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Detonators: The Secret Plot to Destroy America and an Epic Hunt for Justice
One hundred years ago, in July 1916, an act of terrorism in New York Harbor changed the world. The attack in New York Harbor was so explosive that people as far away as Maryland felt the ground shake. Windows were blown out uptown at the New York Public Library; the main building at Ellis Island was nearly destroyed; Statue of Liberty was torn into by shrapnel from the explosion, which would have measured 5.5 on the Richter scale. Chaos overtook Manhattan as the midnight sky turned to fire, lit up with exploding ammunition. The year was 1916. And it had been shockingly easy. While war raged in Europe, Americans watched from afar, unthreatened by the danger overseas. Yet the United States was riddled with networks of German spies hiding in plain sight. The attack on New York Harbor was only one part of their secret anthrax facilities were located just ten miles from the White House; bombs were planted on ships, hidden in buildings, and mailed to the country's civic and business leaders; and an underground syndicate helped potential terrorists obtain fake IDs, housing, and money. President Woodrow Wilson knew an attack of this magnitude was possible, and yet nothing was done to stop it. Americans, feeling buffered by miles of ocean and burgeoning prosperity, had ignored the mounting threat. That all changed on a warm summer evening in late July, when the island in New York Harbor called Black Tom exploded, setting alight a vast store of munitions destined for the front.Three American lawyers -- John McCloy, Amos Peaslee, and Harold Martin -- made it their mission to solve the Black Tom mystery. Their hunt for justice would take them undercover to Europe, deep into the shadowy world of secret agents and double-crosses, through the halls of Washington and the capitals of Europe. It would challenge their beliefs in right and wrong. And they would discover a sinister plot so vast it could hardly have been imagined -- a conspiracy that stretched from downtown Manhattan to the very heart of Berlin. The Detonators is the first full accounting of a crime and a cover-up that resonate strongly in a post-9/11 America. And much of the atmosphere and rhetoric in play 100 years ago remains eerily similar to discussions surrounding national security and immigration today. As Millman deftly illustrates in The Detonators, an island may have disappeared, but the resulting lessons have only grown stronger and more urgent, and history has a persistent way of stirring up its ghosts. This is their story. "A gripping account of conspiracy." -- New York Times "A ready-made suspense thriller." -- Boston Globe "Exhaustively researched... fascinating." -- Entertainment Weekly, 50 Hot Summer Books
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 21, 2018
I had read Henry Landau's book THE ENEMY WITHIN (1937), but was disappointed that it ended before the Mixed Claims Commission came to a decision. (Talk about a cliff hanger!!) I didn't want to just google what happened, so I picked up THE DETONATORS. It filled in what happened in the period of time that Landau's book left off.
For those looking to expand on part one of the book--The German spy network & their nefarious deeds, and The Black Tom explosion & those who took part in it--I suggest Howard Blum's DARK INVASION 1915. For me, this was the perfect way to cap off what I had read previously, & I for one, am glad that part two was as detailed as it was. Hard to believe that when justice was finally served in 1939, we'd be on the brink of war all over again.
For those looking to expand on part one of the book--The German spy network & their nefarious deeds, and The Black Tom explosion & those who took part in it--I suggest Howard Blum's DARK INVASION 1915. For me, this was the perfect way to cap off what I had read previously, & I for one, am glad that part two was as detailed as it was. Hard to believe that when justice was finally served in 1939, we'd be on the brink of war all over again.
April 5, 2022
Whilst the book is engaging and informative, Millman's writing fails to live up to the "epic hunt for justice" on the title. The legal case half whilst I appreciated the breadth of the coverage got a little bogged down by the personal stories of McCloy and the others involved, leading it to drag a little. Still worth a read if you're wanting to learn about the German sabotage in America around the time of World War 1.
May 17, 2017
'The Detonators: The Secret Plot to Destroy America and an Epic Hunt for Justice' by Chad Millman is an historical account of an act of sabotage, and the years it took a group of lawyers to get Germany to take responsibility.
During World War I, before the USA was in the war, we were helping to send supplies to England. The German government put a plan in place to sabotage Black Tom Island in New York in order to disrupt these shipments. The first part of the book recounts this. The immigrant German population, and how they were recruited. This section finishes with the completion of their plan.
