Black Mask Magazine (2024)

04/07/2024

Save 25% This Weekend: The Steeger Books Summer Sale Is On

From now until midnight on July 7—and only on www.steegerbooks.com—use promo code 2024summer at checkout to get 25% off the price of our books.* Use it on just about everything we sell on www.steegerbooks.com, including books, ebooks, and vintage collectibles.

This means you can get classic pulp reprints from Argosy, Black Mask, and Dime Detective, the adventures of The Spider and Operator 5, as well as our brand-new pulp facsimiles line. And you can use promo code 2024summer on our eBooks too.

Plus, this coupon code will work on all of our Deluxe Edition books! That’s quite a savings.

Use the promo code 2024summer on these and just about everything else we sell on www.steegerbooks.com.

Steeger Books is the leader in vintage pulp fiction reprints, covering superhero, adventure, mystery, detective, and other genres in high-quality editions. We already have free shipping on softcover orders over $35, so now is the time to stock up on Steeger Books releases.

But hurry: this promo code will expire after July 9!

This promo code will only work on purchases made on www.steegerbooks.com and nowhere else (meaning that it does not apply to Will Murray’s books sold on www.adventuresinbronze.com). Apparel and already-discounted bundles are excluded. Vintage artwork discount is 20%. For vintage artwork, use coupon code 20artwork. Minimum purchase of $35 required. Expires July 7, 2024 at midnight.

https://steegerbooks.com/save-25-this-weekend-the-steeger-books-summer-sale-is-on-2024/

26/06/2024

Black Mask & Other Titles Premiering at PulpFest 2024

Steeger Books is pleased to release the following titles, all of which are premiering at the 2024 PulpFest convention, which is occurring August 1-4 in Pittsburgh, PA. A limited number of copies of all seven books will be on hand. For fans not attending PulpFest, the titles will also be available for purchase on www.steegerbooks.com.

It’s Always Raining Corpses in Chinatown

Written by Dashiell Hammett, Loring Brent, Sidney Herschel Small, Ralph R. Perry, Russell Gray, T.T. Flynn, Justin Case, John K. Butler, Dane Gregory, Steve Fisher, Emile C. Tepperman, Arden X. Pangborn, William Hines, Frank Gruber, Hugh B. Cave, Frederick Nebel; cover by Jerome Rozen; frontispiece by Franklyn E. Hamilton; edited and introduced by Don Hutchison

Journey into the shadowy depths of It’s Always Raining Corpses in Chinatown, a compendium edition that brings together captivating tales of Asian intrigue from the classic detective and adventure pulps of the 1920s-40s. Across 700 pages and featuring 17 stories, this anthology collects Don Hutchison’s It’s Raining Corpses in Chinatown and its sequel, It’s Still Raining Corpses in Chinatown, guiding readers through the atmospheric mysteries of vintage pulp fiction, steeped in the rich cultural tapestry of Asia.

Prepare to be transported to the dark and gritty streets of Chinatown, where danger lurks around every corner, and venture into the exotic locales of the South Seas, where mysteries abound and secrets lie beneath the waves. Join renowned authors such as Dashiell Hammett, Loring Brent, T.T. Flynn, Steve Fisher, Frank Gruber, Hugh B. Cave, Frederick Nebel, and more as they spin captivating yarns of intrigue, betrayal, and thrilling suspense.

For fans of hard-boiled detective fiction and adrenaline-fueled adventures, It’s Always Raining Corpses in Chinatown is an essential addition to your pulp fiction library. Prepare to be enthralled from the very first page to the last.

contains the following stories:
“The House in Turk Street” by Dashiell Hammett
“The Octopus of Hong Kong” by Loring Brent
“King Cobra” by Sidney Herschel Small
“The Wrong Move” by Ralph R. Perry
“It’s Raining Corpses in Chinatown” by Russell Gray
“The Jade Joss” by T.T. Flynn
“In the Dragon’s Lair” by Justin Case
“Blood on the Buddha” by John K. Butler
“The Mandarin’s Thirty-Third Tooth” by Dane Gregory
“The Blue Coffin” by Steve Fisher
“Tong Torture” by Emile C. Tepperman
“The House of Doom” by Arden X. Pangborn
“Corpses in Chinatown” by William Hines
“The Choking Chalice” by Frank Gruber
“The Headless Idol” by Sidney Herschel Small
“The Pain Room” by Hugh B. Cave
“Lead Poison” by Frederick Nebel

