Publishers Weekly
This layered tale takes listeners to Ketchikan, Alaska, where FBI agent Bill Norton finds himself in the middle of a heated investigation involving a group of heroin smugglers. The recording production is the highest quality, filled with realistic sound effects and a powerful musical score. But the ensemble cast lacks the spark of excitement usually found in Galaxy Audio's productions. Though Hubbard's prose is terse and witty as always, the performances are flat and uninspired. Perhaps this particular story lacked the command to captivate the cast's full energy. A Galaxy paperback. (Dec.)
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The Strand
Bill Norton, the hero of this adventure, is anything but a tenderfoot. A hero of the classic adventure mold, Norton is tough and rugged, and has a strong sense of honor.
From the Publisher
"This layered tale takes listeners to Ketchikan, Alaska, where FBI agent Bill Norton finds himself in the middle of a heated investigation involving a group of heroin smugglers. The recording production is the highest quality, filled with realistic sound effects and a powerful musical score. But the ensemble cast lacks the spark of excitement usually found in Galaxy Audio’s productions. Though Hubbard’s prose is terse and witty as always, the performances are flat and uninspired. Perhaps this particular story lacked the command to captivate the cast’s full energy" —Publishers Weekly
"Eerie, foreboding music sets the scene as FBI agent Bill Norton, referred to by locals as a chee-chalker, or newcomer, arrives in Ketchikan, Alaska, to search for his boss, who disappeared while investigating a heroin ring. Norton and his eager assistant don’t receive much help from the locals as the two agents consider shady halibut fishermen, a beautiful fishing fleet heiress, and a local businessman as possible suspects. In this multicast recording, Norton’s flat, serious tones contrast with the innocent voice of heiress Elaine Halloway (portrayed by Meskimen). Excellent sound effects, including slamming doors, blaring ship horns, and fighting fists (complete with realistic punches, groans and thuds), accompany the dialogue. Peals of thunder and pouring rain add to the gloomy atmosphere. The stereotypical depiction of drunken Indians is reflective in the 1940s setting, the era in which this was written. Reminiscent of old-time radio and television dramas, this is most entertaining." —Booklist
"A master of adventure." —Anne McCaffrey
FEBRUARY 2009 - AudioFile
Most famous as the originator of the Church of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard began his career writing pulpy science fiction tales and adventure novels like THE CHEE-CHALKER. This multicast performance of FBI Agent Bill Norton's investigation into Alaskan heroin trafficking is overproduced and overlong. There's a good deal of gore, violence, and a smidgen of sex in this cold case in the frozen North. One bright spot is a fight and shoot-out on a fishing boat, but for the most part the sound effects and music are the only thing making this thin tale a bit better than it deserves to be. Still, fans of Hubbard will likely be pleased. R.O. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine
