Titanic 2012
Author: Bill Walker
Published: January 17, 2012
Publisher: Bill Walker Designs
Cemetery Dance Productions (ebook)
Pages: 286
Genre: Mystery/Romance
ISBN 9780615592398
Source: a copy was provided by the author and Partners In Crime virtual book tours in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my opinion nor this review.
SYNOPSIS: Best-selling mystery novelist Trevor Hughes has no idea that attending his twentieth reunion at Harvard will forever change his life.
Persuaded to go by his on-again-off-again girlfriend, Dr. Julia Magnusson, he meets up with three old friends: Solly Rubens, a self-made Wall Street millionaire; Ken Faust, a successful software entrepreneur; and Harlan Astor, New York real estate tycoon and the glue that holds their circle together.
That afternoon, over drinks at the Harvard Club, Harlan drops his bombshell: He is doing what James Cameron did not -- he is rebuilding the Titanic, and sailing the ship on the hundredth anniversary to honor those who died, including his great-grandfather, John Jacob Astor IV. Only Trevor is intrigued by Harlan's audacity. Touched by his friend's interest and concern, Harlan invites him on the maiden voyage to serve as the official chronicler.
On April 10, 2012, Trevor journeys to Southampton and, along with the hundreds of handpicked passengers, boards the Titanic. He is awed by the immensity of the ship and the feelings that well up in him. His friend has made his grand dream a reality.
During the journey, armed with his iPod Touch and a miniature wireless camera hidden in his glasses, Trevor interviews both passengers and crew, eager to learn the reasons why they chose to sail on the reborn ship.
Nearly every one of them claims to have been profoundly affected by Cameron's film, wanting to recapture the magic for themselves. And some of them are dying -- their last wish to be on the maiden voyage of the new Titanic.
Trevor is touched that his friend has allowed these people to come aboard, and is unprepared when he meets Madeleine Regehr, a beautiful, free-spirited woman who resists his entreaties to be interviewed, intriguing Trevor all the more. Slowly, and inexorably, Maddy draws him out of his shell, allowing him to love deeply and completely, for the very first time in his life.
But Trevor soon discovers a darker purpose for the voyage, a purpose that threatens to destroy him and the woman he loves. In a race against time that pits friend against friend, Trevor must stop the unstoppable or
risk a horrific replay of history...Persuaded to go by his on-again-off-again girlfriend, Dr. Julia Magnusson, he meets up with three old friends: Solly Rubens, a self-made Wall Street millionaire; Ken Faust, a successful software entrepreneur; and Harlan Astor, New York real estate tycoon and the glue that holds their circle together.
That afternoon, over drinks at the Harvard Club, Harlan drops his bombshell: He is doing what James Cameron did not -- he is rebuilding the Titanic, and sailing the ship on the hundredth anniversary to honor those who died, including his great-grandfather, John Jacob Astor IV. Only Trevor is intrigued by Harlan's audacity. Touched by his friend's interest and concern, Harlan invites him on the maiden voyage to serve as the official chronicler.
On April 10, 2012, Trevor journeys to Southampton and, along with the hundreds of handpicked passengers, boards the Titanic. He is awed by the immensity of the ship and the feelings that well up in him. His friend has made his grand dream a reality.
During the journey, armed with his iPod Touch and a miniature wireless camera hidden in his glasses, Trevor interviews both passengers and crew, eager to learn the reasons why they chose to sail on the reborn ship.
Nearly every one of them claims to have been profoundly affected by Cameron's film, wanting to recapture the magic for themselves. And some of them are dying -- their last wish to be on the maiden voyage of the new Titanic.
Trevor is touched that his friend has allowed these people to come aboard, and is unprepared when he meets Madeleine Regehr, a beautiful, free-spirited woman who resists his entreaties to be interviewed, intriguing Trevor all the more. Slowly, and inexorably, Maddy draws him out of his shell, allowing him to love deeply and completely, for the very first time in his life.
But Trevor soon discovers a darker purpose for the voyage, a purpose that threatens to destroy him and the woman he loves. In a race against time that pits friend against friend, Trevor must stop the unstoppable or
My Review:
An invitation to be on an exact replica of the Titanic is how it all begins for Trevor as his good friend Harlon Astor, a descendent of the famous John Jacob Astor who was on the original Titanic, has decided to take on the challenge. Apparently Harlon has spared no expense in duplicating the famous liner. Even the captain is a good look-a-like of Captain Smith.
For Trevor, the new Titanic is a book to write, for Harlan it's legacy and something more...destiny. And as Trevor interviews the passengers and crew, he discovers something they all have in common. What begins as a commemorative journey, becomes something far more....something somewhat eerie.
Titanic 2012 was difficult to put down. I was immersed in the story with all its surprises. Bill Walker captivates in his descriptive narrative which flows from beginning to end, seamlessly binding the past to the present. Character development is on par, allowing the reader to feel they know the individuals as their stories unfold. Being a Titanic buff for decades, I enjoyed the attention to every minute detail as seen through Trevor's eyes as he toured the Titanic. Fabulous imagery!
The twist was expected and yet not! Astor has a surprising agenda which rather blew me away! I enjoyed every minute of the journey!
For all Titanic buffs, this is a MUST READ!!
Warning: deity expletives are abundant
AUTHOR BIO: A graduate of Emerson College's prestigious film school, Bill wrote and directed his first feature film, Pawn, while still a student. After graduation, he co-founded Newbury Filmworks, Inc., an award-winning production company renowned for making high-quality corporate films and commercials.
In 1990, Bill relocated to Los Angeles, and began a freelance story analysis career for various studios and independent production companies, while devoting his spare time to the writing of novels, short stories, and screenplays. He is also a highly-respected graphic designer, specializing in book and dust jacket design. He has worked on books by such luminaries as: Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, Dean Koontz, and Stephen King. In addition, Bill is a member of the Authors Guild.
He has won awards for his screenwriting, his two short story collections for Mid-Graders, Five-Minute Frights and Five-Minute Chillers, are perennial Halloween favorites, and his first novel, Titanic 2012 was enthusiastically received by readers. His second novel, Camp Stalag was released in 2001. Bill lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Debbie, and their sons, Jeffrey and Brian.
In 1990, Bill relocated to Los Angeles, and began a freelance story analysis career for various studios and independent production companies, while devoting his spare time to the writing of novels, short stories, and screenplays. He is also a highly-respected graphic designer, specializing in book and dust jacket design. He has worked on books by such luminaries as: Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, Dean Koontz, and Stephen King. In addition, Bill is a member of the Authors Guild.
He has won awards for his screenwriting, his two short story collections for Mid-Graders, Five-Minute Frights and Five-Minute Chillers, are perennial Halloween favorites, and his first novel, Titanic 2012 was enthusiastically received by readers. His second novel, Camp Stalag was released in 2001. Bill lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Debbie, and their sons, Jeffrey and Brian.
AUTHOR SITES: website: www.billwalkernovels.com
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Fantastic review and post. Good job!! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your terrific review. It's very much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to have had the opportunity to read Titanic 2012. Bill, I am thrilled you stopped by and commented today!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, thanks! I loved being a part of this tour!
Thanks for review, it sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteBrandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
Brandileigh2003, thanks for stopping by. Titanic 2012 truly was an exciting story!
ReplyDeleteVery nice post. Great job..
ReplyDelete'Titanic 2012' sounds immensely interesting! John Jacob Astor IV!? Really cool!
ReplyDelete