The bulk of the rest of the book follows the case the US Government made trying to prove that Germany was involved. As evidence is found and a case is built, Germany finds ways to evade. John McCloy was the determined young lawyer who never gave up, even though others around him did.
This was a fascinating look at an incident that I wasn't even aware of. I loved the way the book was put together. The end of the book includes photos of the principal people and pictures depicting the evidence and the damage to the island. There are extensive notes for every chapter.
It's a good combination of spy thriller and court intrigue. I really enjoyed reading this book.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Little, Brown and Company, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
During World War I, before the USA was in the war, we were helping to send supplies to England. The German government put a plan in place to sabotage Black Tom Island in New York in order to disrupt these shipments. The first part of the book recounts this. The immigrant German population, and how they were recruited. This section finishes with the completion of their plan.
The bulk of the rest of the book follows the case the US Government made trying to prove that Germany was involved. As evidence is found and a case is built, Germany finds ways to evade. John McCloy was the determined young lawyer who never gave up, even though others around him did.
This was a fascinating look at an incident that I wasn't even aware of. I loved the way the book was put together. The end of the book includes photos of the principal people and pictures depicting the evidence and the damage to the island. There are extensive notes for every chapter.
It's a good combination of spy thriller and court intrigue. I really enjoyed reading this book.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Little, Brown and Company, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
December 16, 2019
Very interesting book, almost like two books.
The "First" book sets the stage, and leads to the horrific explosion that summer night in 1916. Good narrative and details, a nice history. The "Second" book covers the hunt for evidence and the trial that eventually took place, and is slightly boring in comparison, but tells a good story nonetheless.
I work at Ellis Island so I enjoyed a look into our history that I did not know a lot about.
The "First" book sets the stage, and leads to the horrific explosion that summer night in 1916. Good narrative and details, a nice history. The "Second" book covers the hunt for evidence and the trial that eventually took place, and is slightly boring in comparison, but tells a good story nonetheless.
I work at Ellis Island so I enjoyed a look into our history that I did not know a lot about.
October 6, 2017
first half -- fantastic
second half --- lost its way and far far too slow
second half --- lost its way and far far too slow
October 3, 2023
I wanted to like this book. It was a little dry and hard to follow, though.
May 5, 2024
Very interesting. Great detail.
March 2, 2017
On July 16, 1916 - while the Allied and Central forces waged war in Europe and the Americans remained (technically) neutral -- Black Tom Island in New York Harbor - the home of the largest munitions depot in the country - exploded with what has since been determined to be the power of a 5.5 earthquake. The Statue of Liberty was pelted with shrapnel, hundreds of windows were blown out in both New York and New Jersey, and people as far away as Maryland felt the ground shake. And, it was a deliberate act of sabotage perpetrated by German agents.
This book is easily divided into two parts.
Part One is the tale of the Germans' efforts to build a sabotage network in America and their efforts to blow up factories, encourage work stoppages, and other efforts to hinder American companies that sold supplies to the Allied forces. These efforts culminated in the destruction of Black Tom Island.
This section of the book moves very quickly and reads almost like a novel - although it is notated to show historical sources. The German and German-Americans sometimes have very similar names so I had to be careful keeping track of everyone, but otherwise it was a quick and enjoyable read.
Part Two is about the legal effort to prove that the German government was responsible for the sabotage and the effort to get war reparations for the companies that suffered losses due to the saboteurs' efforts.
This section of the book is less thrilling and moves more methodically. If you don't care for bureaucratic and legal wrangling, you could probably just skip this section and be satisfied with what you've read.
However, if - like me - you like getting into the historical guts of the story this section is also very informative and well written.
Finally, the book wraps up with how the case shaped the views of important government officials in the lead-up to World War II, and how the fear of another "Black Tom" indirectly lead to their acceptance - even endorsement - of the internment of Japanese-Americans.
I very much enjoyed reading about this largely forgotten episode in American history.
This book is easily divided into two parts.
Part One is the tale of the Germans' efforts to build a sabotage network in America and their efforts to blow up factories, encourage work stoppages, and other efforts to hinder American companies that sold supplies to the Allied forces. These efforts culminated in the destruction of Black Tom Island.
