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Todd Ingram #3
When Duty Whispers Low
It's 1943, and the U.S. Navy is caught in a fierce battle against the Japanese in the South Pacific. At stake, is the Allies' newly won Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. But Isoroku Yamamoto, admiral of the Combined Fleet and architect of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, desperately wants Guadalcanal back and prepares to launch a series of bombing raids in the Solomons.
In response, the Allies introduce the proximity fuse to the fleet-a top-secret antiaircraft detonator that can greatly assist the U.S. Navy in their fight against Japanese dive-bombers and torpedo planes. But in the heat of combat, Commander Jerry Landa refuses to use the fuse, and the USS Howell is torn in half. Lieutenant Commander Todd Ingram confronts Landa, questioning his authority. As the two become enemies in the midst of war, Yamamoto directs the raids that will return him to the glory of December 7, 1941-raids that will facilitate the recapture of Guadalcanal and will cripple the U.S. Navy forever.
In response, the Allies introduce the proximity fuse to the fleet-a top-secret antiaircraft detonator that can greatly assist the U.S. Navy in their fight against Japanese dive-bombers and torpedo planes. But in the heat of combat, Commander Jerry Landa refuses to use the fuse, and the USS Howell is torn in half. Lieutenant Commander Todd Ingram confronts Landa, questioning his authority. As the two become enemies in the midst of war, Yamamoto directs the raids that will return him to the glory of December 7, 1941-raids that will facilitate the recapture of Guadalcanal and will cripple the U.S. Navy forever.
496 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 20, 2002
3103 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
John J. Gobbell
16 books41 followersFROM USC TO YANKEE STATION.
Upon graduating from the University of Southern California, John was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy. He served as a deck and ASW officer aboard the USS Tingey (DD 539), a revered Fletcher-class destroyer and battle of Leyte Gulf veteran. He did a WESTPAC cruise and fought the battle of YANKEE STATION forming a protective destroyer screen around the carrier USS Hancock (CVA 19) in the South China Sea.
Professional Career
Most of John's career has been in executive recruiting. He was with KPMG Peat Marwick as a consultant for three years. And then for ten years, he was a Vice President Boyden Associates, Inc., a large New York City based international executive recruiting firm. He then founded THE GOBBELL COMPANY in Newport Beach, California where he worked on a retained basis with corporate clients to find senior executives. During a concentrated time of developing and presenting candidates for military aerospace clients, John became fascinated with advanced technology, weapon systems, and the executives who build them. Recently he was the Director of Development for the USC Catholic Center, located at the University of Southern California. There, he worked on a $35.0 million capital campaign to build a new Romanesque church and student center on campus.
In civilian life, John sails in Southern California yacht racing regattas. In younger days he skippered in the Long Beach Yacht Club's Congressional Cup, one of the most prestigious match-racing regattas featuring skippers from around the world, including America's cup stand-outs.
John and his wife, Janine, also a USC graduate, live in Orange County, California.
Upon graduating from the University of Southern California, John was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy. He served as a deck and ASW officer aboard the USS Tingey (DD 539), a revered Fletcher-class destroyer and battle of Leyte Gulf veteran. He did a WESTPAC cruise and fought the battle of YANKEE STATION forming a protective destroyer screen around the carrier USS Hancock (CVA 19) in the South China Sea.
Professional Career
Most of John's career has been in executive recruiting. He was with KPMG Peat Marwick as a consultant for three years. And then for ten years, he was a Vice President Boyden Associates, Inc., a large New York City based international executive recruiting firm. He then founded THE GOBBELL COMPANY in Newport Beach, California where he worked on a retained basis with corporate clients to find senior executives. During a concentrated time of developing and presenting candidates for military aerospace clients, John became fascinated with advanced technology, weapon systems, and the executives who build them. Recently he was the Director of Development for the USC Catholic Center, located at the University of Southern California. There, he worked on a $35.0 million capital campaign to build a new Romanesque church and student center on campus.
In civilian life, John sails in Southern California yacht racing regattas. In younger days he skippered in the Long Beach Yacht Club's Congressional Cup, one of the most prestigious match-racing regattas featuring skippers from around the world, including America's cup stand-outs.
John and his wife, Janine, also a USC graduate, live in Orange County, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 25, 2020
Another good war action
My only problem with the story, in a series you become almost too familiar with some of the characters and their exploits. In individual storylines they are thrilling, but after they start adding up in story after story they become somewhat unbelievable, how many times can one go thru and survive the point of death?
My only problem with the story, in a series you become almost too familiar with some of the characters and their exploits. In individual storylines they are thrilling, but after they start adding up in story after story they become somewhat unbelievable, how many times can one go thru and survive the point of death?
November 16, 2020
Having read all six books of the series, I will post this "series review" on all six book sites rather than do a review of each book.