714 pages | $39.95 softcover | $54.95 hardcover

The Girl With the Silver Eyes: The Complete Black Mask Cases of the Continental Op, Volume 2

Written by Dashiell Hammett; introduction by Bob Byrne

Discover the genius of Dashiell Hammett, arguably the finest writer to grace the pages of Black Mask magazine. Now part of the authorized Black Mask Library, Hammett's groundbreaking Continental Op series defined the magazine's style and inspired countless authors. Volume 2 brings together the next six captivating stories of the Op, complete with an exclusive new introduction by Bob Byrne. Dive into the thrilling world of classic noir with this essential collection.

contains the following stories:
"The Girl With Silver Eyes"
"Women, Politics & Murder"
"The Golden Horseshoe"
"Who Killed Bob Teal?"
"Mike or Alec or Rufus"
"The Whosis Kid"

314 pages | $29.95 softcover | $44.95 hardcover

The Little Blonde Nightmare: The Complete Black Mask Cases of Reverend Daunt, Volume 1

Written by J. Paul Suter

Step into the shadowy world of Reverend Daunt, the ingenious detective-clergyman from the legendary pages of Black Mask magazine. For the first time ever, the first six spellbinding stories are collected in one volume, complete with their original illustrations. These never-before-reprinted tales showcase Daunt’s unique blend of spiritual insight and detective prowess. Perfect for fans of classic noir and gripping mysteries, this collection offers a thrilling glimpse into the origins of a truly unforgettable character. Don’t miss the chance to experience the brilliance of J. Paul Suter’s Reverend Daunt.

contains the following stories:
"The Problem of the Man Who Sowed the Wind"
"The Problem of the Little Blond Nightmare"
"The Loud Voice of Time"
"The Cat Mocker"
"The Problem of the Uncomfortable Buddha"
"The King of the Earth"

282 pages | $29.95 softcover | $44.95 hardcover

Murder for Pennies: The Complete Black Mask Cases of the Parson

Written by James Duncan; cover by J. George Janes; illustrated by Arthur Rodman Bowker

Unveil the gripping world of The Parson, the masterful detective from the legendary Black Mask magazine, penned by Arthur Pincus under the pseudonym James Duncan. For the first time, all five hard-boiled stories are collected in one volume, complete with their original illustrations. With most of these tales never before reprinted, fans are offered a rare glimpse into classic crime fiction. The Parson's razor-sharp intellect, unorthodox methods, and unyielding pursuit of justice make him a standout in the genre. Dive into these thrilling mysteries and experience the raw, gritty allure of pulp noir at its finest. Perfect for aficionados of classic detective stories and hard-boiled action.

contains the following stories:
"Double Trouble"
"The Parson Tells a Lie"
"Delayed Sn**ch"
"A Deal in Coconuts"
"Murder for Pennies"

264 pages | $24.95 softcover | $39.95 hardcover

Border Brand

Written by Raoul Whitfield; cover by Fred Craft; illustrated by Arthur Rodman Bowker

Dive into the gritty world of Border Brand, Raoul Whitfield's gripping serial novel originally serialized in Black Mask magazine. Now, for the first time, all six hard-hitting stories are collected in one volume, complete with the original illustrations sourced from the iconic Black Mask-published texts. Follow tough-as-nails private investigator Ben Jardinn as he navigates the dangerous borderlands between Mexico and the U.S., tackling crime, corruption, and intrigue. With Whitfield's signature style and pulse-pounding narrative, this collection is a must-have for fans of hard-boiled detective stories. Experience the raw power of pulp fiction at its finest in Border Brand.

contains the following stories:
"First Blood"
"Blue Murder"
"High Death"
"Red Wings"
"Ghost Guns"
"The Sky-Trap"

192 pages | $24.95 softcover | $39.95 hardcover

Murder at Eight: The Complete Black Mask Cases of Tony Key, Volume 1

Written by Steve Fisher; cover by J. George Janes; illustrated by Joseph A. Farren and Arthur Rodman Bowker

