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Kolchak: The Night Stalker
The Lost World
Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9781936814169
After getting a serial killer to confess, Kolchak is offered an international assignment with massive coverage around the world. With fame and fortune finally within reach, Kolchak is ready to cover the story - until he''s confronted by a mysterious monk who warns him that "the seventy-two must always be."
What this means is not explained. But, before he knows it, Kolchak's dreams are invaded by unexplainable images that let him know every step he takes toward this story is bringing him closer to death.
After getting a serial killer to confess, Kolchak is offered an international assignment with massive coverage around the world. With fame and fortune finally within reach, Kolchak is ready to cover the story - until he''s confronted by a mysterious monk who warns him that "the seventy-two must always be."
What this means is not explained. But, before he knows it, Kolchak's dreams are invaded by unexplainable images that let him know every step he takes toward this story is bringing him closer to death.
130 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
21 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Henderson
241 books57 followersThere is more than one author with this name
CJ Henderson is the creator of both the Jack Hagee hardboiled PI series and the Teddy London supernatural detective series. He is also the author of The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction Movies, several score novels, plus hundreds of short stories and thousands of non-fiction pieces. In the wonderful world of comics he has written everything from Batman and the Punisher to Archie and Cherry Poptart.
He also writes under the name Robert Morgan.
CJ Henderson is the creator of both the Jack Hagee hardboiled PI series and the Teddy London supernatural detective series. He is also the author of The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction Movies, several score novels, plus hundreds of short stories and thousands of non-fiction pieces. In the wonderful world of comics he has written everything from Batman and the Punisher to Archie and Cherry Poptart.
He also writes under the name Robert Morgan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 30, 2024
Kolchak is apparently for Chris Carter one of the sources for his popular TV show called "the X files" or so he admitted once or twice in his interviews. I have yet to watch a Kolchak episode of movie to its finish.
Anyhow Kolchak has scored a great story and as a gift he is send to South America to do a real live tale about the war on drugs in real life, of course there is something of a twist when it proves to be a search for some lost world and a secret weapon.
This tales is somewhat pedestrian and never really becomes engaging because the writer fails to enntertain his audience whether old or new.
Anyhow Kolchak has scored a great story and as a gift he is send to South America to do a real live tale about the war on drugs in real life, of course there is something of a twist when it proves to be a search for some lost world and a secret weapon.
This tales is somewhat pedestrian and never really becomes engaging because the writer fails to enntertain his audience whether old or new.
April 17, 2015
I am a HUGE Nightstalker fan. Ive seen the movies, the tv shows (both the original and the short lived revival), have all of the books (some of which I haven't read yet), the comics, all of it. I just love the Kolchak character. That being said, this wasn't one of my favorite Night Stalker tales.
Kolchak basically gets sent down to South America to investigate a lost city (there's a lot more to it than that, but let's keep it simple here). He ends up caught between 2 rival drug gangs and things get weird. It's still eerie enough that it's not a bad Kolchak story, but to me the ending was a little unsatisfying and it just didn't seem quite worthy of a Night Stalker tale.
If you are a Night Stalker fanatic like myself, than this is worth a read. If you are a very casual fan, you may not care for this one.
Kolchak basically gets sent down to South America to investigate a lost city (there's a lot more to it than that, but let's keep it simple here). He ends up caught between 2 rival drug gangs and things get weird. It's still eerie enough that it's not a bad Kolchak story, but to me the ending was a little unsatisfying and it just didn't seem quite worthy of a Night Stalker tale.
If you are a Night Stalker fanatic like myself, than this is worth a read. If you are a very casual fan, you may not care for this one.
April 30, 2022
This was quite entertaining for a quick read (or listen). It reminds me a little of F. Paul Wilson’s Repairman Jack series in the sense that the main character easily accepts all kinds of supernatural happenings. I would definitely be interested in reading more Kolchak stories.
January 9, 2017
Carl Kolchak. The Night Stalker. Reporter. Supernatural investigator. Loveable slob.