Gobbell nicely mixes fictional characters in among actual events and real historical figures of WWII. It's an enjoyable read, although the author's character development is somewhat shallow and forced... shades of comic book defiance and heroics that just rings hollow if you are conversant with the history and with the actual first hand accounts of veterans who were there and experienced much of what LT Ingram did. Nevertheless, if you have an interest in WWII, the author does an excellent job of mixing in authentic technical and historical data with the flow of action involving his fictional characters - destroyers, aircraft, bombs, naval culture and procedures... all well done and credible. The personal relationships and dialogs are soap opera-worthy and artificial in the settings in which he presents them. Lots of sarcastic retorts and impulsive bravado fitting for a teenaged superhero but not a supposedly mature and experienced commanding officer. I found myself just skimming over those interludes to get past them quickly.
And the author could have used a continuity editor. For example, and not to spoil the series, but in one book Ingram is held captive on a Japanese sub with a Nazi interlocutor, supposedly headed for France... eventually the German rejoins the Kriegsmarine at sea to continue on to Europe. (I'm glossing over a lot of details and action in order not to spoil things for potential readers). He is offered the opportunity to ride U437 to Kiel in a couple weeks - he declines for a much riskier way sooner. Two sentences later the character he is talking to remarks he should have boarded U689 because it would have been safer....
In another example, his Intelligence officer friend Toliver briefly mentions the Redman brothers in reference to their internecine warfare between Op-20-G in Washington and the Rochefort shop in Honolulu (all of which is true). Ingram asks who are they and Toliver puts him off - no time to explain now. They have no further interaction at all, yet on the next page, with Toliver having left, Ingram mentions he knows all about the Redman Brothers.... again, maybe just me but naggingly irritating.
Maybe it is just picky me, but that sort of inconsistency in narrative annoys me... and it is fairly prevalent. However, throughout the combat sequences are excellent, as are the times and events at sea. The fictional story lines centered on Ingram overlaid on the actual events and historical figures of the War are compelling and give the reader a good sense of life in those times. The series is good WWII historical fiction.... better in books 1-4 than 5 & 6... and book 6 is set 30+ years after the war with then Admiral Ingram a relatively minor character to the story line involving his son Lt Ingram. Weakest one of the series.
Gobbell nicely mixes fictional characters in among actual events and real historical figures of WWII. It's an enjoyable read, although the author's character development is somewhat shallow and forced... shades of comic book defiance and heroics that just rings hollow if you are conversant with the history and with the actual first hand accounts of veterans who were there and experienced much of what LT Ingram did. Nevertheless, if you have an interest in WWII, the author does an excellent job of mixing in authentic technical and historical data with the flow of action involving his fictional characters - destroyers, aircraft, bombs, naval culture and procedures... all well done and credible. The personal relationships and dialogs are soap opera-worthy and artificial in the settings in which he presents them. Lots of sarcastic retorts and impulsive bravado fitting for a teenaged superhero but not a supposedly mature and experienced commanding officer. I found myself just skimming over those interludes to get past them quickly.
And the author could have used a continuity editor. For example, and not to spoil the series, but in one book Ingram is held captive on a Japanese sub with a Nazi interlocutor, supposedly headed for France... eventually the German rejoins the Kriegsmarine at sea to continue on to Europe. (I'm glossing over a lot of details and action in order not to spoil things for potential readers). He is offered the opportunity to ride U437 to Kiel in a couple weeks - he declines for a much riskier way sooner. Two sentences later the character he is talking to remarks he should have boarded U689 because it would have been safer....
In another example, his Intelligence officer friend Toliver briefly mentions the Redman brothers in reference to their internecine warfare between Op-20-G in Washington and the Rochefort shop in Honolulu (all of which is true). Ingram asks who are they and Toliver puts him off - no time to explain now. They have no further interaction at all, yet on the next page, with Toliver having left, Ingram mentions he knows all about the Redman Brothers.... again, maybe just me but naggingly irritating.
Maybe it is just picky me, but that sort of inconsistency in narrative annoys me... and it is fairly prevalent. However, throughout the combat sequences are excellent, as are the times and events at sea. The fictional story lines centered on Ingram overlaid on the actual events and historical figures of the War are compelling and give the reader a good sense of life in those times. The series is good WWII historical fiction.... better in books 1-4 than 5 & 6... and book 6 is set 30+ years after the war with then Admiral Ingram a relatively minor character to the story line involving his son Lt Ingram. Weakest one of the series.
