The Kolchak Collection

By: Jeff Rice, Joe Gentile, C. J. Henderson

Narrated by: Johnny Heller

Length: 16 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

The Kolchak Papers: The Original Novels by Jeff Rice

In 1972, Jeff Rice's novel The Night Stalker introduced Carl Kolchak to the world. This spine-tingling novel of supernatural terror became an instant best seller and served as the basis for the film of the same name. After The Night Stalker became one of the highest rated television movies of all time, a sequel, The Night Strangler, was released the following year to great acclaim. Now, after more than three decades out of print, The Night Stalker and The Night Strangler are together in one volume.

Cry of Thunder: Sherlock Holmes & Kolchak the Night Stalker by Joe Gentile

Two of the most unique investigators of all time try to untangle the same mystery, 100 years apart from each other. Set in the lawless Wild West, the hidden world of Victorian London, and the present-day hell of Hollywood, Cry of Thunder: Sherlock Holmes & Kolchak the Night Stalker follows Holmes' trail of a man who was wrongfully - and willingly - imprisoned; a shocking New World Order anarchy; a beautiful woman who needs Kolchak to delve into the surreal past; and the shunned man who holds the key.

Kolchak and the Lost World by C. J. Henderson

After convincing a serial killer to confess, newspaper reporter Kolchak is offered an international assignment with massive coverage around the world. With fame and fortune finally within reach, he's ready to cover the story - until he's confronted by a mysterious monk who warns him that "the 72 must always be". What this means is not explained. But before he knows it, Kolchak's dreams are invaded by inexplicable images warning him that every step he takes toward the big story is bringing him closer to death.

©2016 C. J. Henderson and Jeff Rice (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Cool

One of the best stories and characters ever written. This is a not to miss opportunity. Fun, interesting and entertaining.

mixed bag

1st is the best. 2nd less so. The others are just weird and in my opinion don't seem like Kolchak at all, but rather some entirely new character who just happens to have the same name.

Two Classics, Two That Aren't

I really enjoyed the first two novels, which fans will recognize as The Night Stalker and The Night Strangler. I couldn't get through the second story. I found it boring, to be honest, but that's just my opinion. The fourth story was fair, but in the end, unsatisfying.

I'd recommend this collection in spite of the weak second half since the first half is simply stellar.

Worth the read

Love the books, made you think and wonder about what could be out there or just let king around waiting.

Great compilation

Very enjoyable listen. The stories remind me of the 70’s TV show but with more depth. The last take is my favorite as it is new to me. If you watched the Night Stalker as a kid this listen is for you.

Glad I got it, but...

The first two books in this collection are very good. Being the original Kolchak stories, that makes sense. The remaining two books come across as fan fiction of moderate quality. Plot holes, mischaracterizations and rather lazy story telling plague both. Still, I’m glad I got this collection for the two originals alone. They are well worth the annoyance of the other two.

That said, the narrator is excellent in the role of Kolchak. I very much enjoyed his style and presentation of the material.

A Bit of Confusion

What made the experience of listening to The Kolchak Collection the most enjoyable?

I love the Kolchak character from the series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Carl of course who can deny the man.

Which scene was your favorite?

The vampire story is the best

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Loved how he always gets the story but he always gets thwarted.

The original Kolchak novels plus more

This collection includes the two original Kolchak novels by Jeff rice. These are excellent stories and were among the original monster chasing reporter stories that later influenced such works as the X files. There are also two extra novels, written after the fact by others. These are a bit of a mixed bag. They have their good points, but they feel a little shopworn. Nonetheless it’s a great collection and a very good value.

Darren McGavin is missed.

The only way this could have been better is if they could have gotten the late Darren McGavin to read it.

As it was, Johnny Heller did a fine job.

There were times I could almost imagine how Darren McGavin would have provided the performance and he is missed.

NOT WHAT I EXPECTED

The first story was great, but as for the other stories... I thought they were very dull and lacking what the first one had.