The Beginning

by Frank Nutter

For 50 years a Top Secret Government Program has controlled the lives of 718 Vietnam Era Servicemen. The recent deaths of the RECALL Program Manager and his Secretary will lead Palmer Arnold on a journey that involves a conspiracy within the Highest levels in Department of Defense, National Security Agency, NASA and the Vatican.

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2019

About the author

My name is Frank Nutter, I retired from the Department of Defense in 2004. I was an internal auditor for over 30 years. I traveled all over the world and saw many interesting places.

After retiring, my wife, Nancy, and I became avid RVers. We have traveled back and forth across the United States at least four times and stayed at numerous RV Campgrounds on and off Military Bases.

I started writing in 2018. My daughter said I should write about the weird and strange things I have seen and felt throughout my life, so I did. "The Beginning" and "Redemption" set the stage for the final book in the trilogy, "Beyond Heaven".

The Trilogy is a story that progresses from a sleepy Appalachian childhood to a mysterious and danger-filled adulthood. The Vietnam War as a backdrop for experimentation, by whom? To what end? Government, aliens, and religious leaders conspiring or battling for supremacy? If you are interested in murder mysteries, and science fiction with a pinch of metaphysical you will enjoy “The Beginning & “Redemption”. Although mostly fiction, some events, and ideologies are based on fact and are embedded in the text to allow the reader to discern for themselves if there is any higher value and meaning for our existence.

Reviews

[Richard Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

No spoilers in this review, but facts about this story or I should say stories. A very well written book for the author's first novel of fiction. A designed journey upon divergent paths to a final destination with sideshows with discussions of religion, Vatican investigations about Roswell, finding an arrowhead on the moon and a vast array of government do's and don'ts agency talk.
A somewhat dense read but a must for the open-minded reader that enjoys government control and the increasing conspiracy theories.

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a fiction enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!

[NANCY NUTTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

I posted a review for Hanna Kat

I COULD BARELY CATCH MY BREATH WHILE READING THIS THRILLER!!!

Imagine reclining in a comfortable hammock, with a gentle ocean breeze rocking you slowly, and then a malevolent hand suddenly snatches you from the hammock and throws you onto the sand! That's the feeling I got while reading Frank Nutter's "The Beginning!" The reader is charmed with the sweet story of a boy growing up well-loved in an idyllic family home, where his biggest worry is being able to make his bologna and cheese sandwich, or whether UFOs are real. And the next thing we know he has an encounter with God HIMSELF, and the action continues from there to Vietnam, to a military hospital in Zama, Japan, to Bethesda, Maryland, and then the Pentagon. Just when I thought I couldn't process any more "mystery," the scene moves on to the beauty of an RV trip out west and I am again lulled into the story until a hooded figure is caught on the dashcam, and the mystery starts racing on-again, weaving a conspiracy through government agencies, where even the seemingly innocent are not what they seem ...! I could barely catch my breath while reading this thriller and I hope the remaining two books in the Trilogy will shed more light on what "The Beginning" has revealed. Read it!!!

[Frank Nutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Nutter hit it out of the park! He thoughtfully introduced each character and made you feel as though you’d known them all your life. Then left you hanging with an ending, that will have you rushing to start reading the second book in ‘The Life As You Know It Trilogy’ Redemption. I can’t wait!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading The Beginning felt like peeling back layers of a secret history we were never meant to see. The idea that a top secret government program could manipulate the lives of servicemen for fifty years gave me chills. Palmer Arnold’s determination reminded me of classic heroes who won’t quit, no matter the danger. What I loved most was how Nutter connects science, religion, and politics in ways that feel disturbingly possible. I finished the last chapter staring at the wall, thinking, What if this really happened?

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll admit, the first few chapters took their time setting up the backstory
but once the pieces started coming together, I couldn’t stop reading. Frank Nutter has a gift for turning complex ideas about government control and moral responsibility into something deeply emotional. The RECALL program’s hidden purpose and the shocking deaths that spark Palmer’s investigation were written with such tension that I found myself flipping pages well past midnight. A thought provoking thriller for anyone who enjoys uncovering hidden truths

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Intelligent, Riveting Story with Real Emotional Depth
What impressed me most about The Beginning wasn’t just the conspiracy though that part was fascinating it was how personal it felt. You can sense the pain, loyalty, and confusion of those caught up in this massive secret. Palmer Arnold isn’t a superhero; he’s human, flawed, and deeply curious. Frank Nutter did a phenomenal job weaving together the military, the Vatican, and the NSA without ever making it feel overcomplicated. Every scene felt alive. This book deserves way more attention than it’s getting.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterclass in Suspense and Intrigue
It’s been a long time since a thriller made me this paranoid in a good way The Beginning feels like The Da Vinci Code meets The Manchurian Candidate, but with a voice and energy all its own. I found myself highlighting passages and re reading sections just to catch every detail. The fact that the story spans fifty years makes it feel epic, yet the writing stays sharp and personal. If you like uncovering dark secrets buried inside the government or stories that make you question what’s real, this book is a must read.

[NIRA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beginning by Frank Nutter pulled me in from the very first chapter. The mix of government secrets, shadowy agencies, and a decades old conspiracy kept me glued to every page. I could almost feel Palmer Arnold’s frustration and determination as he unraveled layers of deceit reaching all the way to the Vatican. It’s the kind of thriller that makes you question what’s real and what’s hidden from us. Smartly written, fast paced, and full of tension I couldn’t put it down.

[Sandra Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible read! Frank Nutter’s The Beginning dives deep into a web of lies and cover ups that span half a century. The blend of military history, political intrigue, and moral conflict gave the story real weight. Palmer Arnold’s journey felt personal and raw, like a man trying to hold on to truth in a world built on secrets. Every chapter ended with a twist I didn’t see coming. This book reminded me why I love intelligent thrillers with heart.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beginning is one of those rare reads that pulls you in from the first few pages and refuses to let go. Frank Nutter brilliantly blends mystery, government secrets, and moral questions into a story that feels all too real. The layers of conspiracy tied to NASA, the Vatican, and the Department of Defense made my mind spin in a good way. It’s intense, emotional, and unforgettable.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t stop reading once I started. Palmer Arnold’s journey felt like watching truth unravel right in front of me. Every chapter added another shocking revelation. Frank Nutter’s attention to detail made me question what’s real and what’s hidden from us in real life. If you love deep government thrillers, this one’s a masterpiece.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me chills. The thought that 718 Vietnam servicemen could be part of a secret government experiment for decades it’s haunting and thought-provoking. The Beginning reads like a movie script full of emotion, mystery, and justice. Nutter’s writing is powerful, and the ending left me both stunned and moved.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Nutter really knows how to tell a story. I felt like I was walking beside Palmer Arnold, feeling his confusion, anger, and determination to uncover the truth. The mix of military history and political conspiracy felt authentic. This book doesn’t just entertain it makes you think deeply about loyalty, power, and corruption.

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up out of curiosity and ended up reading half the night. It’s gripping The secret government program, the deaths that start it all, and the shocking ties to major institutions made my heart race. Frank Nutter has a gift for storytelling that makes you believe every word could be true.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beginning is more than a thriller it’s an eye opener. The way Nutter connects military secrets with global power structures is just genius. The writing feels raw and emotional, especially when Palmer realizes how deep the lies go. I could feel his frustration and fear. This book is going to stay with me for a while.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Nutter delivers a page turner that blends history, politics, and humanity. What impressed me most was the realism every event, every conversation feels possible. It’s the kind of story that makes you question everything you thought you knew about government secrecy. I loved every twist and turn.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible From the first chapter, I was hooked. The tension keeps building, and by the time you reach the middle, you realize there’s no turning back. The plot feels like a puzzle slowly coming together, and the way it connects NASA, the Vatican, and the DoD is pure brilliance. Highly recommended

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best political thrillers I’ve read in years. The Beginning has that classic feel of truth hidden behind fiction. The story of the RECALL Program was so believable, it almost scared me. Frank Nutter’s writing feels personal, like he lived through these events himself. A remarkable read

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting to be this emotionally involved. Palmer Arnold’s character development was just perfect he’s flawed, determined, and real. The plot kept me guessing, and the historical connections made it even more powerful. Frank Nutter managed to combine heart, history, and suspense in one unforgettable story.