The Black Star


Read by Roger Melin

(4.6 stars; 230 reviews)

The Black Star was a master criminal who took great care to never be identifiable, always wore a mask so nobody knew what he looked like, rarely spoke to keep his voice from being recognized, and the only mark left at the scenes of the crimes which he and his gang committed were small black stars which were tacked as a sign of their presence, and an occasional sarcastic note to signify his presence and responsibility. Even those who worked for him knew nothing of him, all of which were making his crimes virtually unsolvable. The police were at a complete loss as to his identity and at a method of stopping his criminal activities. He seemed to have the perfect strategic setup and all advantages were in his favor. He even somehow knew where the wealthy kept their jewels and money, and knew when they would remove valuable items from their safes and deposit boxes. Thus Roger Verbeck decided to take on the case of the Black Star using his own methodology. The Black Star will keep you guessing from beginning to end, just as he kept the police and Verbeck guessing.

Johnston McCulley was a prolific writer in the pulp fiction vein, and his Zorro series would become immensely popular. However, prior to Zorro, the Black Star was among his first repeating characters which kept readers of the day in continual suspense until his next appearance. McCulley also wrote mysteries and detective stories using various pseudonyms, including Harrison Strong. (Introduction by Roger Melin) (8 hr 6 min)

Chapters

01 - An Aided Escape 19:15 Read by Roger Melin
02 - The Black Star 10:48 Read by Roger Melin
03 - Into the Pit 22:06 Read by Roger Melin
04 - Rogue For a Day 15:48 Read by Roger Melin
05 - Muggs on Guard 10:37 Read by Roger Melin
06 - An Unprofitable Afternoon 11:10 Read by Roger Melin
07 - Identical Orders 10:54 Read by Roger Melin
08 - The Police Get a Tip 13:14 Read by Roger Melin
09 - "Chickens Come Home To Roost" 19:26 Read by Roger Melin
10 - Caught In a Net 11:08 Read by Roger Melin
11 - Close Quarters 12:39 Read by Roger Melin
12 - At the Charity Ball 15:06 Read by Roger Melin
13 - Muggs - Great Little Man 11:23 Read by Roger Melin
14 - Unexpected News 5:04 Read by Roger Melin
15 - The Challenge 14:40 Read by Roger Melin
16 - A Nocturnal Visit 17:21 Read by Roger Melin
17 - Interrupted Conversation 12:04 Read by Roger Melin
18 - Mysteries 18:15 Read by Roger Melin
19 - Suspicion 20:47 Read by Roger Melin
20 - The Voice on the Wire 17:05 Read by Roger Melin
21 - The End of the Wire 15:40 Read by Roger Melin
22 - On the Scent 9:54 Read by Roger Melin
23 - Into the Vault 7:59 Read by Roger Melin
24 - How It Ended 13:30 Read by Roger Melin
25 - Shadowed by Three 7:23 Read by Roger Melin
26 - A Man of Mystery 17:32 Read by Roger Melin
27 - In Black Star's Hands 18:44 Read by Roger Melin
28 - The Police Launch 8:29 Read by Roger Melin
29 - Black Star Takes a Trick 11:45 Read by Roger Melin
30 - Muggs in Action 13:09 Read by Roger Melin
31 - In the Bank 11:39 Read by Roger Melin
32 - A Narrow Escape 12:25 Read by Roger Melin
33 - Puzzled Police 14:23 Read by Roger Melin
34 - What Happened to the Chief 12:26 Read by Roger Melin
35 - An Unexpected Blow 9:55 Read by Roger Melin
36 - In Custody 13:01 Read by Roger Melin

Reviews

The Black Star


(5 stars)

Very good story. Kept me interested until the very end with its surprise twist of plot. Of course the reader, Roger Melin, was excellent as usual.

Awesome ride, loved it!


(5 stars)

First of all, props to Roger M, he's a great reader, glad he is still reading for librivox. Now to the story - This is a neat mystery/adventure novel where a wealthy businessman decides to match wits with a sneaky thief with extraordinary planning capabilities. It is going to take more than the average detective to catch this crook. Despite being a bit far-fetched at times, the story was still great. Enjoy!

Not one of my favorites


(2 stars)

probably bly just had too wide high an expectation of a work by the brilliant mind that consumed could save the character of Zorro one of my favorites I was disappointed in this Editing this impossible!This is ridiculous


(5 stars)

my favorite reader indeed I love your voice many nights I have listened to your story telling ....you just have a way I tell you ....keep them coming ...cant wait for another and another ....best wishes to you indeed

Good Listen


(5 stars)

Ar first, I was a bit annoyed at how clueless our hero was, but he did redeem himself in the end as others here have said. Turned out to be a fun listen.

GIVE ME MORE


(5 stars)

A great tale, well-sculpted and read perfectly. As one commentator stated. it was a bit farfetched at times, but this is fiction: indulge your imagination. Perfect ending. Enjoy!

Roger saves the Day


(5 stars)

Exciting story, from start to finish , thanks so much for these storys (i call them movies) greatly read , thank you for your time. enjoyed Alot

Thanks Roger


(3 stars)

Lots of fun if you just need something a bit silly to listen to. Lots of unbelievable action - like an old style Saturday morning serial at the movies!