The Phantom Patrol

Publishers Weekly

Hubbard was a popular writer of the pulp fiction era, and this short novel, first published in the January 1935 issue of Five Novels magazine, shows why: it features nonstop action and a hero to root for. Coast Guard skipper Johnny Trescott, who's hot on the trail of drug-runner Georges Coquelin, changes course to answer an SOS from wealthy James Ferguson, whose plane has ditched in the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, Georges arrives at the scene in time to kidnap Ferguson and shanghai Johnny, his crew, and his boat. Johnny eventually escapes, only to find that piracies Georges committed with Johnny's Coast Guard scow are being blamed on him. Though much of the writing is generic, the story moves briskly and maximizes the scenes of gunplay and hand-to-hand combat. Hubbard knew how to fulfill reader expectations for this sort of tale. (Oct.)

From the Publisher

"This new entry in the Stories from the Golden Age series, an engaging WWII tale of a U.S. Coast Guard patrol, is complete with musical snippets, sound effects (fistfight thuds and groans, booming explosions, gunfire, and more)…. Proctor’s performance of a plucky character who rises to the occasion (“Don’t worry Johnny; we’ll do this!”) is especially enjoyable, as her tones suggest a multilayered character beneath the stereotype. The rest of the cast members, all male, do credible macho-guy performances, with enthusiasm spilling over to gusto. Full speed ahead!" —Booklist

"Hubbard was a popular writer of the pulp fiction era, and this short novel, first published in the January 1935 issue of Five Novels magazine, shows why: it features nonstop action and a hero to root for….Though much of the writing is generic, the story moves briskly and maximizes the scenes of gunplay and hand-to-hand combat. Hubbard knew how to fulfill reader expectations for this sort of tale." —Publishers Weekly

Each of these of these outstanding audio books are two hour productions characterized by talented multi-cast performances, which are enhanced with impressive special effects and thematic music. Flawless technical recordings, each and every one of these very special audio books provides the listener with a true 'theatre of the mind' experience and is enthusiastically recommended. —Midwest Book Review

"BEST AUDIOBOOKS—FULL CAST, GOLDEN AGE STORIES SERIES L. Ron Hubbard, Performed by a Full Cast" —AudioFile Magazine

Library Journal

This full-cast production (with most of the actors pulling double or triple duty) of Hubbard's pulp thriller follows the briny exploits of Johnny Trescott, a fearless, nail-tough U.S Coast Guard CPO and skipper of Patrol Boat 1004. While in pursuit of notorious drug smuggler Georges Coquelin, Johnny receives an SOS when the plane containing money-bags businessman James Ferguson and his knockout assistant, Alicia Reynolds, ditches at sea. Johnny forgoes the chase knowing that Ferguson would fetch a steep ransom and that the smugglers will surely try to reach the plane first. Johnny makes the rescue, but Georges and his baddies get the drop on him and take Johnny, his crew, and the rescued flyers hostage. Having the 1004 and Coast Guard uniforms at his disposal, Georges begins raiding and looting ships, leaving the captive Johnny and his sailors to take the blame and face hanging. But Johnny, his mate Heinie Swartz, and the alluring Alicia decide to escape—even if it means death! This is a rip-roaring, old-fashioned adventure like the kind they don't make any more. A blast for Hubbard fans and pulp fiction lovers.—Mike Rogers, Library Journal