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All-New Wild Adventures of Doc Savage #18
Doc Savage: Glare of the Gorgon
Why did a desperate man shave his head before visiting Doc Savage headquarters, only to be struck down, his pulsing brain turned to inert stone? What sinister secret did his strange slaying silence? And how was a lizard-green shadow resembling Medusa branded on Doc’s office wall? These are only some of the questions confronting the Man of Bronze as he pursues a grisly trail of petrified corpses to post-Prohibition Chicago, whose criminal underworld is being terrorized by a serpent-haired demon engaged in a seemingly senseless slaughter spree whose ultimate target will shake Doc Savage’s men to their core. Suspects are many, clues baffling. Death and danger lurks everywhere they turn––symbolized by the silhouette of a faceless Gorgon. From the concrete canyons of Manhattan to the coal fields of Illinois, Doc Savage tracks a phantom fiend the likes of which he has never before hunted. Or is he the one being hunted?
- GenresPulp
512 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2016
About the author
Kenneth Robeson
925 books137 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 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 25, 2020
This novel worked all right as something of a farcical examination of criminal gang rivalries, but I didn't think it was a very good Doc Savage novel. (Spoilers follow. Stop here if you want to avoid them.)
Doc's primary mission was to protect those who needed help and everybody in this book, good and bad alike, dies, making it perhaps his least competent outing. I thought the book was far too long. The original Doc stories were twenty or thirty percent as long as Glare of the Gorgon, and the plots raced along at a pace that kept the reader so engaged that there was usually not time to stop and question the credibility of the events. This one moved so slowly that I found myself stopping and pondering different bits and pieces like: Were there underground parking garages under Chicago hotels in the mid-1930s? If there was enough snow on the streets to require the use of chains on automobile tires, would the police be out patrolling on motorcycles? Wouldn't Monk know what kind of ammunition he'd loaded into his gun at least once in a while? Would a cement cast of a hand really be well enough defined to show identifiable fingerprints? Too, there were many repetitive descriptions, such as Doc dives into water many times, and each time there's a description of the unique and curious way in which his hair dries. There's a lot of dashing about and running around and events occur that don't seem to get us much closer to a conclusion, and then after four-hundred pages there's a remark along the lines of well, we're back to square one. Ack! The story only features Ham, Monk, and Long Tom; the book was long enough that we should have had all hands on deck. As I said, there's an all right story buried in the book, and there were some good bits and exchanges, but I've read over two-hundred of the Doc series and this is one of the weakest in my opinion.
Doc's primary mission was to protect those who needed help and everybody in this book, good and bad alike, dies, making it perhaps his least competent outing. I thought the book was far too long. The original Doc stories were twenty or thirty percent as long as Glare of the Gorgon, and the plots raced along at a pace that kept the reader so engaged that there was usually not time to stop and question the credibility of the events. This one moved so slowly that I found myself stopping and pondering different bits and pieces like: Were there underground parking garages under Chicago hotels in the mid-1930s? If there was enough snow on the streets to require the use of chains on automobile tires, would the police be out patrolling on motorcycles? Wouldn't Monk know what kind of ammunition he'd loaded into his gun at least once in a while? Would a cement cast of a hand really be well enough defined to show identifiable fingerprints? Too, there were many repetitive descriptions, such as Doc dives into water many times, and each time there's a description of the unique and curious way in which his hair dries. There's a lot of dashing about and running around and events occur that don't seem to get us much closer to a conclusion, and then after four-hundred pages there's a remark along the lines of well, we're back to square one. Ack! The story only features Ham, Monk, and Long Tom; the book was long enough that we should have had all hands on deck. As I said, there's an all right story buried in the book, and there were some good bits and exchanges, but I've read over two-hundred of the Doc series and this is one of the weakest in my opinion.
December 25, 2019
Well, I have to admit that this one took a lot longer to get through than I had either expected or anticipated. Part of that was the meandering way the plot developed, but part of it was also simply my own fault as I kept getting distracted with work and other reading material. Still, I am usually pretty well captivated with Doc Savage adventures, and even though these new ones by Murray are longer (as with the case of this one being MUCH longer) than the original adventures, I usually get through them much more quickly. But getting back to the meandering plot, this was the biggest problem with this particular book. The mystery was constantly getting mired in tediously redundant scenes that effectively left the heroes scratching their noggins and finding themselves back at square one. While this can be a fun and affective storytelling tool, in this case the repeated occurrences left me, like the characters, increasingly frustrated. I still enjoyed this adventure and have Doc Savage involved with some Chicago gangland housecleaning was certainly entertaining. But it still felt a bit tedious at times.