This section of the book moves very quickly and reads almost like a novel - although it is notated to show historical sources. The German and German-Americans sometimes have very similar names so I had to be careful keeping track of everyone, but otherwise it was a quick and enjoyable read.
Part Two is about the legal effort to prove that the German government was responsible for the sabotage and the effort to get war reparations for the companies that suffered losses due to the saboteurs' efforts.
This section of the book is less thrilling and moves more methodically. If you don't care for bureaucratic and legal wrangling, you could probably just skip this section and be satisfied with what you've read.
However, if - like me - you like getting into the historical guts of the story this section is also very informative and well written.
Finally, the book wraps up with how the case shaped the views of important government officials in the lead-up to World War II, and how the fear of another "Black Tom" indirectly lead to their acceptance - even endorsement - of the internment of Japanese-Americans.
I very much enjoyed reading about this largely forgotten episode in American history.
August 13, 2012
"Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it", to take liberties with Santayana's original quote, is a very appropriate starting thought for readers of The Detonators.
Author Chad Millman tells in two parts the story of the sabotage of Black Tom Island in the New York Harbor on the 'Jersey Side'. This huge act of wartime sabotage, today we'd probably scream terrorism, did an incredible amount of damage, and even left an imprint on the geology of the area such that it appears that a 5+ Magnitude earthquake occurred!
The first part of the story tells of the conspirators from Germany and the U.S. who bribed guards, developed new explosive devices, and ultimately blew up a shipping depot/dock area by igniting munitions ready for shipment to war torn Europe during World War I. Diplomats, bankers, and businessmen were involved and they recruited working class German-Americans to do the actual deed. Little did they know that the British were intercepting telegrams(cables) that would haunt them after the war when financial remunerations was sought.
The second part of the book documents the war reparations efforts by Americans for the Black Tom explosion. Intriguing biographical information is included that explains the motivation of the lawyers/agents who would pursue the case for over two decades and finally come to terms with the government in Germany then being overrun by the Nazi's.
The Black Tom explosion wasn't the only act of destruction that occurred. There were dozens of factories and depots burned and bombed, but Black Tom would be the standout. In fact it was so astonishing that for some time most in the public were not only unaware of its origins, but would not believe until later that it had indeed been the act of a foreign power. It was an act of war during a time when the U.S. had been neutral.
The lessons that should have been learned took more sabotage at the beginning of WWII to remind the U.S. of what could happen again. The primary lawyer/agent in charge of the investigation in fact was charged by President Roosevelt with preventing it from happening during the Second World War. One of the controversial outcomes was internment of U.S. citizens with recent foreign origin or origin from an enemy nation!
Well documented if overly detailed in most places. Some inventiveness in possible conversation or quotation from official sources. Very intriguing biographical stories about several of the prime players in this event adds to the overall readability of this historical work.
Author Chad Millman tells in two parts the story of the sabotage of Black Tom Island in the New York Harbor on the 'Jersey Side'. This huge act of wartime sabotage, today we'd probably scream terrorism, did an incredible amount of damage, and even left an imprint on the geology of the area such that it appears that a 5+ Magnitude earthquake occurred!
The first part of the story tells of the conspirators from Germany and the U.S. who bribed guards, developed new explosive devices, and ultimately blew up a shipping depot/dock area by igniting munitions ready for shipment to war torn Europe during World War I. Diplomats, bankers, and businessmen were involved and they recruited working class German-Americans to do the actual deed. Little did they know that the British were intercepting telegrams(cables) that would haunt them after the war when financial remunerations was sought.
The second part of the book documents the war reparations efforts by Americans for the Black Tom explosion. Intriguing biographical information is included that explains the motivation of the lawyers/agents who would pursue the case for over two decades and finally come to terms with the government in Germany then being overrun by the Nazi's.
The Black Tom explosion wasn't the only act of destruction that occurred. There were dozens of factories and depots burned and bombed, but Black Tom would be the standout. In fact it was so astonishing that for some time most in the public were not only unaware of its origins, but would not believe until later that it had indeed been the act of a foreign power. It was an act of war during a time when the U.S. had been neutral.
The lessons that should have been learned took more sabotage at the beginning of WWII to remind the U.S. of what could happen again. The primary lawyer/agent in charge of the investigation in fact was charged by President Roosevelt with preventing it from happening during the Second World War. One of the controversial outcomes was internment of U.S. citizens with recent foreign origin or origin from an enemy nation!
