“Trinity Flight” by Michigan author Mark Woodbury (Skyhigh Media, $10.99 paperback, $4.90 kindle) is a fascinating, mesmerizing book that deals with an important aspect of American history.
Subtitled “The First Atomic Veterans of World War II” - it’s not a novel – as the author notes in his introduction - “though the story is based on factual events, it is told using a blend of narrative and dialog.”
It’s the previously unpublished true story of three young Army Air Force pilots who were caught in the middle of the initial Manhattan Project above-ground testing of the nuclear bomb.
The focus shifts from the pilots to the scientists at Alamogordo N.M., changing viewpoints seamlessly, offering insights into the main characters - pilots, staff and scientists.
The aviators were in the wrong place at the worst possible time – flying unauthorized through a rainstorm on July 16th, 1945, at 5:29 AM, just as the world’s first atomic bomb was being detonated at the Trinity Test
Site.
Woodbury’s uncle, Frank Marecek, Jr., originally from Middleton MI, was the lead pilot on the night-time training flight.
His experiences preceding, during and after the doomed flight are smoothly relayed, providing many eye-opening details.
But that’s only part of the story – Marecek was a courageous survivor of radiation poisoning and had other physical problems; three of his children had birth defects.
Jim Lowells, one of the other pilots, faced different challenges, as did others who later flew in the doomed planes.
After decades of fear and secrecy, Marecek wanted the truth to be known; he testified in 1985 at House Veteran’s Affairs Committee in front of the assembled U.S. Congress in support of S707, the Atomic Relief Act of 1985.
As the Trinity Coordinator for the National Association of Atomic Veterans, his testimony was vivid and vital. Later, President Bush signed into law the Radiation Exposed Veterans Compensation Act.
Woodbury utilized audio-taped testimony as well as maps, flight logs and other documents to gain information and did considerable research.
Photographs are also included, offering images of the planes, pilots, bombs and more.
This compelling self-published book is exceptionally well told; it’s one that deserves to get national recognition and should be distributed by a major American publisher.
Copies are available from Amazon.com; the author can be reached at woodb585@cs.com.
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed books regularly since 1987.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Ray's Reviews: Mark Woodbury's Trinity Flight
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Ray's Reviews: The Chocolate Clown Corpse by JoAnna Carl
The Chocolate Clown Corpse” by JoAnna Carl (Obsidian, $22.95) is a delicious crime novel that’s set in the middle of winter in the small resort town of Warner Pier, MI.
It’s the fifteenth in her popular series showcasing Lee McKinney Woodyard, business manager of Ten Huis Chocolade, a deluxe chocolate shop with a great product and reputation.
Woodyard is getting ready for a busy March mid-winter promotion – this year it’s Clown Week, with lots of events showcasing clowns.
Moe Davidson, owner of the building next door to Ten Huis, was also gearing up for it; he ran a business called Clowning Around and frequently performed as a clown.
However, Davidson was not a happy fellow. Even though he was known as one of the town’s leading financial benefactors, he was not well- liked. When he turns up dead at his house, there’s one prime suspect - Royal Hollis - a local homeless man who confesses and is arrested.
Woodyard’s husband Joe, who works for a non-profit legal organization, is selected as Hollis’ defense attorney.
A month later, Davidson’s family members decide to sell the building. Woodyard is interested in buying it for the chocolate shop owners, who are away on a well-deserved vacation.
She takes a tour of the building and soon complications arise – Davidson’s widow is found unconscious.
While there are many challenging situations, Woodyard is in fine form, creating clown-themed candies and trying to find answers to numerous puzzling questions.
The local police aren’t interested in investigating any further – they consider the case solved, but the action intensifies.
There are many laugh-out loud scenes and the slippery, exciting conclusion is great fun.
The author has created a highly entertaining cozy mystery with a light touch and strong characterization. While this is the latest in her popular series, it also works well as a stand-alone crime novel.
Most of her earlier novels are available in paperback, including the “The Chocolate Book Bandit,” which deals with a murder in the town’s library.
It’s easy to get hooked on Carl’s mysteries – she even throws in bit of tasty chocolate trivia to get the reader more involved.
JoAnna Carl is the pseudonym of Eve K. Sandstrom, who lives in Oklahoma but spends her summers in Michigan.