June 5, 2016
The latest Doc Savage adventure is titled Glare of the Gorgon, written by Will Murray under the traditional "house name" of Kenneth Robeson. I really enjoy these new Doc Savage adventures-they are the only books I will pay full price for. Glare of the Gorgon treats us to a lot of excitement, a unique method of murder, several semi-baffling mysteries, and base villainy. All of Murray's Savage novels are written in an almost slavish imitation of the original pulps, down to some otherwise inexcusable errors of grammar that I assume are (hopefully) present to lend verisimilitude to the reading experience. This is really like reading one of the original pulps published in the 30's, only it is three or four times the length. Happily that "extra" space is filled up with a lot of action. An added bonus: very often we get to see the other members of Doc's merry band utilize their special skill sets to save the day-for instance, Monk Mayfair's vast knowledge of chemistry. For once, though, we are treated to the sight (all too briefly and in a limited fashion) of Ham Brooks at the practice of Law. I really wish this part of the book could have been expanded-Ham basically extricates Doc from a tricky legal circumstance. (By the way only three of
doc's aides-Monk, Ham and Long Tom-are featured in this novel.) Now let's talk about exactly when this adventure took place. This is a game a lot of the more dedicated Doc Savage fans play, and if you have ever read any of my previous reviews of Savage novels you know I play it too. You will often hear me refer to The Chronology (note the capitals) which was originally worked out by author Philip Jose Farmer to show what order Doc's adventures actually take place in. (Or they could all be entirely fictional-what a preposterous idea!) So let's talk about exactly when Glare of the Gorgon took place. Our obvious starting point is The Annihilist, an adventure that is referred to as having taken place "a few months back" in Glare and which places us solidly in the year 1934. We know that it is not cold enough to wear a jacket in New York but Chicago is colder so it is not yet winter, and mention of the unseasonably warm weather is intimated. So though The Annihilist is originally placed by Farmer in October that appears to be an error-that adventure has to happen earlier in that same year, probably between The Sea Magician (early August) and The Fantastic Island (early October.) The Annihilist does make mention of the "first chilly day of fall" which does not take place in late October by any stretch. So if we crank back the time frame of The Annihilist to early to mid August, it is entirely possible to place Glare of the Gorgon in The Annihilist's original slot of late October, and that makes a lot more sense. Onward: recently Doc made the national news as it was announced Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was going to play Doc in a major motion picture. On reflection I am really happy with this-Johnson is a bankable star and maybe if the film is done right people will finally see why the character of Doc Savage has had such a profound influence on me. I think it would be nice to end this review with the words of the Doc Savage oath-it might give you, Constant Reader, a better idea of who Doc was than anything else I could say: "Let me strive every moment of my life to make myself better, that all may profit by it. Let me think of the right and lend all my assistance to those who need it, with no regard for anything but justice. Let me take what comes with a smile, without loss of courage. Let me be considerate of my country, of my fellow citizens and my associates in everything I say and do. Let me do right to all, and wrong no man."
doc's aides-Monk, Ham and Long Tom-are featured in this novel.) Now let's talk about exactly when this adventure took place. This is a game a lot of the more dedicated Doc Savage fans play, and if you have ever read any of my previous reviews of Savage novels you know I play it too. You will often hear me refer to The Chronology (note the capitals) which was originally worked out by author Philip Jose Farmer to show what order Doc's adventures actually take place in. (Or they could all be entirely fictional-what a preposterous idea!) So let's talk about exactly when Glare of the Gorgon took place. Our obvious starting point is The Annihilist, an adventure that is referred to as having taken place "a few months back" in Glare and which places us solidly in the year 1934. We know that it is not cold enough to wear a jacket in New York but Chicago is colder so it is not yet winter, and mention of the unseasonably warm weather is intimated. So though The Annihilist is originally placed by Farmer in October that appears to be an error-that adventure has to happen earlier in that same year, probably between The Sea Magician (early August) and The Fantastic Island (early October.) The Annihilist does make mention of the "first chilly day of fall" which does not take place in late October by any stretch. So if we crank back the time frame of The Annihilist to early to mid August, it is entirely possible to place Glare of the Gorgon in The Annihilist's original slot of late October, and that makes a lot more sense. Onward: recently Doc made the national news as it was announced Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was going to play Doc in a major motion picture. On reflection I am really happy with this-Johnson is a bankable star and maybe if the film is done right people will finally see why the character of Doc Savage has had such a profound influence on me. I think it would be nice to end this review with the words of the Doc Savage oath-it might give you, Constant Reader, a better idea of who Doc was than anything else I could say: "Let me strive every moment of my life to make myself better, that all may profit by it. Let me think of the right and lend all my assistance to those who need it, with no regard for anything but justice. Let me take what comes with a smile, without loss of courage. Let me be considerate of my country, of my fellow citizens and my associates in everything I say and do. Let me do right to all, and wrong no man."