July 24, 2021
A page-turning fresh and insightful loot at historic events in the WWII South Pacific
Excellent characters cast a new and very personal look into historic battles and events surrounding them as a Pearl Harbor realign America fights to stem the incredibly experienced Japanese military might, numerical superiority, and established bases and vicious rule. Tough talented men and women became fully committed to total victory and protecting the core values of their homeland and Constitutional Republic with Old Glory leading and youngsters still in their teens sacrificed all to protect what generations before them had passed on. It is always personal. We will never forget. Well worth the time.
Excellent characters cast a new and very personal look into historic battles and events surrounding them as a Pearl Harbor realign America fights to stem the incredibly experienced Japanese military might, numerical superiority, and established bases and vicious rule. Tough talented men and women became fully committed to total victory and protecting the core values of their homeland and Constitutional Republic with Old Glory leading and youngsters still in their teens sacrificed all to protect what generations before them had passed on. It is always personal. We will never forget. Well worth the time.
June 12, 2021
Ok story line but the part where the Marine Major went tracking down Todd Ingram as a suspected spy is ridiculous and especially the section where he jumped into the water from a speeding PT boat and tried to apprehend Commander Ingram directly in the line of Japanese gun fire. Adventure stories should have a modicum of realization to hold the readers attention during a real exciting section near the books final,almost final or pre final conclusion. John Gobbell just embellished the Todd Ingram spy portion of the book a little too much to have any credibility 🤨🤨
January 15, 2021
Maybe a 4.5 for me. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in WW2 history, particularly in the Pacific. I would categorize the book as historical fiction. All the major players are there - Nimitz, Halsey, Layton (Halsey's chief intel guy) etc. The fictional characters Todd and Helen - you can guess at how the relationship enfolds- are interesting and compelling with a touch of realism. Todd Ingram's struggle with fear of battle I found very realistic.
April 12, 2022
These books draw an obvious comparison to Griffin's The Corps series, with one major divergence, they are better. You get military/adventure plot, very accurate historical framework, snappy dialogue, action, intel. driven subplots (sometimes downright espionage), romance & workplace politics. The characters and interactions are far more real than in most of this genre. Vey well written, I like the small period specific cultural references, The Whistler even found it's way in this one.
October 6, 2022
60+ book a year reader. This series is MAGIC!
WWII military adventure based upon real events in the Pacific Theater. After three books, I now know and care about the characters so much, i get nervous in story crunch time. As a retired military officer the characters truly speak and share the same camaraderie as their real life counter-points and the heroic sacrifice of our WWII is beyond humbling.
Awesome writer, awesome char, awesome book ! Five stars
WWII military adventure based upon real events in the Pacific Theater. After three books, I now know and care about the characters so much, i get nervous in story crunch time. As a retired military officer the characters truly speak and share the same camaraderie as their real life counter-points and the heroic sacrifice of our WWII is beyond humbling.
Awesome writer, awesome char, awesome book ! Five stars
December 26, 2022
Great Historical Fiction, telling the story of how USA moved to Offense from Defense in WWII PACIFIC
Makes you feel you were there through all the action & dangers from enemy & conditions. Shows the problems of excessive ambition vs unselfish leadership on both sides.
Important lessons for today as well.
If we don't learn from history it's our own fault.
Great Stories like this make it easier.
Makes you feel you were there through all the action & dangers from enemy & conditions. Shows the problems of excessive ambition vs unselfish leadership on both sides.
Important lessons for today as well.
If we don't learn from history it's our own fault.
Great Stories like this make it easier.
April 1, 2020
The Series Maintains The Enjoyment and Excitement!
In many series after first two books or so, the storyline and characters seem to fall off. This did not happen in this third book of this series. I found myself not being able to put the book down, even though this was my second time reading this book. Again I highly recommend this book and the series! 😎 🇺🇸
In many series after first two books or so, the storyline and characters seem to fall off. This did not happen in this third book of this series. I found myself not being able to put the book down, even though this was my second time reading this book. Again I highly recommend this book and the series! 😎 🇺🇸
March 8, 2021
Todd Ingram is at it again. He's been to prospective CO school, and received orders to pick up his new command, the destroyer Pence at Tulagi. However, the Pence is sunk before he can formally take command, so he is again pressed into service on a couple of search and rescue missions. There is a lot of action, some "internal" problems, and also some Navy bureaucracy to deal with.
March 9, 2023
Another great read!
Book 3 of the Todd Ingram series is a page turner! I feel I know him personally and can even imagine what he looks like! My brother was in the navy in 1955-56, and I was so proud of him! He was my idol! Combining Gobbell‘s writing with memories of watching Pearl and Midway movies totals a vivid picture of events as they occur in the book. On to Book 4!
Book 3 of the Todd Ingram series is a page turner! I feel I know him personally and can even imagine what he looks like! My brother was in the navy in 1955-56, and I was so proud of him! He was my idol! Combining Gobbell‘s writing with memories of watching Pearl and Midway movies totals a vivid picture of events as they occur in the book. On to Book 4!
