Having fond memories of reading Doc Savage novels more than 20 years ago, I decided to get one off the shelf and read it for the first time.

It may have been the luster has worn off over those decades, but this wasn't a premium Doc adventure. The villain -- an Arab -- and his deathdealing gadget -- a portable electromagnetic rail gun -- weren't the most interesting. So, I can't offer this as a good entry point tor the Doc Savage adventures.

However, long time fans will appreciate that not only do we get Doc's submarine, the Helldiver, but also the story of Monk getting his pig Habeas Corpus.

Of course, there's the usual New York City locale, international travel, lost races, and a putative treasure.

Still, I think I'll be revisiting this old friend again. ( )