I am a huge fan of the 1970s television show starring Darren McGavin (before you ask, I am not even going to mention the shit remake that got almost immediately cancelled....that was dreck. What were they thinking? Same writers who attempted to put Dresden on television??? Ugh. Shoot...I said I wasn't going to mention it....and then I mentioned it. But I digress....back to the review....). Even though it only lasted one season, I have happily watched those few episodes over and over again since then. And I have eagerly read every Kolchak novel and comic book I've come across. I love the character and the concept. Maybe it has something to do with the fact I was a reporter for many years? Not sure. I never had the joy of covering anything even remotely supernatural. The murders, crimes and othe rmayhem I covered were all too real and not committed by anything but normal, although horrific, human beings. I think I love the Kolchak character because he's normal. He's not heroic, larger-than-life and anything above average that would stick out of the crowd. He's just a slobby reporter on the night beat in a wrinkled seersucker suit and an ugly hat, who just happens to be a magnet for all things creepy that go bump-in-the-night. Vampires. Ghosts. Animated suits of armor. Angry pagan gods. He's seen it all.
In The Lost World, Kolchak is his usual wrinkled, slightly unkempt self, just trying to make a living and escape his reputation as a weird-magnet. He is unable to do so, of course. Kolchak finds himself on a trip to the jungle to cover the story of a feud between major drug dealers. He soon finds out that the drug war is not just a war, but a fight over a mysterious group of men: The Seventy-Two, and the secrets they protect.
The story is short, but packed with action and the usual Kolchak creepy-weird happenings. The book is well-written, and true to the character I love. The action and tension is well-paced, packing a great punch into the 124 pages of this novelette. This is an updated Kolchak, not 1970's retro. He is internet savvy, a knowledgeable modern reporter, yet still lovably slobby and funny.
This is a great read for Kolchak fans, or anyone who loves a quick adventurous, weird read. This is a update of the character that Kolchak fans will approve of.....and not like that show-attempt-that-shall-not-be-mentioned-again.
C.J. Henderson has written two other Kolchak novels: A Black & Evil Truth and The Lovecraftian Horror. The Lost World is the first one I've read....I have definitely added the other two to my wish list!
For those fans of action/adventure retro-style who have never experienced Kolchak, you can find the old episodes on YouTube. It's an old show worth watching. Supernatural action/adventure with a bit of cheesy humor thrown in. :)
I am a huge fan of the 1970s television show starring Darren McGavin (before you ask, I am not even going to mention the shit remake that got almost immediately cancelled....that was dreck. What were they thinking? Same writers who attempted to put Dresden on television??? Ugh. Shoot...I said I wasn't going to mention it....and then I mentioned it. But I digress....back to the review....). Even though it only lasted one season, I have happily watched those few episodes over and over again since then. And I have eagerly read every Kolchak novel and comic book I've come across. I love the character and the concept. Maybe it has something to do with the fact I was a reporter for many years? Not sure. I never had the joy of covering anything even remotely supernatural. The murders, crimes and othe rmayhem I covered were all too real and not committed by anything but normal, although horrific, human beings. I think I love the Kolchak character because he's normal. He's not heroic, larger-than-life and anything above average that would stick out of the crowd. He's just a slobby reporter on the night beat in a wrinkled seersucker suit and an ugly hat, who just happens to be a magnet for all things creepy that go bump-in-the-night. Vampires. Ghosts. Animated suits of armor. Angry pagan gods. He's seen it all.
In The Lost World, Kolchak is his usual wrinkled, slightly unkempt self, just trying to make a living and escape his reputation as a weird-magnet. He is unable to do so, of course. Kolchak finds himself on a trip to the jungle to cover the story of a feud between major drug dealers. He soon finds out that the drug war is not just a war, but a fight over a mysterious group of men: The Seventy-Two, and the secrets they protect.
The story is short, but packed with action and the usual Kolchak creepy-weird happenings. The book is well-written, and true to the character I love. The action and tension is well-paced, packing a great punch into the 124 pages of this novelette. This is an updated Kolchak, not 1970's retro. He is internet savvy, a knowledgeable modern reporter, yet still lovably slobby and funny.
This is a great read for Kolchak fans, or anyone who loves a quick adventurous, weird read. This is a update of the character that Kolchak fans will approve of.....and not like that show-attempt-that-shall-not-be-mentioned-again.
