"Man-Killers of the Air" by L. Ron Hubbard

"Man-Killers of the Air"
by L. Ron Hubbard
Multi-cast performance
Produced by Galaxy Audio (2009)
Approx 2 hours

I've said it before and I'll say it again, these audio performances of the works of L. Ron Hubbard's pulp fiction era are magical. The stories are great adventures and fun by themselves but when Galaxy Audio does their magic in producing them into audio books they spare no talent in creating what sounds like an old time radio drama. Being a radio professional, I have a strong sentiment toward audio drama and these guys really know how to create the entire atmosphere of adventure as written by L. Ron Hubbard. They use superb voice actors who not only move the story along but through some nice vocal athletics create characters that are fun and intriguing. The Special effects are superb, these guys even duplicated the sound of an experimental aircraft from the 1930s. The music definitely keeps you in the mood between chapters.

This time around it's another air adventure called, "Man-Killers of the Air," originally published in the June, 1935 issue of "Five Novels Monthly." This story introduces the daredevil air racer, Smoke Burnham and his pet Cheetah, Patty. Patty usually rides co-pilot with Smoke and in combination with the name "Smoke Burnham" creates what could have easily been turned into a regular series in the funny papers.

Smoke has won his chance to be entered in an international air race, he really needs to win this one because of a bet he's made with a newspaper mogul who has been trying to sabotage him. If he wins the mogul will rebuild Smoke's hanger, but if he loses he has to give over plans to a new aircraft which the newspaper man will then turn over to the military to help prevent the rumored attack from the Japanese. This will make the mogul look good, and sell papers.

The race will carry Smoke across the Brazilian Jungle and the Andes and will be his most dangerous flight ever. Not only does he have to fight the stressful flight but someone is trying to sabotage his planes. On top of this, there's a dame involved. Smoke is in love but the woman resents his love of flying. So on top of beating the odds and winning the race he must win over the gal.

Great adventure to keep you on the edge of your seat for this one...so check it out.