I learned of a recent New Pulp work by an author that I wanted to check out. The Python God is the first Thomas Adam Grey thriller by Duane Laflin. Laflin is a professional magician who has retired and now writes novels.
This one is specifically inspired by characters like Doc Savage and Tarzan, though set in modern times. I wasn’t familiar with Laflin’s works, but I found this an enjoyable read, which is what you want from pulp fiction, whether new or old. The cover is by Wayne Reinagel, who hasn’t done much of late in New Pulp.
The novel starts off with a flashback to an event in 1858 in what is today Benin. A group of women warriors attacks a temple to the “python god” and take something, but on their return, they are waylaid by the British and do not escape. The women warriors are based on a real group that existed at the time.
Moving to today, we meet most of our main characters. Thomas Adam Grey is a Secret Service agent tired of protecting corrupt politicians, the latest being a man who may be a presidential candidate but is trying to cover up a personal scandal. Thomas is over 6-feet tall, with hair halfway between brown and blonde, and grey eyes. He has decided to quit and start his own personal protection business, based in Kansas City.
We also meet his immediate boss, the Deputy Director of the Secret Service, who will play a minor role. Next is his secretary, and possible future love interest, Tiffany Swensen, who will run his office. But unlike other thriller heroes, Thomas doesn’t have others he can call on.
We also meet our antagonists. First off is Elaine Decker, who claims to be a freelance reporter who wants to hire Thomas to protect her on her trip to Benin to visit a national park that has recently re-opened. But we know that she is the one behind the theft of a tapestry that may lead to what was stolen way back in 1858. And it seems she isn’t the only one who knows this, which will complicate things. Further, her father is a crime lord who is not afraid to get physical with those who cross him.
But this is a thriller, so the trip will not be without its dangers, as Thomas accompanies Elaine on her quest, with others after the same. And even when he gets back to the U.S., there is still dangers he must face.
Overall, I found this a great read, with some interesting characters. We get too many morally gray characters in action fiction, so it’s nice to have someone with good morals as our hero.
My only complaint about the work is formatting. I felt that the author should have used a smaller font and less spacing which would have produced a physically smaller book, and probably a little less expensive one as well. I would recommend the author think about teaming up with established New Pulp publishers like Airship 27 or Bold Venture Press.
The author promises two more novels this year alone, with The Fortune Cave out now and then The Treasure Whale coming in June. If you liked this one, check out some of the author’s other works. The Carson Gold series seems similar, as does the Eli Brown ones, though I haven’t read them myself.
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