C.J. Henderson has written two other Kolchak novels: A Black & Evil Truth and The Lovecraftian Horror. The Lost World is the first one I've read....I have definitely added the other two to my wish list!
For those fans of action/adventure retro-style who have never experienced Kolchak, you can find the old episodes on YouTube. It's an old show worth watching. Supernatural action/adventure with a bit of cheesy humor thrown in. :)
July 21, 2016
I'll keep this short as this was a short book. I have mixed history with the late CJ Henderson who I think is a great short story author, whose novels have not worked as well for me. I am however a big fan of the Kolchak TV series which sadly only lasted one season. Ahead of it's time TV didn't do long narrative at the time, so the silliness of Kolchak running into a new monster every week doomed the series. What they should have done was a series of TV movies yearly like the first two Matheson films.
Well enter moonstone books who are doing pulp paperbacks and comic that include everyone's favorite monster hunter and newspaper man Carl Kolchak. I think this novel is only for diehard fans of the character like me. So the next step for enjoying this book is to not think to deeply about it, for example think of it as a lost episode not a novel. A novel suggests a bigger more epic scope. that said this story probably far exeeds the budget ABC would have thrown at a episode.
I like that this was not a paint by the numbers Kolchak story taking him to south america and putting him inbetween rival drug gangs. Don't worry there is a supernatural twist and plenty of weird mystery involved. This is quick read, I read it over three sittings on my morning commute. Henderson captures the feeling of the TV show, and writes in first person like the original Jeff Rice novel. Directly in Kolchak always suppressed account..
Well enter moonstone books who are doing pulp paperbacks and comic that include everyone's favorite monster hunter and newspaper man Carl Kolchak. I think this novel is only for diehard fans of the character like me. So the next step for enjoying this book is to not think to deeply about it, for example think of it as a lost episode not a novel. A novel suggests a bigger more epic scope. that said this story probably far exeeds the budget ABC would have thrown at a episode.
I like that this was not a paint by the numbers Kolchak story taking him to south america and putting him inbetween rival drug gangs. Don't worry there is a supernatural twist and plenty of weird mystery involved. This is quick read, I read it over three sittings on my morning commute. Henderson captures the feeling of the TV show, and writes in first person like the original Jeff Rice novel. Directly in Kolchak always suppressed account..
October 27, 2014
I love these new pulp novels being published by Moonstone books! Now, if only they'd go ahead and hire a damn proofreader...
THE LOST WORLD isn't as good as Moonstone's LONE RANGER novel, but it still delivers all the fun one can reasonably expect from 120 pages. In terms of story, the novel starts out with a very interesting hook, but that's about it. There's no action, and only a scene or two of Indiana Jones-style adventure. It's the character of the Night Stalker that makes this book work and saves it from total mediocrity. Author C.J. Henderson writes the narrative in first-person, and he does a very good job of capturing Kolchak's voice and humor. You can't help but become attached to this character. THE LOST WORLD is short and punchy enough to make up for the fact that much of the storyline is weak.
THE LOST WORLD isn't as good as Moonstone's LONE RANGER novel, but it still delivers all the fun one can reasonably expect from 120 pages. In terms of story, the novel starts out with a very interesting hook, but that's about it. There's no action, and only a scene or two of Indiana Jones-style adventure. It's the character of the Night Stalker that makes this book work and saves it from total mediocrity. Author C.J. Henderson writes the narrative in first-person, and he does a very good job of capturing Kolchak's voice and humor. You can't help but become attached to this character. THE LOST WORLD is short and punchy enough to make up for the fact that much of the storyline is weak.
July 10, 2013
Review to follow. Have to say, regardless of my thoughts on the book (which will follow), it's frustrating that the cover says the book is called KOLCHAK: THE NIGHT STALKER: THE LOST WORLD, while the frontispiece and indicia call it KOLCHAK AND THE LOST WORLD, and Goodreads has it listed as THE LOST WORLD (KOLCHAK, NIGHT STALKER).
