Book Jacket

 

rank 3163
word count 37901
date submitted 01.06.2010
date updated 01.06.2010
genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Thriller...
classification: universal
incomplete

BLINDED

Larry Woods Zoeller

Suspected of espionage, a team of code-breakers accepts a dangerous mission to clear themselves and learn Hitler’s secret plans to defeat the D-Day invasion.

 

Documents declassified after WWII revealed America’s ability to intercept conversations between Adolph Hitler and Japan’s Ambassador to Germany. This is the story of a brilliant but naïve team of cryptographers in Army uniform, at a secret base in Virginia, who broke the coded intercepts. Off duty, they are welcomed by the last of an old Virginia family at their idyllic estate. The idyll crumbles as they learn the dark side of this aristocratic and racist culture that ignores the war in favor of horses and fox hunting.

A month before D-Day, Tokyo abruptly switches to a new code. The enemy has discovered our deepest secret. With the team under suspicion and excluded, intelligence agencies scramble to break the new code while Eisenhower waits anxiously: Only the Ambassador’s reports can tell him if Hitler knows the chosen site, if Nazi tanks are massed to massacre the assault troops as they land

Then the legendary spymaster, “Wild Bill” Donovan, takes a chance on the team--if they agree to a dangerous mission. Will they give their lives to save the lives of thousands on the Normandy beaches? Even if they return, the question remains: Who is leaking intelligence to the enemy?

 
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tags

betrayal, code-breakers, combat, cryptography, espionage, historical, historical fiction, romance, secret agents, spies, suspense, world war ii

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44 comments

 

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markwoodburn wrote 225 days ago

This is a well-researched thriller with Allied code-breaking at its heart. The author has an authorative approach though very American from the viewpoint. Jack Higgins, Ted Allbeury etc etc made careers out of this type of story and it has a readibility that afficionados of the genre will find attractive. With tidying up here and there I could see this on a shop shelf somewhere. Well done, sir. Starred, regards, Mark

Iva P. wrote 519 days ago

This is a tasty dish for true historical fiction fans. Well-researched, informative and a good read. HF can't get any better.

Iva P.
Fame and Infamy

CurmudgeonJohn wrote 520 days ago

Hey Larry,

When is the rest coming? It is very good and now that you've got me hooked , you can't just leave me hanging.

John Lison

Phyllis Burton wrote 523 days ago

Hello Larry,

Well done - this is brilliant. Really good story telling...I too could see it as a film. Have no hesitation in backing this. Hope this does really well.

Phyllis
A PASSING STORM

lizjrnm wrote 564 days ago

Wow - move over Balducci! This truly has the makings of an epic movie - well crafted and talented writing a producer would love to get a hold of! backed 100%

Liz
The Cheech Room

eurodan49 wrote 566 days ago

This is a well crafted and research work. As someone with a little knowledge in the matter I can say “well done!”
The writing is competent and the pace brisk.
You’ve got my backing.

Famlavan wrote 566 days ago

First let me apologies, I backed your book after an initial read and have only just got round to commenting (been editing).

Great long pitch, drew me in!
My first impression was; this is well research and has depth.
I’m not a lover of prologues however yours is well crafted and works brilliantly. Also like how you set the time and place with your early narrative description especially around the purple machine. When time allows I will come back to this, it is a very good read! – Good luck.

WendyB wrote 569 days ago

The true story of the code-breakers was fascinating enough, but a fictional embroidery worked into its fabric...marvellous!

Great beginning...I will be reading more.

Wendy Bertsch
(Once More...From The Beginning)

DMR wrote 569 days ago

The title piqued my interest and the synopsis promises an intriguing read- first few chapters definitely set the mood and crank up the tension - nicely done! Backed with pleasure
Diane
Good Blood

Despinas1 wrote 580 days ago

Brilliant. Backed
Helen

Mooderino wrote 582 days ago

Interesting story and you appear to have a unique vantage point to tell it from.