Explore the shadowy realm of Tony Key, the hard-boiled private detective navigating the treacherous streets of Hollywood. Written by the author of the classic noir film I Wake Up Screaming, these tales offer a rare glimpse into the gritty glamour of vintage detective fiction. Now, for the first time, the first seven gripping stories in the series are collected in one volume, complete with their original illustrations. Featuring an all-new introduction by pulp historian John Wooley, this anthology delivers pulse-pounding thrills and noir intrigue at every turn. Perfect for aficionados of hard-boiled detective tales.

contains the following stories:
"Death on Set 13"
"Murder Game—With Mirrors"
"Batten Down That Killer!"
"Murder at Eight"
"Mystery at Malibu"
"If Christmas Comes—"
"Me and Mickey Mouse"

268 pages | $24.95 softcover | $39.95 hardcover

Station K-I-L-L: The Complete Black Mask Cases of Jerry Tracy, Volume 3

Written by Theodore A. Tinsley; cover by John Drew; illustrations by Arthur Rodman Bowker

Embark on a journey through the iconic Jerry Tracy series, crafted by Theodore A. Tinsley, a shining gem from Black Mask magazine's golden era. Follow the sharp-tongued celebrity gossip reporter as he maneuvers the unforgiving streets of New York City, armed with his trademark cynicism and unwavering sense of justice. Penned by a true master of pulp fiction, these adrenaline-fueled tales provide a riveting peek into the realm of muckraking journalism and urban intrigue. This collection gathers the final six gripping stories, beloved by aficionados of hard-boiled fiction. Immerse yourself in the fast-paced narrative, skillfully crafted by the same author behind The Shadow magazine.

contains the following stories:
“Murder Is News"
"No More Limericks"
“Make It Murder"
"Station K-I-L-L"
“Guide to Murder"
“My Candle Burns"

368 pages | $34.95 softcover | $49.95 hardcover

https://steegerbooks.com/black-mask-other-titles-premiering-at-pulpfest-2024/

27/11/2023

Now available at SteegerBooks.com:

Lead Party: The Complete Fiction Works of Paul Cain (Deluxe Edition)
Written by Paul Cain; supplemental material by Bob Byrne, Boris Dralyuk, Ed Hulse, and Keith Alan Deutsch; illustrated by Arthur Rodman Bowker and Lorence F. Bjorklund

Dive into the seedy underbelly of hardboiled crime fiction with Lead Party: The Complete Fiction Works of Paul Cain. This collection unearths 20 gripping stories, featuring all 18 tales from Black Mask that formed the foundation of his acclaimed books Fast One and Seven Slayers. The texts are sourced directly from the original pulp magazines, a first for any reprint. Immerse yourself in Cain’s gritty world, accompanied by the original illustrations that brought his narratives to life. Explore scholarly insights from Bob Byrne, Boris Dralyuk, Ed Hulse, and Keith Alan Deutsch, alongside an all-new article on the Hollywood adaptation of Fast One, the movie Gambling Ship starring Cary Grant.

450 pages | $115.00 Deluxe Hardcover

https://www.steegerbooks.com/shop/lead-party-the-complete-fiction-works-of-paul-cain-deluxe-edition/

27/11/2023

Now available at SteegerBooks.com:

The Complete Cases of Race Williams, Volume 1 (Deluxe Edition)
Written by Carroll John Daly; supplemental material by Brooks E. Hefner; illustrated by Arthur Rodman Bowker, Harry T. Fisk, and Paul Meylan

Embark on a riveting journey into the birthplace of hard-boiled detective fiction with Carroll John Daly’s iconic Race Williams. The Complete Cases of Race Williams, Volume 1 presents the genre-defining stories from 1923 to 1926, featuring classics like “Knights of the Open Palm” and the enigmatic “Blind Alleys.” Uncover the roots of hard-boiled narrative with early works such as “Dolly,” “Paying an Old Debt,” and “The False Burton Combs.” Carroll John Daly’s personal insights, shared through editorials, provide a rare glimpse into the mind of a literary pioneer. With a scholarly introduction by Professor Brooks E. Hefner of James Madison University, this anthology transcends mere collection status, delivering an immersive experience into the gritty world of early hard-boiled detective fiction.