October 15, 2012
The Night Stalker made me the person I am. Finding this, and also finding that Henderson has written other books in the series, it like finding lost treasure. This was a fun Kolchak romp into dark, paranormal perils!
July 17, 2023
decent story. Audible narration was good and for me through my hike. Short story novella that is fun for people who like Kolchak
July 31, 2023
A novella and sequel to the first two Kolchak novels (which were also TV Movies), this written in 2012 by C.J. Henderson. Original author Jeff Rice, who wrote the first Kolchak story in 1969 and then the sequel a couple years later, was still alive when this was written, but died in 2015. Discovering this sequel I was expecting good old fashioned 1970s Kolchak, but turns out Karl Kolchak is now in the iPhone era and somehow younger by 10 years despite references that indicate this is chronological sequel to the Nixon Administration stories of a fortysomething Kolchak. Otherwise pretty much the same newspaper reporter Kolchak, working for the same editor Vincenzo, but now both re-situated in 2012 Hollywood instead of 1970s Las Vegas and Seattle.
In this story, modern Kolchak's penchant for stumbling across stories of the weird and supernatural have made him a hero of subculture blogs and websites. Somewhere along the way, by now he's not only encountered the previously chronicled Las Vegas vampire and the Seattle serial-killer alchemist, he's also had run-ins with zombies, aliens, and werewolves (Update: I realized later these are actually allusions to episodes of the 1974 Kolchak TV series that lasted one season). As a result he's drafted to go on a journalistic excursion to South America involving drug lords and, perhaps, something a bit supernatural.
Nice story for a Kolchak fan. If more such stories were forthcoming and faithful to the Kolchak brand, I'd keep reading them as long as they kept coming.
In this story, modern Kolchak's penchant for stumbling across stories of the weird and supernatural have made him a hero of subculture blogs and websites. Somewhere along the way, by now he's not only encountered the previously chronicled Las Vegas vampire and the Seattle serial-killer alchemist, he's also had run-ins with zombies, aliens, and werewolves (Update: I realized later these are actually allusions to episodes of the 1974 Kolchak TV series that lasted one season). As a result he's drafted to go on a journalistic excursion to South America involving drug lords and, perhaps, something a bit supernatural.
Nice story for a Kolchak fan. If more such stories were forthcoming and faithful to the Kolchak brand, I'd keep reading them as long as they kept coming.
October 27, 2020
What a delight to find a new adventure of Kolchak the Night Stalker. After the events of the television series, Kolchak finds his reputation as a journalist in the toilet, but he rebounds through his reporting on a human serial killer. That success gets him the opportunity to travel to Ecuador to do an article on a war between two rival drug gangs. Unfortunately, Kolchak quickly learns that much more is going on in Ecuador than he had realized. The drug gangs are fighting over access to a legendary lost city.
It was a tremendous amount of fun to “see” Kolchak again but frankly this was not the best adventure. The lost city and the events around it are just not explained fully enough to be satisfying, but the journey was good enough that I’d gladly give another new Kolchak book a try. Here’s hoping that there will be many more.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
It was a tremendous amount of fun to “see” Kolchak again but frankly this was not the best adventure. The lost city and the events around it are just not explained fully enough to be satisfying, but the journey was good enough that I’d gladly give another new Kolchak book a try. Here’s hoping that there will be many more.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
February 7, 2019
I was horribly disappointed with this story. It was, to put it simply, a terrible book. The simplest problem was that it was badly edited, there were all kinds of awkward phrasing and run on sentences. Also, Mr Henderson just didn't have Kolchak's "voice" down, Kolchak just didn't sound or act right (neither did Tony Vincenzo for that matter). I'll be skipping future books by Mr. Henderson.
