MAXWELL GRANT – The Living Shadow. The Shadow #1. Written by Walter Gibson. Bantam, paperback; 1st printing, June 1969. First published in The Shadow, a Detective Magazine. April-June 1931.

   If this book were to be rated on its literary qualities, there would not be a great deal to talk about — except for the desire of every reader who finishes it to want more.

   The problem is that the Shadow, while everywhere he is needed and when, cannot be pinned down to work at the crime;s solution, and indirect and artificial methods of story-telling must be used to locate him and his thoughts, His legwork is done by Harry Vincent, mysteriously saved from suicide, and the insurance broker, Claude Fellows. The crimes are jewel robberies, and the trail leads to Chinatown, with all of that area’s sinister reputation surrounding it.

   There is mention, totally unconnected, of the Shadow’s radio program, that can’t be made to fit. Other occasional discrepancies interrupt the otherwise exciting flow of action, which is not helpful. But I do want more!

Rating: **