710 pages | $135.00 Deluxe Hardcover

https://www.steegerbooks.com/shop/the-complete-cases-of-race-williams-volume-1-deluxe-edition/

25/11/2023

From now until midnight on Monday, November 27—and only on www.steegerbooks.com—use promo code 2023THANKS30 at checkout to get 30% off our books!* Use it on just about everything we sell on www.steegerbooks.com, including books, ebooks, and vintage collectibles.

Each day, we’re unveiling several new books: over 40 titles in all! Today we’re releasing six new books in the Dime Detective Library by authors such as Carroll John Daly, T.T. Flynn, and Frederick C. Davis, among others, and featuring series characters like Cass Blue, Bill Brent, Vee Brown, and the Prince of Thieves. These titles represent some of the best series from the revered rival of Black Mask magazine, most of which never before reprinted.

We’ll have more new releases tomorrow, so be sure to visit www.steegerbooks.com often.

Use the promo code 2023THANKS30 on these and just about everything else we sell on www.steegerbooks.com.

Steeger Books is the leader in vintage pulp fiction reprints, covering superhero, adventure, mystery, detective, and other genres in high-quality editions. We already have free shipping on softcover orders over $35, so now is the time to stock up on Steeger Books releases.

But hurry: this promo code will expire after November 27!

Use this promo code on hundreds of titles on www.steegerbooks.com including these new releases:

The Complete Cases of Cass Blue, Volume 2
Written by John Lawrence; illustrations by John Fleming Gould; introduction by Bob Byrne

Embark on gritty escapades with Cass Blue, the morally flexible New York P.I., navigating the seedy underbelly of Depression-era crime. Authored by John Lawrence, the Cass Blue series introduces a hard-boiled tough guy armed with a blackjack, unafraid to tackle the toughest cases with a relentless determination. A maverick in the eyes of both cops and criminals, Blue, aided by speakeasy owner Al Lascoine, confronts danger head-on, delivering justice with a side of sass. Dive into this collection of hard-hitting tales that capture the essence of Dime Detective’s distinctive flavor, blending conventional plots with relentless action in the heart of 1930s New York.

306 pages | $29.95 softcover | $44.95 hardcover

https://www.steegerbooks.com/shop/the-complete-cases-of-cass-blue-volume-2-dime-detective/

The Complete Cases of Bill Brent, Volume 3
Written by Frederick C. Davis; illustrations by Peter Kuhlhoff

Dive into the intriguing world of “Lora Lorne,” the guise of gruff reporter Bill Brent, as he dispenses love advice in the Recorder newspaper. Crafted by Frederick C. Davis, Bill Brent embarks on 16 captivating tales between 1941 and 1946 within the pages of Dime Detective—a pinnacle in crime pulps. This collection features the next four stories from the series, originally published in 1944, unveiling Brent’s enthralling exploits. Davis’s mastery in storytelling shines through, delivering a compelling blend of mystery, crime, and romance. Immerse yourself in the gripping narratives that showcase the enduring legacy of Bill Brent’s crime-solving escapades.

298 pages | $29.95 softcover | $44.95 hardcover

https://www.steegerbooks.com/shop/the-complete-cases-of-bill-brent-volume-3/

The Complete Cases of Cash Wale, Volume 2
Written by Morton Wolson, writing as Peter Paige; illustrations by John Fleming Gould; introduction by John Wooley

Delve into the hard-hitting world of Cash Wale, the unyielding detective introduced by Black Mask editor F***y Ellsworth’s discovery, Peter Paige. Transitioning seamlessly to Dime Detective, Cash Wale’s gritty cases became a decade-long fixture. Authored by Paige, this collection unveils four riveting cases, including “Lady, Can You Spare a Corpse?” and “Death is From Hunger.” Peter Paige’s expert storytelling captures the essence of Black Mask’s legacy, bringing Cash Wale and Sailor Duffy to life in tales that resonate with hard-boiled intensity. Join Wale and Duffy in their relentless pursuit of justice in this meticulously curated edition, complemented by an insightful introduction by fiction authority John Wooley.