October 28, 2021
This was an interesting, and short, Kolchak story once again, inexplicably, set in modern times. I am guessing this is another instance of 'let's transport a character from their original time period to modern times so it stays relevant' situation a la the BBC Sherlock series. No explanation given. Not that it is necessary, really, but I ponder the conundrum anyway, because in both cases the orignal settings were perfectly fine, and I would have enjoyed the new material regardless. My guess is the creators just wanted to make that seismic shift to put their own stamp on the respective properties, and set them apart thereby. All good and understandable, so with that addressed, I will move on to the book in question. Minor spoilers follow, so do not proceed if one is planning to read this book. I found it interesting that the suprnatural was minimized in this tale. It was definitely a presence, as Kolchak's reputation was built upon his past cases involving monsters, vampires, etc, and it seemed his albatross to bear. In this book, he was burdened by that reputation, and more than happy to leave it behind if possible. Of course, that cannot be allowed to happen as the tale attests, even to the minimal and mysterious degree depicted. I appreciated the fleshing out of Kolchak's character here, and while set in modern times, the noir aspects of the original TV series were very much present. Well done!
February 25, 2017
Having met Jeff Rice, the creator of Carl Kolchak and being a fan of C.J. Henderson, I had great expectations for this novella (130 pages). I have been a fan of the character of Kolchak since I first saw The Night Stalker movie on its broadcast premiere night. Carl Kolchak, the reporter represents the curiosity and bravery that all heroes possess. So, I picke dup this short novel (novella) with hope of a good tale. In truth, Kolchak is the best aspect of this book due to his wit and cynicism. The plot meanders and is not 100% clear. However, Kolchak's character keeps the oars in the water of this bending river of a story. Dreams, drug wars, government conspiracy, yellow journalism versus news reporting, archeology, army ants, mystical demons and the supernatural are all crammed into this small book. It was simply too much for me. In the end, it was a good book but needed to be re-edited and expanded Kolchak and company (other reporters) journey to the jungle sof Latin America in search of the Lost City of the Seventy-two and are joined by the leader of a drug family to journey to the lsot city and to defeat the demonic seventy-two. The build-up is good and the pay-off is poor. This book could have been aided by 50-75 pages and better editing. In the end, it was okay but not memorable or worthy fo Henderson's talent or the character of Carl Kolchak.
February 8, 2024
Book 177 - C.J. Henderson - Kolchak and the Lost World
In the 1970s there was a short lived TV series called Kolchak : The Night Stalker…itself a precursor of the wonderful X Files series that ran in the 90s.
Carl Kolchak is a news reporter and during his TV stories he ran across…vampires…zombies…swamp monsters and more. This novel written in 2012 shows the longevity of the character…although the series ended over 45 years ago there is still a genuine love for the character.
In this story, which has been transposed to the present day, Kolchak is sent to South America to find a lost kingdom, the 72, a kingdom with riches and power to those who find it first. Two competing gangs are racing to the kingdom…one has an unwilling guide in Kolchak…who has entered the Dreamland and been guided by mountains…sentient ants…I kid you not…it is weird…it is all 70s colour scheme and garish characters…but it is also witty…and chock full of nostalgia.
For someone who first saw this series in the 90s when repeated on BBC2 this was an absolute joy. As ridiculous as I remembered but always played straight. Magnificent.
In the 1970s there was a short lived TV series called Kolchak : The Night Stalker…itself a precursor of the wonderful X Files series that ran in the 90s.
Carl Kolchak is a news reporter and during his TV stories he ran across…vampires…zombies…swamp monsters and more. This novel written in 2012 shows the longevity of the character…although the series ended over 45 years ago there is still a genuine love for the character.
In this story, which has been transposed to the present day, Kolchak is sent to South America to find a lost kingdom, the 72, a kingdom with riches and power to those who find it first. Two competing gangs are racing to the kingdom…one has an unwilling guide in Kolchak…who has entered the Dreamland and been guided by mountains…sentient ants…I kid you not…it is weird…it is all 70s colour scheme and garish characters…but it is also witty…and chock full of nostalgia.
For someone who first saw this series in the 90s when repeated on BBC2 this was an absolute joy. As ridiculous as I remembered but always played straight. Magnificent.
August 13, 2024
This is really a 3.5-star book, but I am rounding up because I was never bored.
Kolchak and the Lost World is a modern Kolchak story. I am not sure that moving Kolchak to a modern setting was the right thing to do because so many people are conspiracy-theory-minded nowadays, that Kolchak's column would instantly be believed, if shared as a social media post. Not sure how many QAnon followers or anyone for that matter reads the newspaper anymore, but if you are willing to go along with the premise, you might enjoy this adventure following newshound Carl Kolchak.