In the first section (the bit in italics) you mention the Baron's relationship with Hitler, and then say how useful it was to know what was in his dispatches, but you seem to take for granted that the Allies had access to these dispatches. It felt like you missed a step out. Possibly I'm being dense but it wasn't clear to me that just because Hiroshi sent these messages that the Allies would then have access to them.

Also in that section the line 'before we could establish a beachhead' felt like it came a little too early and should have been placed after the clause 'would drive our troops back into the sea', although I may be mistaken. Didn't sound quite right to me as I read it.

You establish life around the PURPLE machine very well, and you present the main problem very quickly so things are off and running.

I wasn't too sure about the narrator. He doesn't have a PhD and is of low rank, but i'm not sure what his role was within the team. I'm sure this is made clear later, but at the moment he could be the tea boy for all I know (which may be how you want it for all I know).

Overall a very solid start to an intriguing tale. Backed.

delhui wrote 586 days ago

Dear Larry --

Blinded is a terrific blend of history, drama, and thriller; please consider adding in the category of historical fiction, as this story definitely fits the definitions. The contrasts between the code breakers' academic brilliance versus their less astute comprehension of Virginia society adds great subtext to the story, as well as providing a glimpse behind the propoganda of the time period that suggested all of American society worked in perfect concert to fight against the Nazis. Well-crafted and engaging, we're very happy to support Blinded. BACKED. -- Delhui, The Long Black Veil

zan wrote 594 days ago

BLINDED

Larry Woods Zoeller

Backed some days ago.
Very good pitches in my opinion. It might be useful to tag this as historical fiction as well. Well written, solid plot, and it reads like good literary fiction.
I am not doing in-depth reviews at the moment Larry. Present “real life” responsibilities make this impossible, including family responsibilites resulting from school vacation, and, I am also presently editing some of my pieces uploaded here. I have backed your book after reading your pitches alone or your pitches and first chapter upload because I was impressed by them and believe your book deserves an HC review. I do not do blind backings but always read some of the author’s work before backing. After some eleven months of being on this site, I have read and commented on about 450-500 books – maybe more, as many writers have withdrawn books from the site and it’s now difficult to keep track. If you would like a more detailed comment on your effort, do leave me a message and I will be happy to oblige when school starts up again and family responsibilites are lightened, or before that, if I have some available time. In the meantime, I was honoured to have given your book a spin on my shelf, genuinely believe it has wonderful potential and I wish you the best in finding a publisher. (I would of course be most grateful if you are able to spend a little time on mine.)
Best wishes and a happy summer to you and family.
Zan

zan wrote 594 days ago

BLINDED

Larry Woods Zoeller

Very good pitches in my opinion. It might be useful to tag this as historical fiction as well. Well written, solid plot, and it reads like good literary fiction.
I am not doing in-depth reviews at the moment Larry. Present “real life” responsibilities make this impossible, including family responsibilites resulting from school vacation, and, I am also presently editing some of my pieces uploaded here. I have backed your book after reading your pitches alone or your pitches and first chapter upload because I was impressed by them and believe your book deserves an HC review. I do not do blind backings but always read some of the author’s work before backing. After some eleven months of being on this site, I have read and commented on about 450-500 books – maybe more, as many writers have withdrawn books from the site and it’s now difficult to keep track. If you would like a more detailed comment on your effort, do leave me a message and I will be happy to oblige when school starts up again and family responsibilites are lightened, or before that, if I have some available time. In the meantime, I was honoured to have given your book a spin on my shelf, genuinely believe it has wonderful potential and I wish you the best in finding a publisher. (I would of course be most grateful if you are able to spend a little time on mine.)
Best wishes and a happy summer to you and family.
Zan

lbrammer1992 wrote 594 days ago

When I started to read this I struggled to believe it was fictional as you have made the story seem so realistic. This is a brilliant novel which emanently deserves publication. I would love to read the whole of your work but unfortunately at the current time I don't have the time but I hope to in the future. Could you have a look at my manuscript The Sacred Pool.

Laurence

stereotomy wrote 596 days ago

Though I haven't read the entire novel yet, I found the opening chapter captivating. There's a wonderful feeling of authenticity in this novel that very much appealed to me. I'll be looking forward to reading more.