292 pages | $29.95 softcover | $44.95 hardcover

https://www.steegerbooks.com/shop/the-complete-cases-of-cash-wale-volume-2/

The Complete Cases of Vee Brown, Volume 3
Written by Carroll John Daly; illustrations by John Fleming Gould

Step into the complex world of Vivian “Vee” Brown, a unique figure leading dual lives in the gritty realm of crime and the glamorous domain of music. Despite his delicate appearance, Brown serves as a special operative for the Manhattan District Attorney, wielding a hair-trigger approach that blurs the line between justice and vengeance. Revered as a “Killer of Men” in the underworld, his other life unfolds in the opulent backdrop of a Park Avenue penthouse, where he crafts sentimental melodies that resonate with the public. Volume 3 culminates this enthralling series, unveiling the final five stories from 1934–36, revealing the multifaceted persona of the “Master of Melodies.”

434 pages | $34.95 softcover | $49.95 hardcover

https://www.steegerbooks.com/shop/the-complete-cases-of-vee-brown-volume-3/

The Complete Cases of Horatio Humberton, Volume 2
Written by J. Paul Suter; illustrations by John Fleming Gould

Encounter Horatio Humberton, the trailblazing necrologist sleuth, in a collection that unveils the first half of this supernatural detective series. By day, the tall and gaunt Humberton orchestrates funerals, but by night, he delves into mysteries with a touch of the supernatural. As one of the most popular characters from Dime Detective, the eminent crime pulp rivaling the iconic Black Mask, Humberton’s adventures offer a unique blend of the paranormal and crime-solving. This edition gathers the gripping final five cases from 1934–37, inviting readers into a world where the boundary between the living and the dead becomes eerily blurred.

312 pages | $29.95 softcover | $44.95 hardcover

https://www.steegerbooks.com/shop/the-complete-cases-of-horatio-humberton-volume-2/

The Complete Cases of the Prince of Thieves
Written by T.T. Flynn; illustrations by John Fleming Gould

Embark on a thrilling journey with Jerry Prince, the charismatic “Prince of Thieves,” as he tangles with the underworld in a series of gripping tales penned by T.T. Flynn. Across four stories published between 1933 and 1935 in Dime Detective, the revered crime pulp magazine rivaling even Black Mask, Jerry Prince stands accused in police departments nationwide. Yet, his clever exploits and elusive nature make him a thief like no other. Flynn’s narratives weave a web of legal intricacies, noble pursuits, and criminal ambiguity, presenting Jerry Prince as an enigmatic force in the shadowy realm of crime fiction.

330 pages | $29.95 softcover | $44.95 hardcover

https://www.steegerbooks.com/shop/the-complete-cases-of-the-prince-of-thieves-dime-detective/

11/08/2023

One week remains to save big on our Black Mask and Lester Dent new releases:

Murder Pays 7 to 1: The Complete Black Mask Cases of Rex Sackler, Volume 2
by D.L. Champion; cover by Rafael de Soto; illustrations by Peter Kuhlhoff, introduction by Karl Schadow

Author D.L. Champion's knack for penning quirky series characters reached a new height with his stories of skinflint shamus Rex Sackler, one of Black Mask's longest-running and most beloved series. Already a reader favorite for his Inspector Allhoff stories in Black Mask's companion title, Dime Detective, Champion chronicled the offbeat cases of Rex Sackler, the greedy gumshoe who “could squeeze a nickel till the buffalo cried uncle.” The Rex Sackler series allowed Champion to display his talent for sardonic wit and humor in more than two dozen frequently hilarious novelettes published in Black Mask during the 1940s. This volume collects the next six stories, along with an all-new introduction by Karl Schadow on the long-forgotten Rex Sackler radio show.

296 pages | $29.95 softcover | $39.95 hardcover
On sale for $28.95 softcover | $35.95 hardcover

Get it here: https://steegerbooks.com/shop/murder-pays-7-to-1-the-complete-black-mask-cases-of-rex-sackler-volume-2/

White Talons: The Complete Black Mask Cases of Tex of the Border Service
by Katherine Brocklebank; cover by Jes Schlaikjer; illustrations by Arthur Rodman Bowker

Premiering in the pages of Black Mask magazine prior to editor Joseph T. Shaw’s run as editor, Tex of the Border Service battled crime on the 1920s U.S./Mexico border. Written by Black Mask’s most prolific female author, Katherine Brocklebank, this collection contains all four installments in the Tex series—the only series in Black Mask history to feature a female lead character—along with two other hard-boiled detective stories by Brocklebank which also appeared in Black Mask.

160 pages | $19.95 softcover | $29.95 hardcover
On sale for $18.95 softcover | $27.95 hardcover

Get it here: https://steegerbooks.com/shop/white-talons-the-complete-black-mask-cases-of-tex-of-the-border-service/

The Hound with the Golden Eye: The Complete Black Mask Cases of Luther McGavock, Volume 2
by Merle Constiner; cover by Rafael de Soto; illustrations by Peter Kuhlhoff

The Luther McGavock stories are not your garden variety hard-boiled detective yarns. These Black Mask stories are so rich in place and detail that they almost seem a travelogue of small-town life in the Deep South. Having bounced around to just about every major agency in the country, Luther McGavock finally settled in the Atherton Browne Agency in Memphis, and his cases take him to small towns in the Tennessee hill-country. As an outsider, McGavock is our tour guide to this odd world of the Deep South. Written by one of the most polished writers to see print in Black Mask, author Merle Constiner's writing is vivid, his characters complex, and his mysteries deep. This edition collects the next four stories in the series.

348 pages | $29.95 softcover | $39.95 hardcover
On sale for $28.95 softcover | $35.95 hardcover

Get it here: https://steegerbooks.com/shop/the-hound-with-the-golden-eye-the-complete-black-mask-cases-of-luther-mcgavock-volume-2/

The Case-Hardened Samaritan: The Complete Black Mask Cases of Dal Prentice, Volume 1
by Roger Torrey; cover by Jes Schlaikjer; illustrations by Arthur Rodman Bowker

In 1933 author Roger D. Torrey broke into the fabled group of authors known as The Black Mask Boys with his first of several series characters for Black Mask magazine. In this series, Dal Prentice patrolled the streets of Magna City with his equally hard-boiled partner, battling crooks, racketeering, and other underworld crime. These are some of the most vivid, gritty detective stories to ever appear in Black Mask magazine, written by one of the most popular writers to see print in that fabled detective magazine. Volume 1 contains the first half of the Dal Prentice series, including a rare Prentice short written for a contest.

260 pages | $24.95 softcover | $34.95 hardcover
On sale for $23.95 softcover | $31.95 hardcover

Get it here: https://steegerbooks.com/shop/the-case-hardened-samaritan-the-complete-black-mask-cases-of-dal-prentice-volume-1-roger-torrey/

That’s Hollywood: The Complete Black Mask Cases of Bill Lennox, Volume 1
by W.T. Ballard; cover by Jes Schlaikjer; illustrations by Arthur Rodman Bowker; introduction by James L. Traylor

One of the most popular series to appear in the pages of the greatest detective magazine of all time—Black Mask—is finally back in print. Running for nearly 30 installments, author W.T. Ballard chronicled the adventures of Hollywood troubleshooter Bill Lennox—employee of the prominent movie studio, General-Consolidated Pictures. Not quite a detective, Lennox's escapades often called for him to keep the Hollywood stars out of trouble and General-Consolidated out of the headlines. These tales exhibit a flavor of authenticity for 1930s-era Hollywood, as the author worked as a scriptwriter and producer during that timeframe. This edition collects the first seven stories, many of which have never before been reprinted. Also including an introduction by James L. Traylor.

306 pages | $29.95 softcover | $39.95 hardcover
On sale for $28.95 softcover | $35.95 hardcover

Get it here: https://steegerbooks.com/shop/thats-hollywood-the-complete-black-mask-cases-of-bill-lennox-volume-1/

Zigzags of Treachery: The Complete Black Mask Cases of the Continental Op, Volume 1
by Dashiell Hammett, cover by Henry C. Murphy, introduction by Bob Byrne

Quite possibly the greatest author to appear in the pages of Black Mask magazine—Dashiell Hammett—is finally included in the authorized Black Mask Library. Hammett's influential Continental Op series set the editorial tone for Black Mask and all of the authors who would follow Hammett in that magazine. This Volume 1 collects the first ten stories of the Op, including the first two installments bylined as "Peter Collinson," along with an all-new introduction by Bob Byrne.