February 10, 2024
Excellent Historical Fiction of one Navel Officer's time in the Pacific during 1943. Loved it. The reality of what these 19-year-old kids did is phenomenal. Although fiction, all battles and other people referred to are non-fiction. If you enjoy WW II history and love a good novel, try this one. It is author Gobbell's 3 in the series.
January 10, 2021
Action packed with a great deal of suspense.
The author has written another exciting story of the war in Pacific. The action is fast and furious with many exciting and suspenseful events. A must read for those who enjoy the drama of fighting
The author has written another exciting story of the war in Pacific. The action is fast and furious with many exciting and suspenseful events. A must read for those who enjoy the drama of fighting
January 26, 2021
When duty whispers low
All of the Todd Ingram books in this series are very well written and always have interesting details surrounding the everyday lives of the Characters living and surviving during the war in the pacific.some hair raising experiences.
All of the Todd Ingram books in this series are very well written and always have interesting details surrounding the everyday lives of the Characters living and surviving during the war in the pacific.some hair raising experiences.
February 1, 2022
Enjoyable WW2 navel thriller
Author quite authentic about period naval warfare with an interesting cast of characters. Quite fun to read but best to start with first book of series.
Author quite authentic about period naval warfare with an interesting cast of characters. Quite fun to read but best to start with first book of series.
April 8, 2024
Wow, what a cool book
This book is cool and gives you a cool look at events in history, I did not realise that NZ had two vessels in the war when I read the beginning I thought hey this is cool and then I discovered they were real and are part of World War 2 history
This book is cool and gives you a cool look at events in history, I did not realise that NZ had two vessels in the war when I read the beginning I thought hey this is cool and then I discovered they were real and are part of World War 2 history
July 7, 2025
another great addition to the series
Really well written tale in the continuing saga of WW2 naval combat thru the eyes of Todd Ingram. His tale is representative of our greatest generation!
Really well written tale in the continuing saga of WW2 naval combat thru the eyes of Todd Ingram. His tale is representative of our greatest generation!
May 28, 2020
Impressive series
I can't imagine how he comes up with such co!implicated plots. This one has war and intrigue and romance and...
I can't imagine how he comes up with such co!implicated plots. This one has war and intrigue and romance and...
May 28, 2020
Excellent
Another unbelievable novel, full of action and suspense. How many naval officers had as much misfortune as our commander. You wonder what could possibly happen next
Another unbelievable novel, full of action and suspense. How many naval officers had as much misfortune as our commander. You wonder what could possibly happen next
August 30, 2020
Sometimes difficult to keep up with all the stories in this book. There is sufficient explanation in keeping up with all of the scene changes. Despite all of this, it is an excellent book.
September 21, 2020
Out Standing
This series of books are out standing. Some of the best writing I've read in awhile. Story line is great !
This series of books are out standing. Some of the best writing I've read in awhile. Story line is great !
September 22, 2020
Page turner
I really hate these imposed minimum number of words require reviews. Reminds me too much of school.
Todd ingram is an amalgam of captain america and Popeye
I really hate these imposed minimum number of words require reviews. Reminds me too much of school.
Todd ingram is an amalgam of captain america and Popeye
November 22, 2020
Todd Ingram has to go get another ship, his fifth.
Todd, stay away from the ocean. You're not meant for it, get a nice desk job at the Pentagon now.
Todd, stay away from the ocean. You're not meant for it, get a nice desk job at the Pentagon now.
January 8, 2021
Interesting
I'm enjoying this author and look forward to read the next book
In the series. So far all books have been exciting!
I'm enjoying this author and look forward to read the next book
In the series. So far all books have been exciting!
February 18, 2021
A good story. While hard to believe one man has all these adventures, that makes this a pretty good series. Comments about how survive emotionally in combat environments resonated... sadly.
April 26, 2021
Done
Great Navy read! I am going to read #1 next! He keeps you going until the very end and you want more.
Great Navy read! I am going to read #1 next! He keeps you going until the very end and you want more.
July 8, 2021
Great story!
Great story and follow up to book two. Love the Todd Ingram series. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Great story and follow up to book two. Love the Todd Ingram series. Can’t wait to read the next one!
September 27, 2021
Good read
Enjoyed the read . Good characters and tense action, recommend the series. Appears that we will learn more about the iIngrahm family
Enjoyed the read . Good characters and tense action, recommend the series. Appears that we will learn more about the iIngrahm family
October 24, 2021
Good story
Good story. Well written. A very good historical novel. Characters are well developed. Scenes are setup, developed. The author is very descriptive.
Good story. Well written. A very good historical novel. Characters are well developed. Scenes are setup, developed. The author is very descriptive.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews