The Sentinels: Voices Behind the Curtain

The Sentinels #3

by Gordon Zuckerman

In 1946, peak military industrial contracting has been cut by 400 billion dollars. Some of the same industrial organizations responsible for creating a military arsenals capable of supplying six different wars on four separate continents have become concerned. The economic impact of converting their-war time manufacturing to peace-time production represents risks they are not willing to accept. A consortium of these companies determine they must find a new way to restore the lost military contracting. Their plan calls for them to manipulate the Congressional military appropriations process for their own self-interests.

Hearing of the plot, the Sentinels decide to challenge. "Voices Behind the Curtain" is a story about powerful and resourceful people, those who endeavor to implement their plan of corruption, and those who oppose.

Jacques Roth and Mike Stone return to lead the Sentinel opposition and devise a plan capable of opposing one of the world's largest conglomerates.

Meet Miss Mercedes, a former Miss Universe winner, who's ambition to become a celebrated actress have led to her downfall. Follow her life as she re-invents herself and influence those around her.

Natalie Cummins, the retired star of the London and New York musical stages, is determined to use her entertainment experience to find British employment for "Back Listed" Hollywood actors, writers and directors.

Marco Tanfredi and Don Cerreta, two second-generation Sicilians, who have learned to it is necessary to resist the 'temptations of the street', if they wish to pursue their American Dream"

The reader is allowed to ride side-saddle with these principal characters as they proceed to protect the integrity of Congressional Appropriations process. Their journey leads them through the entertainment industry in Mexico, Southern California, London and New York.

232 pages, Hardcover

First published July 31, 2015

Reviews

[Shirley Kingery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is third in a trilogy and is a historical political thriller that exposes the levels of greed and corruption that led to WWII and that exist to this day. Though it is the third book in The Sentinels trilogy, it is perfectly effective as a stand alone story (I have not read the first two books in the series yet). The plots are intricately woven in an international web of deceit and intrigue, taking place not long after WWII. The Sentinels are a group of six highly educated men and women who have banded together to try to keep corruption and fascism at bay and prevent future global wars. They have the background, expertise and wherewithal to pull if off, too! I kept being reminded of a Marvel superhero team, with intellect as their superpower. Reading the book gave me a bittersweet feeling, because so many of the details of the corruption, greed and disintegration of our Democracy, the corruption that has led to the out of control spending on the military, and Congressional corruption that we now witness every day ring true and are based on facts, though the story itself is fictional. Unfortunately, we have no Super Heroes, such as The Sentinels; to step in and save us.

It's a highly entertaining read and I wholeheartedly recommend it. I received this book through the Library Thing Early Reviewers program, and am glad to have been introduced to The Sentinel trilogy. I'm definitely planning on reading the first two books in the series.

[John Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voices Behind the Curtain is a good book by Gordon Zuckerman. This is the third book in the Sentinels series. It is set in the late 1940's after the two earlier books. The story has two plot lines that are somewhat interlinked as far as the characters, but there is only a minor linkage in the story and the book keeps switching between the plot lines.

The first and I think the primary plot is about a group of American industrialists after the end of WWII are looking for ways to continue manufacturing arms and equipment. They are linked in a plot to elect Congressmen and Senators that are favorable to increasing the military contracts. The second plot line revolves around using Congress to get the American people up in arms over the Communists to support their argument for more military spending. This is being done through the House Unamerican Activities committee in Congress to bring celebrities and other famous people who may have liberal leanings before hearings. Then using these hearings to get them blacklisted from jobs. The Sentinels are fighting both of these plots.

It is a good read. The story does not require reading the two earlier books to be able to follow along with who the Sentinels are and what their motives are. The author spends enough time filling you in on the their past activities.

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have you ever been talking to someone, they’re so boring that you sort of zone out and miss part of the conversation? And the longer they talk, the more annoyed you get? That is the best way to describe reading this book. I couldn’t wait for it to end. There were a few times when I thought it was going to go somewhere, but it really didn’t. I had high hopes for this, and it has decent reviews, but it was definitely not for me..

[Bridgett Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a ok book. I think if you like political thriller type genre then you will enjoy this book. It's told in the 3rd person and 230 pages. I read it in 2 hours. I'm not a big reader of this genre, but it wasn't bad. maybe a little slow for me.

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a good read in the political thriller type genre.

[Lorie Rice ossman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the premise of the book, but the flow of the book was at times difficult to follow. The book did make me wonder if there really was a “Sentinels” group behind the scenes post WWII.

[F.J. Soto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think if you like political thriller type genre then you will enjoy this book. It's told in the 3rd person and 230 pages. I read it in 2 hours. I'm not a big reader of this genre, but it wasn't bad. maybe a little slow for me.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book involving the Sentinels, a group. Book 1 is Fortunes of War and book 2 is Crude Deception. I have not read books 1 and 2 but this can be read as a stand alone.
List of characters are at the beginning which was very helpful.
The dates in the book are 1948-1950.
Basically a group wants to "use your wealth and influence to circumvent well established congressional approval procedures". page 226.
Each chapter has a title so easy to follow the characters and details of the chapters, which are short.
It is a hard book to describe without saying what is happening and have spoilers. The book is described as a Historical Thriller and it is political.
One of the best books I have read in a long time. I will get books 1 and 2 and read them and probably then re-read book 3.
I won a complimentary book from the author and LibraryThing and want to thank them for introducing me to a new author (to me). The opinions are my own.
www.gordonzuckerman.com

[Hazelj jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book on a giveaway on Good reads ....I just could not get into this book as hard as i try ..I can see there was much hard work put into this book .But I could not finish reading it .The author needs to put more into his book. .It needs help .
I have never given a bad review of any book I have ever read .,but this book ( I am sorry to say ) just could not hold my attention .