Customer Reviews

The Master Mystery

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I understand that this is a novel created from an original screen script, ca. 1920. I do not recall whether it was ever actually produced or whether this was just Reeve being sure that nothing went to waste. Why did I enjoy it knowing it was what a clever popular writer thought would sell in Hollywood (or, just as likely, NYC, where so many films were made at that time)?
I enjoyed it because it epitomizes the thriller film serial of the day and the radio serial of years to come. There is the lady in distress, innocent as the day she was born, with an uncanny knack for getting into situations of mortal danger. There is THE MAN, the HERO, who, despite near superhuman strength and intelligence is always a silk thread from terrible death. (A good illustration, only one of many: in the successful effort to save himself from death, he dislocates both his shoulders. Having saved himself, he is-so far as the reader can tell-totally healed and capable of more superhuman effort within minutes.) There is the invincible monster who smashes all obstacles in his-or its-path; just to be sure of attaining his goals,however, he has, apparently, an uncountable horde of acolytes who gather at a moments notice. There is the EVIL WOMAN and the YET MORE EVIL WOMAN, one in love with the HERO, but in hate with the HEROINE, because, naturall,y he LOVES her. Given these iconic figures (supplemented by some EVIL others), there are innumerable instances of crisis, resolution, crisis-resolution, until the very last pages of the book. Of course, if the script sold, there would never be an end to the dialectic.
So, for those who remember these Children's Matinee serials or their radio equivalent with which we grew up, nostalgia reigns. For those interested in media forms, of course, there is historical relevance. A word to those who choose to get this Kindle e-book: try Robot Reading-that gives a much authentic flavor than does reading.
All the foregoing reasons, which make listening nostalgic entertainment, though it wears in time if one is listening without breaks of a day or two between adventures), are reasons why reading, as a book, is pretty trying after the first few episodes, it is just one damn thing after another, one blind act and superhuman heroism after another; it gets to be very trying in time.
So if you want to listen to a radio serial typical of the thirties and forties (no programming until the late twenties, about 10 years after this was written) or read the script (only moderately adapted as a novel) this is well worth the price of admission; as an adults book,for ordinary reading, I would not recommend it.