I am a fan of the original tv movies and tv show, so I am happy that I get to spend more time with Kolchak. In this story, Kolchak must help a drug dealer find a lost city that is said to have incredible riches. The city is protected by a group known as the 72. As always, nothing comes easy for Kolchak.
I was never bored with this story, and it definitely felt like an episode of Kolchak the Night Stalker. I just did not find the story itself all that compelling. It is well-told though, and I will definitely read something else by this author.
Kolchak and the Lost World is a modern Kolchak story. I am not sure that moving Kolchak to a modern setting was the right thing to do because so many people are conspiracy-theory-minded nowadays, that Kolchak's column would instantly be believed, if shared as a social media post. Not sure how many QAnon followers or anyone for that matter reads the newspaper anymore, but if you are willing to go along with the premise, you might enjoy this adventure following newshound Carl Kolchak.
I am a fan of the original tv movies and tv show, so I am happy that I get to spend more time with Kolchak. In this story, Kolchak must help a drug dealer find a lost city that is said to have incredible riches. The city is protected by a group known as the 72. As always, nothing comes easy for Kolchak.
I was never bored with this story, and it definitely felt like an episode of Kolchak the Night Stalker. I just did not find the story itself all that compelling. It is well-told though, and I will definitely read something else by this author.
October 4, 2021
Its great for what it is, a short novella that is written in way that reminds you of the show but is updated to include modern things like the Internet. In this one Kolchak is basically used to get a way to get to the two sides of a South American drug war. His name means quite a bit now because of all his reports on the unexplained and the Internet spreading it around. Seems that the drug war has something to do with the 72 (some chanting cult protecting a path to a cave), whatever that means, Kolchak doesn't know but he seems to be drawn into it no matter if he wants to be or not. Somehow he just seems to be a magnet to this kind if stuff.
Recommend if you are a fan of the old show, its written in the style of the show. It does a good job of keeping the character of Kolchak, consistent with the way its written from his viewpoint and voice.
Recommend if you are a fan of the old show, its written in the style of the show. It does a good job of keeping the character of Kolchak, consistent with the way its written from his viewpoint and voice.
September 2, 2018
Would've Made a Great Episode for the Show
I was a fan of the Kolchak Night Stalker show back in the 70s. It was one of the first forays into unexplained phenomena. For those that aren't familiar with the show, the great Darin McGavin portrayed the title character in two tv films and a short lived show, as a reporter who uncovers vampires, werewolves and more. This show inspired a young man named Chris Carter to create the X-Files. McGavin even appeared in an episode. This original story fits the show and character perfectly. I read this book using immersion reading while listening to the audio book. Johnny Heller's voice is perfect, embodying the character to a T. As usual Kolchak finds himself drawn to the unusual. A great short story, very entertaining.
I was a fan of the Kolchak Night Stalker show back in the 70s. It was one of the first forays into unexplained phenomena. For those that aren't familiar with the show, the great Darin McGavin portrayed the title character in two tv films and a short lived show, as a reporter who uncovers vampires, werewolves and more. This show inspired a young man named Chris Carter to create the X-Files. McGavin even appeared in an episode. This original story fits the show and character perfectly. I read this book using immersion reading while listening to the audio book. Johnny Heller's voice is perfect, embodying the character to a T. As usual Kolchak finds himself drawn to the unusual. A great short story, very entertaining.
September 11, 2019
For those who enjoy Kolchak, The Lost World is a nice easy read that deftly treads the line between nostalgia and its modern day setting. Kolchak feels like a man out of time, which works well on so many levels. The late writer, CJ Henderson, is on pulpy good form as he tells his tale within a limited number of pages (124, to be precise). His descriptions are plentiful, but the real horror lies in the moments he chooses to back away and leave the reader to their own imaginings. It all wraps up rather quickly, but with a particularly poignant and touching bow. It made me wish for more Kolchak, and especially more CJ Henderson goodness. Three stars almost feels lacking, but I don’t wish to oversell it.
