The Living Joss

by Walter B. Gibson

Genres: Pulp

63 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2011

About the author

Walter Brown Gibson (September 12, 1897-December 6, 1985) was an American author and professional magician best known for his work on the pulp fiction character The Shadow. Gibson, under the pen-name Maxwell Grant, wrote "more than 300 novel-length" Shadow stories, writing up to "10,000 words a day" to satisfy public demand during the character's golden age in the 1930s and 1940s.

Reviews

[Jeff Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy the pulp stories with a Chinatown setting. It always seems so dangerous and mysterious. This was a fairly formulaic Shadow offering, but anytime I get fooled on who the villain is, I have to give it high marks.

[Ronald · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Shadow's 1st "Eastern" foe. Or is it?

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Living Joss is an early Shadow pulp from 1933 and allows Walter Gibson to explore New York City's Chinatown while at the same time developing a story about murder and stock manipulation (though there's not much of that going on, what with all the murdering). What Gibson also does is expertly employ misdirection as to information surrounding the identity of the main villain, Kwa; it's not often nowadays that I'm surprised, but Gibson regularly succeeds with these adventures.

[Little Timmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to pulp heroes there are 2 or 3 great standouts and the Shadow is one of those. The stories are fast paced and action filled. The mystery just adds to the excitement. With his army of agents to help the Shadow never lets you down for a great read. Highly Recommended