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MWSA Review
When Matthew Clark agrees to write the biography of General Coursen, he hasn't any idea the layers of deceit and deception he'll uncover in his pursuit to be thorough, nor does he realize his own life will be forever changed in the process.
In his novel, The Dark Side of Glory, Richard McMahon alternatively paints past and future love stories blossoming while wars rage on two types of battle fronts. McMahon deftly captures all audiences by producing a manuscript worthy of a factual military history book, while sating a romantic's appetite, and tipping the scales toward a true mystery who-done-it.
The Dark Side of Glory kept me up past my bedtime, and entertained me throughout my day until the last word was read. I'm looking forward to experiencing Mr. McMahon's other works.
MWSA Reviewer: Sandra Miller Linhart (2014)
Author's Synopsis
AWARDED THE 2014 GOLD MEDAL FOR HISTORICAL FICTION BY THE MILITARY WRITERS SOCIETY OF AMERICA
In this page-turning suspense novel set during the Korean War, Matthew Clark, the biographer of a respected and highly decorated Army general, learns that there is a hidden side to his life, involving a brutal, covered-up murder, a secret mistress, and an abandoned illegitimate daughter. As he delves deeper, Matthew discovers an intriguing mystery and a tragic love, in a world of surprises where nothing is at it seems.
Tracing the general’s earlier career during the occupation of Japan and through the early days of the Korean War, Matthew follows the lives of four principle characters: Philip Coursen, who appears to be the perfect Army officer, but with a disturbing dark side, Miriam Coursen, equally perfect Army wife, who may hide a secret agenda, Calvin Carter, an idealistic young West Pointer, beset with guilt as a result of his clandestine affair with another officer’s wife, and Samantha Winstead, the beautiful, vivacious cause of Calvin Carter’s discomfort. The biography takes a personal turn for Matthew, as he finds himself drawn into the story when he falls in love with the young woman who claims to be Coursen’s daughter.
"The Dark Side of Glory by Richard McMahon ranks right beside David Baldacci's bestselling novels when it comes to plot twists and turns and jaw-dropping surprises. Just when you think you've figured out what happens next, McMahon throws a ten-pound sledgehammer through your preconceptions. It's an edge-of-your-seat thriller by a top-flight talent. Truly, The Dark Side of Glory is a stunning triumph!" —Dwight Jon Zimmerman, award-winning military historian and #1 New York Times bestselling author.
"In his novel, The Dark Side of Glory, Richard McMahon alternatively paints past and future love stories blossoming while wars rage on two types of battle fronts. McMahon deftly captures all audiences by producing a manuscript worthy of a factual military history book, while sating a romantic's appetite, and tipping the scale toward a true mystery who-done-it." –Military Writers Society of America.
“This is a marvelously well told story. The plot is different and exciting. The characters are described vividly to the extent I felt a loss when any of them died. A murder is committed at the beginning but it is a wild ride before the killer is exposed. And among all this are the Korean War and a tragic love story.” —Readalot Reviews.
“An excellent book, written by an author who obviously knows what he is talking about. Brings to life what is known in Britain as the “Forgotten War.” The plot and the characters are well developed and make you want to know their stories. The military aspects are brilliantly presented, certainly on a par with other authors such as Coyle or Bond.” —Peter Nicholas Farrell Reviews, London.