Kevin Crockett wrote 600 days ago

Well-paced, incredibly detailed, and an engrossing read. Kept me up late, because I didn't want to stop reading.

Burgio wrote 603 days ago

BLINDED
This is an exciting story. I love this type of book: a rewriting of history gained from an old journal. I was surprised to learn all of this espionage and code breakage was going on in Virginia; as you say, that’s a big contrast against the peaceful countryside there. As I read, I kept thinking of this as a movie: the contrast between the setting of the team and the setting of Hitler would be great. Makes me suspect there’s an agent or a producer out there with the same thoughts. I’m adding this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

Cholly wrote 604 days ago

You have my vote! Good luck, Larry! ~~Char P (alias "Cholly")

Eveleen wrote 605 days ago

Backed.

lwzoeller wrote 606 days ago

Once in a while, I run across something that is so expertly done, there's not much to say. Your writing and story are riveting from the first word. The prologue letter sets the scene perfectly and already introduces things for the reader to anticipate and ponder (the notebooks, the Arundell sisters, etc.). Obviously well-researched (and in part, well-lived) and well-plotted. This reads like a finished, published work. Excellent.

---Mary
The Qualities of Wood



Thanks, Mary. That's really high praise. I just hope some publisher thinks so as well. I"ll take a look at your book tomorrow.

mvw888 wrote 606 days ago

Once in a while, I run across something that is so expertly done, there's not much to say. Your writing and story are riveting from the first word. The prologue letter sets the scene perfectly and already introduces things for the reader to anticipate and ponder (the notebooks, the Arundell sisters, etc.). Obviously well-researched (and in part, well-lived) and well-plotted. This reads like a finished, published work. Excellent.

---Mary
The Qualities of Wood

lwzoeller wrote 606 days ago

Hi Larry
You can't beat a classic war spy thriller and this is up there with the best of them. I immersed myself totally in the plot immediately. I didn't get chance to read the end but if it matches the beginning, you've got a real winner here.
DP Walker
Five Dares



Thanks for the support. I'll tke a look at your book and back it.

DP Walker wrote 607 days ago

Hi Larry
You can't beat a classic war spy thriller and this is up there with the best of them. I immersed myself totally in the plot immediately. I didn't get chance to read the end but if it matches the beginning, you've got a real winner here.
DP Walker
Five Dares

klouholmes wrote 608 days ago

Hi Larry, An incredible story! It’s so convincing, I had to go back and see if it wasn’t non-fiction. But then the scenes and descriptions of the code breakers was written with flair and had me immersed. I hadn’t realized that Americans were not going to eavesdrop in war – except that the Nazis had broken European war rules anyway. The conflict with the investigation, their not using “sir” when addressing an officer, twisted the whole thing in a believable way. It’s a page-turner! Easily shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

Kevin Crockett wrote 609 days ago
Telegraph wrote 609 days ago

You given created world that few every see or would get the chance too. You step into another time and a past that is filled allisions of what one might want us to see. Awesome read. C W

threestrikes wrote 609 days ago

This is an exceptional book. The characters are well-developed and the descriptions and dialogue are crisp. The story resonates all the more because it is based on a true, war-time situation that influenced the lives of many people. Great job.
Jon Payne

richardbasch wrote 609 days ago

Larry. glad to add my name to your list of fans.

You have my vote

Richard Basch

name falied moderation wrote 609 days ago

So Larry yet another thriller and I am getting to realize that this genre is one that I have missed out on most my life. However when the red gets good like this I feel that my heart is better for not reading. Brilliant at captivating your reader and keeping them bound to you and your characters SHELVED

Would you take the time to read some of my book and give me your feedback. All comments are always welcome, one can never get too much help. and if you like it please back it.
BACKED
BEST OF LUCK
Denise

fremont wrote 610 days ago

A wonderful, exciting book that grabs your attention and you can't wait to see what's coming next. Cryptography is one of my favorite subjects and it is interesting to see how it has evolved through the ages. I always love a suspense story weaving in and out of a true story. Knew you could do it, Larry!