322 pages | $29.95 softcover | $39.95 hardcover
On sale for $28.95 softcover | $35.95 hardcover

Get it here: https://steegerbooks.com/shop/zigzags-of-treachery-the-complete-black-mask-cases-of-the-continental-op-volume-1/

Talking Toad: The Complete Adventures of the Gadget Man, Volume 1
by Lester Dent, illustrations by Albert Micale and Wilson Scruggs, introduction by Will Murray

During his thirty year career, Lester Dent created several outstanding characters, starting with the immortal Doc Savage, but also including Black Mask's Oscar Sail, Genius Jones, and others. One of the most successful was the Gadget Man, who appeared exclusively in the pages of Street & Smith's Crime Busters magazine between 1937 and 1939. After Doc Savage, the Gadget Man was the longest running Lester Dent series. And, like Doc Savage, it was a mixture of gadgets, mystery and screwball shenanigans.
Click Rush is an inventor. But the ingenious crime-fighting gadgets he’s invented are not wanted by police agencies, who consider them too outlandish and impractical. Enter Bufa. Who is Bufa? No one knows. Not even Rush. But when a papier-mâché radio transceiver appears in his hotel room sitting on one half of a $10,000 bill and the voice emanating from the toad promises the other half if Rush uses his gadgets to solve a crime, the nearly broke inventor could hardly say no. The problem was that every time Rush solves a mystery, Bufa wants him to do it again. And again, and again. And he won't take no for an answer!
Over the course of eighteen screwy stories, the war of wits between the anonymous toad-shaped tormentor and the beleaguered inventor-turned-detective rages. Where will it all end? Not even Bufa knows….
This first volume of Gadget Man stories—most never before reprinted—includes the introductory six stories. Many restored from the original manuscripts. Including a revealing Introduction by Will Murray.

244 pages | $24.95 softcover | $34.95 hardcover
On sale for $23.95 softcover | $31.95 hardcover

Get it here: https://steegerbooks.com/shop/talking-toad-the-complete-adventures-of-the-gadget-man-volume-1-lester-dent/

02/08/2023

New titles premiering at Pulpfest this week:

Murder Pays 7 to 1: The Complete Black Mask Cases of Rex Sackler, Volume 2
by D.L. Champion; cover by Rafael de Soto; illustrations by Peter Kuhlhoff, introduction by Karl Schadow

Author D.L. Champion's knack for penning quirky series characters reached a new height with his stories of skinflint shamus Rex Sackler, one of Black Mask's longest-running and most beloved series. Already a reader favorite for his Inspector Allhoff stories in Black Mask's companion title, Dime Detective, Champion chronicled the offbeat cases of Rex Sackler, the greedy gumshoe who “could squeeze a nickel till the buffalo cried uncle.” The Rex Sackler series allowed Champion to display his talent for sardonic wit and humor in more than two dozen frequently hilarious novelettes published in Black Mask during the 1940s. This volume collects the next six stories, along with an all-new introduction by Karl Schadow on the long-forgotten Rex Sackler radio show.

296 pages | $29.95 softcover | $39.94 hardcover

White Talons: The Complete Black Mask Cases of Tex of the Border Service
by Katherine Brocklebank; cover by Jes Schlaikjer; illustrations by Arthur Rodman Bowker

Premiering in the pages of Black Mask magazine prior to editor Joseph T. Shaw’s run as editor, Tex of the Border Service battled crime on the 1920s U.S./Mexico border. Written by Black Mask’s most prolific female author, Katherine Brocklebank, this collection contains all four installments in the Tex series—the only series in Black Mask history to feature a female lead character—along with two other hard-boiled detective stories by Brocklebank which also appeared in Black Mask.

160 pages | $19.95 softcover | $29.94 hardcover

The Hound with the Golden Eye: The Complete Black Mask Cases of Luther McGavock, Volume 2
by Merle Constiner; cover by Rafael de Soto; illustrations by Peter Kuhlhoff

The Luther McGavock stories are not your garden variety hard-boiled detective yarns. These Black Mask stories are so rich in place and detail that they almost seem a travelogue of small-town life in the Deep South. Having bounced around to just about every major agency in the country, Luther McGavock finally settled in the Atherton Browne Agency in Memphis, and his cases take him to small towns in the Tennessee hill-country. As an outsider, McGavock is our tour guide to this odd world of the Deep South. Written by one of the most polished writers to see print in Black Mask, author Merle Constiner's writing is vivid, his characters complex, and his mysteries deep. This edition collects the next four stories in the series.