May 30, 2016
“Smoothly Written, Fast Paced, And Thrilling Adventure.”
Ned Gamble contacts Doc Savage from the train he’s arriving on from Chicago, to expect him. But he’s being followed, and before he reaches the safety of Doc’s headquarters, he is killed in the hallway and an odd green figure is found on the wall where he died. When Doc examines him, he finds the man’s brain calcified. Ned is carrying a newspaper with an article covering the death of a scientist in Chicago that appears to have a bearing on the case. At present, Long Tom Roberts is attending the Chicago Exposition of Science, and Doc notifies him to contact Janet Falcon, the last person Ned Gamble was in contact with. Finding the girl is easy, but Long Tom is quickly captured, and the case is running full steam with the Greek mythical Gorgons playing a hideous death note. The story quickly moves to Chicago where the Exposition becomes a backdrop for some of the action.
Although the cover isn’t one of my favorites, the author’s writing continues to mesmerize the reader from the first page onward. The writing is smooth, the plot fast-paced, and the adventure is filled with thrills. Doc’s aides, the five greatest minds in the world – next to Doc – have to be shown a little dumb in order for Doc to appear so smart, but these longer stories tend to make them even dumber than they would normally seem in a pulp-size adventure of 120 pages. In this novel we see that clearly. Not that it distracts from the novel, I just feel the author should give them a little more intelligence in these longer tomes. However, the author has another winner on his hands. Highly recommended to Doc Savage fans, as well as adventure lovers around the world.
Ned Gamble contacts Doc Savage from the train he’s arriving on from Chicago, to expect him. But he’s being followed, and before he reaches the safety of Doc’s headquarters, he is killed in the hallway and an odd green figure is found on the wall where he died. When Doc examines him, he finds the man’s brain calcified. Ned is carrying a newspaper with an article covering the death of a scientist in Chicago that appears to have a bearing on the case. At present, Long Tom Roberts is attending the Chicago Exposition of Science, and Doc notifies him to contact Janet Falcon, the last person Ned Gamble was in contact with. Finding the girl is easy, but Long Tom is quickly captured, and the case is running full steam with the Greek mythical Gorgons playing a hideous death note. The story quickly moves to Chicago where the Exposition becomes a backdrop for some of the action.
Although the cover isn’t one of my favorites, the author’s writing continues to mesmerize the reader from the first page onward. The writing is smooth, the plot fast-paced, and the adventure is filled with thrills. Doc’s aides, the five greatest minds in the world – next to Doc – have to be shown a little dumb in order for Doc to appear so smart, but these longer stories tend to make them even dumber than they would normally seem in a pulp-size adventure of 120 pages. In this novel we see that clearly. Not that it distracts from the novel, I just feel the author should give them a little more intelligence in these longer tomes. However, the author has another winner on his hands. Highly recommended to Doc Savage fans, as well as adventure lovers around the world.
May 22, 2016
The Men Whose Brains Turned to Stone!
Note: Chronologically, the author mentions a few times that this takes place about a month after the events recorded in The Annihilist. )
Ned Gamble comes to New York from Chicago on a mission to see Doc Savage. However; despite using an alias and making his hotel reservation at the last second, he finds he has been tracked down. A disembodied voice that states it is Medusa; one of three cursed Gorgon sisters from Greek Mythology warns him that he will die before he reaches Doc Savage.
Having his head shaved bald to disguise his rather distinctive red hair, he goes to another hotel, this one less reputable, and checks in under a second alias. From there he calls Doc Savage and sets up an appointment. He dies mysteriously at the door to the 86th floor residence of Doc Savage.
There is an image of a snake-haired Gorgon somehow transposed upon the corridor wall. And Ned Gamble’s brain has been turned to stone…
This begins another exciting Wild Adventure of the Man of Bronze. Doc Savage and three of his assistants, Monk Mayfair and Ham Brooks fly to Chicago. There is a Scientific Exposition in the Windy City, and Long Tom Roberts is already there. And men with stone brains begin to show up everywhere!
