Library Journal
Aging gunfighters, fancy flyers, noble officers, and rowdy rebels can all be found in Galaxy Press's latest four entries in its "Stories of the Golden Age" series, also available in trade paperback. Despite the titles' distinct differences, all are rife with action and adventure and laced with melodramatic overtones. All except Hostage to Death include additional stories besides the title feature. While each delivers its own slice of genre fiction dredged up from the pulp magazine in which it was published, together they represent an impressive and stylistically similar whole. From the musical introduction to the final credits, these full-cast, sound effects-laden productions will engage listeners of all ages, particularly fans of old-time radio, Westerns, genre fiction, action and adventure, and full-cast performances. [More info at www.goldenagestories.com.—Ed.]—Lance Eaton, Peabody, MA
From the Publisher
“Galaxy Press has reprinted four inexpensive anthologies of classic pulp tales of two-fisted action by legendarily popular writer (and Scientology religion founder) L. Ron Hubbard which are sure to satisfy avid readers of the pulp fiction action/adventure genre…. Under the Diehard Brand is a western about a young Lee Thompson, whose aging sheriff father is losing control over the thugs and troublemakers of Wolf River. Thompson must step into his father’s shoes and defend his town from the horde of criminals who have heard rumors of his father’s infirmary and see Wolf River as easy prey! Also present are the stories ‘Hoss Tamer,’ ‘The Ghost Town Gun-Ghost,’ and a story preview of Baron of Coyote River. …Each action-packed volume of Stories from the Golden Age is further enhanced with a glossary of regional terms, dialects and that have fallen into disuse, and other words that may be esoteric to the casual reader. All are excellent picks for anyone who loves pulp fiction.” —Midwest Book Review
"Under the Die-Hard Brand is a western about a young Lee Thompson, whose aging sheriff father is losing control over the thugs and troublemakers of Wolf River. Thompson must step into his father’s shoes and defend his town from the horde of criminals who have heard rumors of his father’s infirmity and see Wolf River as easy prey! Also present are the stories Hoss Tamer, The Ghost Town Gun-Ghost, and a story preview of Baron of Coyote River." —Midwest Book Review
MARCH 2011 - AudioFile
Three Western short stories are shining examples of how much an audio performance can enhance the written word. What would be mediocre stories on the page becomes entertaining theater. With a brisk, matter-of-fact narration, the shoot-‘em-up cowboy stories move along quickly. The characters—dark villains, scratchy-voiced cowpokes, and strong heroes—will make listeners smile. The production is further advanced by great sound effects: horses clip-clopping, cows mooing and stampeding, saloon glasses clinking, and, of course, gunfire—all easy on the ears. As is the case with many older works, the stories aren’t entirely politically correct. But this is a quick and fun listen—like an old-time radio show with up-to-date recording quality. M.M.G. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine
