SPY KILLER

Tough guys, sexy girls, and vile villains: Yeah, it's the return of the pulps. Before he founded Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard wrote hundreds of stories in the 1930s-40s for pulp magazines. They’re being released on disc for the first time, and "Spy Killer" is one of the coolest. The full-cast recording combines skillful actors, music, sound effects, and handsome packaging that belies the $9.95 price point. Lori Jablons, R.F. Daley, Shane Johnson, Kim Meskimen (who also directed), and Tait Ruppert deliver the tale of a burly American who jumps a freighter when he’s framed for murder in pre-Communist China. Listeners hear every punch, gunshot, and scream and will be impressed at how well the story holds up. M.S. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 08]