The Yellow Hoard (The Avenger #2) by Kenneth Robeson (Paul Ernst)

This second novel in The Avenger series, originally published in October, 1939, continues the early adventures of Richard “Dick” Benson in his efforts to fight crime, especially criminal organizations that are similar to the one who was responsible for the death of his wife and young daughter.  Here, he and his two associates, chase after a group who has discovered that an archaeological find will lead them to a huge secret Aztec treasure hoard of gold which they plan to use to further their nefarious goals.

The author behind the Kenneth Robeson name is Paul Ernst, once again, and he delivered a solid second installment of the series.  The plot was fun if rather simple and straightforward.  It does its job as a follow-on to the origin story told in the first book, Justice, Inc. and serves as a good example of the kind of adventure that readers could expect in the stories to come.  It is probably best remembered for the introduction of the character, Nellie Grey, as the latest recruit to Benson’s stable of crime fighters.  Her small, pretty, and seemingly fragile physique disguises a mastery of jiu-jitsu and other martial arts.  She is a welcome addition to the group, and quite remarkable considering the male-dominated era in which this series was written (1939-1942).