There is no lack of suspicious characters. Janet Falcon, the girlfriend of Ned Gamble knows more than she will say. A friend of hers, one Malcolm McLean, (who resembles a living corpse due to dangerous chemical experiments) goes to extremes to protect her. He seems to have died on the exposition floor from a stone brain. Doctor Warner Rockwell claims to have brought him back from death, but he cannot seem to repeat his restoration when further victims are discovered. Marvin Lucien Linden has been involved with both McLean and Doctor Rockwell.
Then there are gangsters Duke Grogan, Joe Shine, and Big Spots Bender; two big shots and a wannabe. There are persistent reporters, angry policemen, and incensed citizens. The fear of the Gorgon runs through Chicago like a flaming river and no one, not even Doc and his men, are safe. The story has many twists and turns and the reader first will strongly suspect one person then another. Just when one suspect seems to be the mastermind something happens that shakes that conclusion to the core. The novel moves swiftly to an earth-shaking conclusion that I believe will astound any reader!
In my humble opinion, this may be the best new Doc Savage novel yet! The villain is over-the-top, the gimmick not so far-fetched as to be impossible, and the action fast and furious. I have no problem giving the book five stars plus!
Quoth the Raven…
Note: Chronologically, the author mentions a few times that this takes place about a month after the events recorded in The Annihilist. )
Ned Gamble comes to New York from Chicago on a mission to see Doc Savage. However; despite using an alias and making his hotel reservation at the last second, he finds he has been tracked down. A disembodied voice that states it is Medusa; one of three cursed Gorgon sisters from Greek Mythology warns him that he will die before he reaches Doc Savage.
Having his head shaved bald to disguise his rather distinctive red hair, he goes to another hotel, this one less reputable, and checks in under a second alias. From there he calls Doc Savage and sets up an appointment. He dies mysteriously at the door to the 86th floor residence of Doc Savage.
There is an image of a snake-haired Gorgon somehow transposed upon the corridor wall. And Ned Gamble’s brain has been turned to stone…
This begins another exciting Wild Adventure of the Man of Bronze. Doc Savage and three of his assistants, Monk Mayfair and Ham Brooks fly to Chicago. There is a Scientific Exposition in the Windy City, and Long Tom Roberts is already there. And men with stone brains begin to show up everywhere!
There is no lack of suspicious characters. Janet Falcon, the girlfriend of Ned Gamble knows more than she will say. A friend of hers, one Malcolm McLean, (who resembles a living corpse due to dangerous chemical experiments) goes to extremes to protect her. He seems to have died on the exposition floor from a stone brain. Doctor Warner Rockwell claims to have brought him back from death, but he cannot seem to repeat his restoration when further victims are discovered. Marvin Lucien Linden has been involved with both McLean and Doctor Rockwell.
Then there are gangsters Duke Grogan, Joe Shine, and Big Spots Bender; two big shots and a wannabe. There are persistent reporters, angry policemen, and incensed citizens. The fear of the Gorgon runs through Chicago like a flaming river and no one, not even Doc and his men, are safe. The story has many twists and turns and the reader first will strongly suspect one person then another. Just when one suspect seems to be the mastermind something happens that shakes that conclusion to the core. The novel moves swiftly to an earth-shaking conclusion that I believe will astound any reader!
In my humble opinion, this may be the best new Doc Savage novel yet! The villain is over-the-top, the gimmick not so far-fetched as to be impossible, and the action fast and furious. I have no problem giving the book five stars plus!
Quoth the Raven…
December 31, 2016
almost as good as The War Makers, the gorgon in this case is "Medusa". there ARE some scary parts. based on one of Dent's gangster ideas
August 15, 2016
Another worthy entry in Will Murray's Wild Adventures of Doc Savage series. Unlike the previous volume, which dealt with WWII Doc, this is an early Doc adventure, occurring just after The Annihilist (one of my favorites). This is also one of the longest (if not the longest) Doc, at nearly 500 pages. Yet the action moves very quickly, and the style is very typical of Dent's early Docs. Will Murray must have a book of slang written in the 1930s! This is a very entertaining read, though if you aren't familiar with Doc Savage I would recommend reading some of the Lester Dent originals first.
June 12, 2016
Probably the longest Doc ever written.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews