Trumpet of Triton

Williams is a longtime fan of all things sci-fi and pulp fiction and was recently introduced to these two characters, Ravenwood and Moon Man, brought to life in the writings of author Frederick C. Davis in the 1930s. The best of classic pulp fiction lives on with these two science fiction short stories written by author Marlin Williams: Ravenwood Stepson of Mystery in Trumpet of Triton and The Moon Man in Mesmerized.

Ravenwood was one of the first characters, during the pulp fiction era, to possess psychic abilities. Orphaned after a plague claimed the lives of his mother and father, Ravenwood was raised by a Tibetan mystic known only as the Nameless One. As an unparalleled occult detective he was often called upon by Inspector Horatio Stagg when challenged by supernatural mysteries.

In Trumpet of Triton, Ravenwood is unwillingly forced to team up with one of the cities detectives, Leonard Kolchak, to investigate claims by city workers of being terrorized by a sea serpent. The clues lead them to explore the ancient storm sewers below the streets of Manhattan where they make a horrifying discovery and realize they have only a short time to stop the cataclysmic destruction of the entire city.

The second tale features the Moon Man character who was the Robin Hood of the 1930s and the alter ego of Detective Stephen Thatcher. Assisted by his sidekick, Ned "Angel" Dargan, an ex-prizefighter they steal from the rich and distribute the loot to the city's destitute during the Great Depression. In the mind of Lieutenant McEwen, Detective Thatcher's boss, a thief is a thief. That puts the Moon Man high on the most wanted list.

In this saga of The Moon Man in Mesmerized, during the light of day, Detective Stephen Thatcher works to solve the mysterious suicides and the major crime spree plaguing the city perpetrated by good law-abiding citizens while in trancelike state. In the dark of night, the Moon Man plots to drain crime lord Big Nick Martini's coffer of ill gotten money. But his plans may be foiled by other forces and lead the Moon Man into a trap. Will this be McEwen's chance to catch the elusive Moon Man?

Trumpet of Triton (Pulp SF)

By Marlin Williams

Independent Publishing Platform

ISBN #978-1797402017

175 Pages

Price $9.95 (Paperback)

Price $2.99 (Kindle)

Rating 5-Stars

This book contains two novelettes: Trumpet Of Triton, featuring Ravenwood, Stepson of Mystery & Mesmerized, featuring The Moon Man, two original characters created by Frederick C. Davis for TEN DETECTIVE ACES. In Trumpet of Triton, tablets are discovered from sunken Atlantis that has the ability of raising the Lost Continent to the surface once more. The trumpet, a conch shell, is the trigger that will cause the destruction of great cities or raise Atlantis. Darla Whitfield comes to Ravenwood for help, but her father, who knows more about the latest terror, doesn’t want him involved. But it’s up to Ravenwood and Detective Kocheck to discover the secrets and stop the Atlantiers from once more raising the island of power.

         In the second story we’re treated to a new Moon Man story. A German scientist has stolen Hitler’s hypnotic machine and brought it to America. He attempts to get it to an American agent, but mob boss, Big Nick Martini has it and is using it for monetary gain, and ridding his political opponents by making them commit suicide. Detective Stephen Thatcher is investigating the suicides while The Moon Man goes after Big Nick.

         These were fun stories in the old pulp tradition, and the author captures the characters in delightful new adventures. They come alive once more to rid the world of insidious crime while maintaining the dignity of the old. Highly recommended.

Tom Johnson

Author of BEHIND THE MASK