April 28, 2023
I quite enjoy the Kolchak stories however the build up to the supernatural action was unnecessarily long and forgettable, like a short story padded out to be a novella. The supernatural element itself was an interesting one which I’d like to have seen explored further, rather than the ‘interview with a humane drugs baron’ angle that Henderson went with instead.
Another thing that felt jarring was that this story was set in the 21st century which Kolchak every so often reminded us of and also that he was ‘woke’ now (well trying to be, and failing). I feel like there’s a charm to Kolchak’s 1970s setting, especially as he hasn’t aged in this story, he metaphorically got dropped into the 21st century by time machine, a transplant that didn’t need to happen.
Another thing that felt jarring was that this story was set in the 21st century which Kolchak every so often reminded us of and also that he was ‘woke’ now (well trying to be, and failing). I feel like there’s a charm to Kolchak’s 1970s setting, especially as he hasn’t aged in this story, he metaphorically got dropped into the 21st century by time machine, a transplant that didn’t need to happen.
May 8, 2018
A decent, short mystery novel, but I'd probably have enjoyed it more if it wasn't linked to Kolchak. The author didn't really get the character; the way he talks. And for some reason in this book he seems to be quite a heavy drinker, which was absent from the show as far as I remember! Kolchak spends a lot of time as a passenger to events, which is quite a departure from how he normally acts - usually he drives the plot of the mysteries along through his own actions.
As I say, it's an imaginative little mystery, but if you're a Kolchak fan you might be left a little disappointed.
As I say, it's an imaginative little mystery, but if you're a Kolchak fan you might be left a little disappointed.
July 13, 2022
I remember loving the TV show when I was a kid. I tried to catch it whenever it replayed over the years. I guess that's why I heard Darren McGavin's voice in my head even though the narrator sounded nothing like him. The author captured Kolchak's tone perfectly. The wry and self-deprecatory point of view. The cynicism of the old-time reporter updated to the modern world. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I loved it.
April 9, 2021
Really 2.5 stars but I rounded up for nostalgia.
Overall, a pretty pedestrian action story with some fantasy elements. I enjoyed the bits of Kolchak the character, but suspect this novel, if made into the hour long TV show would have been drastically changed and would have benefited from being shortened.
Overall, a pretty pedestrian action story with some fantasy elements. I enjoyed the bits of Kolchak the character, but suspect this novel, if made into the hour long TV show would have been drastically changed and would have benefited from being shortened.
November 25, 2021
I remember watching some episodes (or at least the opening credits) of the old Kolchak tv-show as a kid and seeing this story listed on Audible brought them back. This one was an okay supernatural mystery story set in modern times. I wasn't too interested in the beginning but it grew on me. Might look up some more stories.
January 2, 2023
Series successfully updated to the 21st century, with easy references to the internet and same-sex couples. Despite now being firmly set in the modern world, I was able to accept a Lost World, the legend of the 72 and the trappings. Brilliantly narrated throughout. 8/10
Scoring: 0 bad; 1-3 poor; 4-6 average; 7-9 good; 10 excellent.
Scoring: 0 bad; 1-3 poor; 4-6 average; 7-9 good; 10 excellent.
May 13, 2021
Really only for the Kolchak fans and some of them might not like it. I was not loving this book for the first 50 pages, but it was the only thing I had on hand to read over a long weekend trip. The last 30 or so pages won me over and I actually liked the ending.
October 13, 2021
Like the Kolchak TV series, this incorporates the impossible , made possible. Encountering a monk with a cryptic message Kolchak goes to the jungles of South America to search for a lost city. If you liked the series, you'll like this story.
May 5, 2022
A surprising delight. Reproducing Darren McGavin's unique voice and the special tone of his character's narration is quite a feat. The Lost World pulls this off superbly. Meeting expectations and swerving out of its lane occasionally with spectacular results.
October 24, 2022
So, I found the old Kolchak tv show a few years ago and I just loved it. The premise of normal reporter always stumbling into the occult, I don’t it just resonated with me in a fun way. If you liked the show, you’ll like the creepy little book.
January 27, 2018
It was ok, no where near as enjoyable as the first two Nightstalker and Nightstrangler books.
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