348 pages | $29.95 softcover | $39.94 hardcover

The Case-Hardened Samaritan: The Complete Black Mask Cases of Dal Prentice, Volume 1
by Roger Torrey; cover by Jes Schlaikjer; illustrations by Arthur Rodman Bowker

In 1933 author Roger D. Torrey broke into the fabled group of authors known as The Black Mask Boys with his first of several series characters for Black Mask magazine. In this series, Dal Prentice patrolled the streets of Magna City with his equally hard-boiled partner, battling crooks, racketeering, and other underworld crime. These are some of the most vivid, gritty detective stories to ever appear in Black Mask magazine, written by one of the most popular writers to see print in that fabled detective magazine. Volume 1 contains the first half of the Dal Prentice series, including a rare Prentice short written for a contest.

260 pages | $24.95 softcover | $34.94 hardcover

That’s Hollywood: The Complete Black Mask Cases of Bill Lennox, Volume 1
by W.T. Ballard; cover by Jes Schlaikjer; illustrations by Arthur Rodman Bowker; introduction by James L. Traylor

One of the most popular series to appear in the pages of the greatest detective magazine of all time—Black Mask—is finally back in print. Running for nearly 30 installments, author W.T. Ballard chronicled the adventures of Hollywood troubleshooter Bill Lennox—employee of the prominent movie studio, General-Consolidated Pictures. Not quite a detective, Lennox's escapades often called for him to keep the Hollywood stars out of trouble and General-Consolidated out of the headlines. These tales exhibit a flavor of authenticity for 1930s-era Hollywood, as the author worked as a scriptwriter and producer during that timeframe. This edition collects the first seven stories, many of which have never before been reprinted. Also including an introduction by James L. Traylor.

306 pages | $29.95 softcover | $39.94 hardcover

Zigzags of Treachery: The Complete Black Mask Cases of the Continental Op, Volume 1
by Dashiell Hammett, cover by Henry C. Murphy, introduction by Bob Byrne

Quite possibly the greatest author to appear in the pages of Black Mask magazine—Dashiell Hammett—is finally included in the authorized Black Mask Library. Hammett's influential Continental Op series set the editorial tone for Black Mask and all of the authors who would follow Hammett in that magazine. This Volume 1 collects the first ten stories of the Op, including the first two installments bylined as "Peter Collinson," along with an all-new introduction by Bob Byrne.

322 pages | $29.95 softcover | $39.94 hardcover

Talking Toad: The Complete Adventures of the Gadget Man, Volume 1
by Lester Dent, illustrations by Albert Micale and Wilson Scruggs, introduction by Will Murray

During his thirty year career, Lester Dent created several outstanding characters, starting with the immortal Doc Savage, but also including Black Mask's Oscar Sail, Genius Jones, and others. One of the most successful was the Gadget Man, who appeared exclusively in the pages of Street & Smith's Crime Busters magazine between 1937 and 1939. After Doc Savage, the Gadget Man was the longest running Lester Dent series. And, like Doc Savage, it was a mixture of gadgets, mystery and screwball shenanigans.
Click Rush is an inventor. But the ingenious crime-fighting gadgets he’s invented are not wanted by police agencies, who consider them too outlandish and impractical. Enter Bufa. Who is Bufa? No one knows. Not even Rush. But when a papier-mâché radio transceiver appears in his hotel room sitting on one half of a $10,000 bill and the voice emanating from the toad promises the other half if Rush uses his gadgets to solve a crime, the nearly broke inventor could hardly say no. The problem was that every time Rush solves a mystery, Bufa wants him to do it again. And again, and again. And he won't take no for an answer!
Over the course of eighteen screwy stories, the war of wits between the anonymous toad-shaped tormentor and the beleaguered inventor-turned-detective rages. Where will it all end? Not even Bufa knows….
This first volume of Gadget Man stories—most never before reprinted—includes the introductory six stories. Many restored from the original manuscripts. Including a revealing Introduction by Will Murray.

244 pages | $24.95 softcover | $34.94 hardcover

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