BigB wrote 611 days ago

Awesome read......

ermalou wrote 612 days ago

This book grabbed and held my attention from beginning to end. You introduce me to an interesting and important world I would otherwise never have had a chance to know. Even though the work of code breaking is foreign to me, you made it easy to follow. I became emotionally and intellectual involved and couldn't wait to see what happened. Thanks for such a good read!
Ermalou

Andrew Burans wrote 612 days ago

Your prologue, you didn't call it that though, sets up your book perfectly. What you have posted so far is well written, well paced and I like your use of the first person narrative. Your use of imagery is excellent, your historical perspective is percise and intriguing all making your finely crafted story a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Barry Wenlock wrote 613 days ago

Hi Larry,
This is a really tremendous thriller. I see it's not classed as historical fiction but it sure reads like it. Your You story seems well-researched, the characters are realistically depicted and the dialogue is well delivered. Backed for a very enjoyable read.
Best wishes, Barry
Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys

AuthorTom wrote 613 days ago

Backed with confidence! Tom Ryerson (Carnal Wreckage)

Jim Darcy wrote 613 days ago

Great characters and plenty of action tied to real events. Very popular genre and this appears to be well researched. Multifaceted too, which gives plenty of potential readers.
Good luck with this.
Jim Darcy
The Firelord's Crown

SusieGulick wrote 613 days ago

Dear Larry, I love your intriguing story of which I was not even aware of - how could this be hidden from the public - I guess that's what the secret service/KJB, etc is all about - amazing, your story. :) Thank you for taking the time to let me know what was done behind closed doors. God bless you. :) Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your pitch, which was very well done. :) Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "backing" your book. :) "When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"...authonomy quote. :) Please "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)
additional authonomy quote: "Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs." :)

eloraine wrote 614 days ago

Really great, good luck with it. E.Loraine Royal Blood Chronicles book one

Roger Thurling wrote 614 days ago

I would normally avoid any book which claimed to be a 'thriller', but this one also has claims to be lit fic.
It is careful, detailed and thorough, and shows either a great deal of careful research, or an amazingly fertile imagination. For those who enjoy thrillers, particularly thrillers based on our recent military history, this is a 'very good buy'.
RT

lwzoeller wrote 614 days ago

Welcome aboard, Larry. This website will improve your writing craft, if you allow it. I'm a bit of a pitch doctor, having read thousands of pitches in my time on this website, so I want to share my insight here with you. You have to think of your pitches as your sales tool to grab the casual reader's eyes. Congrats - both pitches work which is rare for a newbie. Perfecting your pitches is how you climb in ranking to gather more exposure and comments to better your novel. The writing is good so I am SHELVING you.

Though I have been a very active member for over a year and have the most commented book on the website, I can still use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Every little bit helps. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

soutexmex wrote 615 days ago

Welcome aboard, Larry. This website will improve your writing craft, if you allow it. I'm a bit of a pitch doctor, having read thousands of pitches in my time on this website, so I want to share my insight here with you. You have to think of your pitches as your sales tool to grab the casual reader's eyes. Congrats - both pitches work which is rare for a newbie. Perfecting your pitches is how you climb in ranking to gather more exposure and comments to better your novel. The writing is good so I am SHELVING you.

Though I have been a very active member for over a year and have the most commented book on the website, I can still use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Every little bit helps. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

Melcom wrote 615 days ago

Larry, this is an absolutely stunning read. I was drawn to your book from your pitch and my interest didn't waiver for a second after that. I love reading about the war and all the conspiracy theories surrounding it, I live in Normandy 30 mins from the landing beaches so it means a great deal to read accounts like yours.

Very happily shelved as I believe this WILL get published.
Melxx
Impeding Justice

yasmin esack wrote 615 days ago

WOW! EXCITING STUFF, THIS IS A BLOCK BUSTER MEGA HIT

BACKED AND HUMBLED
THE LORD OF THE DAWN

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