📖 Overview
Paul Malmont is an American author and marketing executive known for writing historical fiction that features real-world pulp fiction authors as protagonists. His work often incorporates elements of science fiction while exploring the legacy of early 20th-century popular fiction writers.
Malmont's literary career began with "The Chinatown Death Cloud Peril" (2007), which featured pulp writers Walter Gibson and Lester Dent alongside L. Ron Hubbard in a 1930s adventure story. He followed this with "Jack London in Paradise" (2009) and "The Astounding, the Amazing, and the Unknown" (2011), the latter starring science fiction luminaries Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov.
Beyond novels, Malmont has contributed to the comic book industry, writing issues of DC Comics' "Doc Savage" series and working as a marketing executive for DC, where he produced numerous documentaries and entertainment programs. His short film "The King of the Magicians" received recognition at international film festivals.
As an author and creator, Malmont has consistently worked to bridge classic pulp fiction with contemporary storytelling, bringing historical literary figures to life through adventure narratives that echo the style of their own works.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Malmont's detailed research into pulp-era writers and his ability to capture the atmosphere of 1930s adventure stories. Several Amazon reviewers note how he weaves historical facts with fictional elements, with one calling "The Chinatown Death Cloud Peril" a "love letter to pulp fiction."
Readers highlight his fast-paced plotting and recreation of vintage writing styles. Many Goodreads users praise his portrayal of historical figures like L. Ron Hubbard and Walter Gibson.
Common criticisms include dense plotting that can be hard to follow and dialogue that sometimes feels forced. Some readers found the multiple storylines in "The Astounding, the Amazing, and the Unknown" confusing.
Ratings across platforms:
- "The Chinatown Death Cloud Peril": 3.7/5 on Goodreads (1,200+ ratings), 4.1/5 on Amazon
- "Jack London in Paradise": 3.4/5 on Goodreads (200+ ratings)
- "The Astounding, the Amazing, and the Unknown": 3.5/5 on Goodreads (400+ ratings), 3.9/5 on Amazon
📚 Books by Paul Malmont
The Chinatown Death Cloud Peril (2007)
A historical thriller following pulp writers Walter Gibson and Lester Dent as they investigate mysterious deaths in 1930s Chinatown while crossing paths with L. Ron Hubbard.
Jack London in Paradise (2009) A fictional account of writer Jack London's final days in Hawaii as he struggles with his demons and searches for one last adventure.
The Astounding, the Amazing, and the Unknown (2011) During World War II, science fiction writers Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and L. Sprague de Camp work on secret military projects while investigating the mysterious disappearance of Nikola Tesla's research.
Jack London in Paradise (2009) A fictional account of writer Jack London's final days in Hawaii as he struggles with his demons and searches for one last adventure.
The Astounding, the Amazing, and the Unknown (2011) During World War II, science fiction writers Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and L. Sprague de Camp work on secret military projects while investigating the mysterious disappearance of Nikola Tesla's research.
👥 Similar authors
Michael Chabon creates complex historical narratives that blend genre fiction with literary sophistication, particularly in works like "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay" and "Gentlemen of the Road." His focus on early 20th century popular culture and comic book history mirrors Malmont's interest in pulp fiction writers.
Glen David Gold writes historical novels that feature real entertainment figures from the early 1900s, such as in "Carter Beats the Devil" and "Sunnyside." His work combines historical fact with adventure narratives in a way that echoes Malmont's approach to historical fiction.
E.L. Doctorow incorporates historical figures into fictional narratives that capture specific periods of American history, particularly the early 20th century. His novels like "Ragtime" and "World's Fair" blend fact and fiction in a style similar to Malmont's treatment of historical characters.
Dan Simmons uses historical writers as characters in his fiction, notably in "The Terror" and "Drood," which feature real authors in supernatural adventures. His approach to mixing historical figures with genre elements parallels Malmont's technique.
Max Allan Collins writes historical crime fiction that often features real-world figures from entertainment history, particularly in his Nathan Heller series. His work combines careful historical research with crime narratives in a way that resembles Malmont's blend of fact and fiction.
Glen David Gold writes historical novels that feature real entertainment figures from the early 1900s, such as in "Carter Beats the Devil" and "Sunnyside." His work combines historical fact with adventure narratives in a way that echoes Malmont's approach to historical fiction.
E.L. Doctorow incorporates historical figures into fictional narratives that capture specific periods of American history, particularly the early 20th century. His novels like "Ragtime" and "World's Fair" blend fact and fiction in a style similar to Malmont's treatment of historical characters.
Dan Simmons uses historical writers as characters in his fiction, notably in "The Terror" and "Drood," which feature real authors in supernatural adventures. His approach to mixing historical figures with genre elements parallels Malmont's technique.
Max Allan Collins writes historical crime fiction that often features real-world figures from entertainment history, particularly in his Nathan Heller series. His work combines careful historical research with crime narratives in a way that resembles Malmont's blend of fact and fiction.