially the mysterious 86th floor headquarters all became familiar haunts to the reader, and the far-flung adventures took the intrepid band to exotic and richly-described locations all over the world. The adventures were always fast-paced and exciting, from the early apocalyptic world-saving extravaganzas of the early days to the latter scientific-detective style shorter works of the post-World War Two years. There were always a few points that it was difficult to believe along the way, but there were always more ups than downs, and there was never, ever a dull moment. The Doc Savage books have always been my favorite entertainments... I was always, as Johnny would say, superamalgamated!
May 25, 2017
5 for nostalgia but also it's a pretty good DS story. The human side of Doc....
February 26, 2022
A pulp novel featuring Doc Savage. The story was engaging despite Doc behaving a bit out of character.
August 30, 2023
This was an interesting adventure. Doc and his men, sans Renny and Long Tom, are in for a mysterious caper that begins in the Florida Keys. The story begins with the discovery of a missing man, Jep Dee. He was found on a deserted island, apparently tortured and sun-blind. He reach’s out via mail, to two confederates who soon find themselves being hunted by desperate men. Monk, Ham and Johnny are sent in to investigate and help Rhoda and her father. Doc Savage enters the story more than half way through the adventure. Previously, he is disguised as Henry Peace and several times proposes to Rhoda while in disguise.
There were many twists and turns in this yarn. This includes Doc’s part in it. At one point, more than half way through, Doc asks Johnny’s advice regarding the girl. I enjoyed that part in that it showed Doc in a more human light, making him more accessible.
Once again, Hitler and Mussolini are mentioned in a Doc Savage novel. Also, for the first time, Japan is also mentioned in reference to its take over of Korea.
This novel was authored by Lester Dent and published March, 1939.
There were many twists and turns in this yarn. This includes Doc’s part in it. At one point, more than half way through, Doc asks Johnny’s advice regarding the girl. I enjoyed that part in that it showed Doc in a more human light, making him more accessible.
Once again, Hitler and Mussolini are mentioned in a Doc Savage novel. Also, for the first time, Japan is also mentioned in reference to its take over of Korea.
This novel was authored by Lester Dent and published March, 1939.
January 16, 2016
A rather ordinary Doc Savage adventure is elevated to noteworthy status by one of those character touchstones that help make certain tales in long series stand out.
In "The Freckled Shark," from March 1939, Doc Savage's extended time in disguise brings some amusing and fascinating moments in what was a more than decade-long journey from superman to relatable man. Doc doesn't appear onstage as himself until well past the halfway point of this adventure, instead spending a lot of time as Henry Peace, wooing a woman, lying — you know, things Doc himself never does.
This tale involves a tortured man found in the Florida Keys, a mysterious parchment of shark skin he sent to his cohorts and a sadistic leader of a South American nation.
Disguised as Henry Peace in an effort to learn from the beautiful Rhoda Haven and her father just what's going on in this mystery, Doc gets legitimately flustered and, apparently, romantically tempted as his character's advances on the woman are very welcomed. Even aide Johnny is amused, and Doc's pals seldom will laugh at Doc's expense.
Though this angle isn't explored in depth, it's fascinating to see Doc losing himself a little in a more real life than his own, whose dangers preclude romantic entanglements.
The mystery comes to a head decently in the Keys, but as another significant step in Doc's portrayal in Doc Savage Magazine from flawless archenemy of evil to a very human hero (this was frankly taken too far about 1944-45 when Doc becomes too mistake-prone and neurotic), "The Freckled Shark" is well worth a read.
In "The Freckled Shark," from March 1939, Doc Savage's extended time in disguise brings some amusing and fascinating moments in what was a more than decade-long journey from superman to relatable man. Doc doesn't appear onstage as himself until well past the halfway point of this adventure, instead spending a lot of time as Henry Peace, wooing a woman, lying — you know, things Doc himself never does.
This tale involves a tortured man found in the Florida Keys, a mysterious parchment of shark skin he sent to his cohorts and a sadistic leader of a South American nation.
Disguised as Henry Peace in an effort to learn from the beautiful Rhoda Haven and her father just what's going on in this mystery, Doc gets legitimately flustered and, apparently, romantically tempted as his character's advances on the woman are very welcomed. Even aide Johnny is amused, and Doc's pals seldom will laugh at Doc's expense.
Though this angle isn't explored in depth, it's fascinating to see Doc losing himself a little in a more real life than his own, whose dangers preclude romantic entanglements.
The mystery comes to a head decently in the Keys, but as another significant step in Doc's portrayal in Doc Savage Magazine from flawless archenemy of evil to a very human hero (this was frankly taken too far about 1944-45 when Doc becomes too mistake-prone and neurotic), "The Freckled Shark" is well worth a read.
May 23, 2016
How did I miss including a review—well I was traveling, guess I just forgot
This is overall a fun book I think would have worked better as a non-Doc Savage novel. Soldier-of-fortune Tex Haven and his super-scientist daughter Rhoda Haven are great leads, as is two-fisted Henry "don't let the name mislead you" Peace, who has his eye on Rhoda. Their efforts to outwit a dictator could have made for a fun book in itself, without Doc getting involved. What does make it standout as a Doc novel is his connection to Henry Peace, which I won't get into here, but that does make for an interesting development. The piece of sharkskin related to the title is, however, one of the dullest McGuffins ever—maybe Dent is right and there are no freckled sharks, but who cares?
This is overall a fun book I think would have worked better as a non-Doc Savage novel. Soldier-of-fortune Tex Haven and his super-scientist daughter Rhoda Haven are great leads, as is two-fisted Henry "don't let the name mislead you" Peace, who has his eye on Rhoda. Their efforts to outwit a dictator could have made for a fun book in itself, without Doc getting involved. What does make it standout as a Doc novel is his connection to Henry Peace, which I won't get into here, but that does make for an interesting development. The piece of sharkskin related to the title is, however, one of the dullest McGuffins ever—maybe Dent is right and there are no freckled sharks, but who cares?
May 24, 2016
read some time in 1988
June 27, 2016
An awful book isn't so awful when you expect it.
July 8, 2009
As I've said before, I'm not a huge Doc Savage fan. This one was not bad.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews