Kimberley Murphy-Smith

Author at http://bimpco.tripod.com/fanficlib.html.

Absolution (Shadow)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 26th November 2000 (1)
Tags: Novelette
(101K)

A story based on the characters of The Shadow movie, continuing on the author's series about the Shadow. The thing I liked best about this story was that there was character growth and resolution in it, for our dear darling tormented Lamont Cranston, without changing him too much. We got a little peek at his childhood, as well as a bunch of perceptive remarks by those who know him.
    Lamont leaned back in the seat and sighed. "Moe," he finally said, "you weren't a Buddhist monk in a previous lifetime, were you?"
    Moe gave him an odd look. "What?"
    "Never mind. There are just moments when you sound so much like my old master it's eerie."

We also have the introduction of a new supporting character -- at least, I hope we do see him again -- the Catholic Priest, Father Ryan. I liked him; it's good to have friendly characters around, not just more villains. Not to mention he's a very perceptive guy!

In regard to the plot, I'm glad I didn't guess the answer to the mystery, that makes it more interesting.

Anything Is Possible... And Nothing Is Impossible (Shadow)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 1st March 2000 (2)
Tags: Novel
(332K)

A novella based on the characters of The Shadow movie. In The Hot Corner http://members.aol.com/hczine issue 4. This tells the tale of how Ying Ko was redeemed. It is excellent, plumbing the depths of Lamont Cranston's character, and showing his growth, in character and in mental powers. Worth reading repeatedly.

Cacophony (Shadow)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 26th November 2000 (2)
Tags: Novelette
(70K)

A story based on the characters of The Shadow movie, continuing on the author's series. As you could guess from the title, this is the story in which Margo Awakens to her full psi powers, so it's basically a Lamont-and-Margo story, with nothing else happening. We have a hovering, loving Lamont, and a very ill Margo, going through her weaknesses, and both their fears. Good stuff! One definitely needs to have read the earlier stories before this, though.

The Clouded Mind (Shadow)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 1st March 2000 (1)
Tags: Novelette
(59K)

The Shadow has the flu. How can he stop a big deal going down when he's out of his mind with fever? A story based on the characters of The Shadow movie. In The Hot Corner http://members.aol.com/hczine issue 3. This was really good, with a vulnerable Lamont Cranston (poor baby) a heroic Margo Lane, a heroic enduring Lamont, some lovely misdirection and some cool mental stuff.

Dangerous Minds (Shadow)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 1st March 2000 (3)

A story based on the characters of The Shadow movie. In The Hot Corner http://members.aol.com/hczine issue 5. This one I didn't like as much as my previous two favourite Shadow stories by this author (see previous reviews) but that doesn't mean that it wasn't a good read. There's some nice bits with Margo at the beginning (following on from things mentioned in The Clouded Mind) and then we have the story proper, and the good guys win in the end. (smile)

The Illusion of Propriety (Shadow)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 13th August 2000 (10)

A story based on the characters of The Shadow movie, and also on Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile. In The Hot Corner http://members.aol.com/hczine issue 6/7. Not having read Death on the Nile, I have no idea how closely this resembles it, and had no idea of the solution to the mystery, so, well, I'm not worried. I enjoyed it. Yet more development in Margo and Lamont's relationship (oh boy) - though I must admit I'm wondering to myself, why the heck don't they just get married? This was a good story. I liked how Lamont and Margo were clever, and worked so well together, backing each other up when needed. More please!

The Tragic Comedy (Shadow)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 13th August 2000 (9)

A story based on the characters of The Shadow movie. In The Hot Corner http://members.aol.com/hczine issue 6/7. One of the coolest things about this series of stories, is that you get character development, and this one is no exception; Margo and Lamont have a little storminess in their relationship, while solving the mystery of the Tragic Comedy.