Well documented if overly detailed in most places. Some inventiveness in possible conversation or quotation from official sources. Very intriguing biographical stories about several of the prime players in this event adds to the overall readability of this historical work.
November 22, 2008
I really liked the first 100 pages of this book. It takes you into the time of World War I. The United States was technically a neutral country, but we were supplying all sorts of weapons to England and France. Germany had a spy network in the United States, and they destroyed munition factories, injected Europe-bound horses and mules with deadly germs including anthrax, and they blew up Black Tom. Black Tom was a large munitions depot that was located on an island by the Statue of Liberty, and it was the last stop for weapons before they made their way to Western Europe. The Black Tom explosion registered a 5.5 on the Richter Scale, and it only killed five people as there was hardly no one on its island. After World War I, Germany and the United States litigated many different cases, to right the parties that were wronged during the war. The rest of the book talked about the 15-year trial that finally determined Germany's guilt with the Black Tom explosion. The trial or should I say trials were not all that interesting and very drawn out. This book taught me more about history, but it certainly is a book of two halves.
May 6, 2008
This book suffered from the halves. The first half, about German sabotage inside the U.S. during WWI, was a detailed, interesting look at events that don't get the kind of rememberance they deserve. I was fascinated to find out about the German Naval boats that were forced to dock in the NYC Harbor from the start of the war until the U.S. declaration of war.
However, things really slowed down in the second half. I can appreciate the tenacity of the lawyers that finally got Germany to pay for damages incurred in a sabotage case but really, lawyers filing briefs, waiting a year, filing more briefs, waiting a year, etc. is dull. And reading about lawyers filing briefs and waiting is even more dull. The characters in the second half were also dull. Millman tries to give a rounder profile to one of the lawyers via his wive's desire to have children, which led to an odd section about her fallopian tubes. Why should I care this? I would have loved it if the book stayed in WWI.
However, things really slowed down in the second half. I can appreciate the tenacity of the lawyers that finally got Germany to pay for damages incurred in a sabotage case but really, lawyers filing briefs, waiting a year, filing more briefs, waiting a year, etc. is dull. And reading about lawyers filing briefs and waiting is even more dull. The characters in the second half were also dull. Millman tries to give a rounder profile to one of the lawyers via his wive's desire to have children, which led to an odd section about her fallopian tubes. Why should I care this? I would have loved it if the book stayed in WWI.
December 23, 2012
wikipedia: The Black Tom explosion on July 30 1916, in Jersey City was an act of sabotage on American ammunition supplies by German agents to prevent the material from being used by the Allies in WWI. The weak prosecution of German involvement continuing to the years 32-36 perhaps empowered a growing tyranical German government to presume a weak US--a classic story of how tyrants react to wimpy leadership (Britain in late 30's, 911, etc), story of german immigration to US, birth of intelligence orgs, British success breaking german codes, use of cigar box bombs, the 20's with gin and sex theme, gmac enabled more cars, in 29 German unemployment went from 650K to 3M, prudent to bring to justice, right is right and wrong is wrong, the newspapers-LA times amped up support to intern US citizens in japanese internment camps done by FDR.
December 7, 2012
A telling book that takes one from pre WW I America to the opening of the Olympic Games in Berlin in 1936. Many twists, turns, and shocking events along the way. One very ignorant President Wilson ignored many telling signs, not only in NYC but across the country. The evidence is overwhelming. If you like intrigue, mystery, digging for the truth and positive resolutions then you will love this book. One name in this book ironically enough has circled through many of the sorts of books I read on the Second World War. I am simply still taken by this very well researched, well written book.
March 11, 2009
A fairly good read about and almost forgotten chapter of American History in WWI. Millman does a good job recounting the events before and after the Black Tom explosion and weaves an interesting tale. Reads more like a novel than a history book. A bit choppy in places, but well worth the time.
February 14, 2007
Good book about German sabotage in America before America's entry into World War I
October 11, 2009
rather plodding and clichéd writing, but it's about the legal case my grandfather tried (and solved) which is a good story.
December 23, 2010
it got bogged down a little in the minutia of the cases, when I was more interested in the first part detailing the plot.
June 3, 2016
Thanks to netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews