Scars and Stripes Forever

Like Kat Hastings, the protagonist of Scars and Stripes Forever, I was in fourth grade that Friday in November of 1963 when President Kennedy was killed. We were sent home from school where I spent most of that weekend glued to the TV; everyone did. The reactions in our neighborhood ran the gamut; from overt grief to “someone did the country a favor.” That last one stuck with me and partially inspired some of the characters in my book. On that following Sunday morning, when we got home from church, the TV was turned on again and that’s when we saw Jack Ruby kill Oswald on national television just like the gangsters on TV who shot people to keep them quiet. Nonetheless, President Johnson, J. Edgar Hoover, Walter Cronkite – everyone we respected said Oswald did it so it must have been true. You see, I wasn’t always a proponent of conspiracy theories. I grew up in blissful ignorance though high school, college, grad school, but then I began my postdoctoral fellowship at SmithKline and French (now Glaxo SmithKline), working in the pathology department under a man named Eric Wheeldon, a free-thinking, intelligent pathologist whose opinion I valued implicitly. One day, we were discussing Kennedy’s assassination and he shocked me with the words, “You don’t really believe that Oswald killed him, do you?” With that, he handed me a book to read: Mafia Kingfish: Carlos Marcello and The Assassination of John F. Kennedy. I devoured that book, then another, and then another. Scales fell from my eyes. I read nothing else (except the requisite scientific journals) for many years, unable to comprehend why this information was not shouted from the rooftops, until I watched The Men Who Killed Kennedy, produced by Nigel Turner (no relation) and shown on The History Channel. Although this series has subsequently been vilified, the allegations it made were intriguing, some say outrageous, and fanned the fires of my obsession. Over the years I’ve learned many things. One is, that you can’t believe everything you read on either side. The assassination literature, as well as the Warren Commission report, is rife with false flags, unreliable witnesses, and missing, ignored, or destroyed evidence such that no one could possibly know what really happened except for those directly involved. For me, as a trained scientist, it comes down to the data, and there are several things that jump out. Here are a few: 1. There were at least three shots, probably more, fired within six seconds. Four seconds separated the first and second shots, but just one separated the second and third. No one could shoot, eject a shell, aim, and fire again using a bolt-action rifle, especially a notoriously poor weapon like a Manlicher-Carcanno rifle, which Oswald supposedly used, within a second. Once this is acknowledged, so must be the presence of a second shooter. Hence, there was a conspiracy. The House Assassination Subcommittee also concluded this, but never went further. Why? 2. More grains of lead were removed from Connelly (by the way, not all of the fragments were removed from Connelly’s thigh) than were missing from the so called, “pristine bullet.” 3. If Oswald was indeed a lone nut as officially maintained, then why, fifty years later, does the government refuse to release all of the documents relating to the assassination in the name of national security? I wrote Scars and Stripes Forever to provide a summary of much of the assassination literature woven into a suspenseful, entertaining plot, so that the general public understands that the entire story has never been told and that we have been denied our history. You don’t have to be an assassination junkie to enjoy the book, but you may become one.

Amazon Reviews for Scars and Stripes Forever:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-paced and thought provoking read. A page turner. June 16, 2014

Kat Hastings is a smart, likable heroine. Her appalling discovery and subsequent theories on who may have been behind the Kennedy assassination - and why -- kept me engaged every step of the way. This is a present-day thriller, however, with a very satisfying, grown-up romance. It is almost as hard to figure out which man is right for Kat, as it is to identify who is trying to kill her. A lot of information has come out over the years since the Kennedy assassination. It raises enough questions about who was involved in that murder to make Scars and Stripes Forever's conspiracy theory plausible. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more offerings from Ms. Turner.

5.0 out of 5 stars I defy you to put it down! June 29, 2014

It has been many years since I read a book in 24 hours. Claudia Turner's well written and researched story of the assassination of JFK was spell-binding. The careful recreation of the events surrounding this historical tragedy is thought-provoking and a rousing good story.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Insomniacs, June 13, 2014

Thank heaven I can go to bed and go to sleep again. I couldn't turn off the bedlight without reading one more chapter - and then another - and then another. What a terrific read. With interest now re-whetted, I'm afraid to look at the bibliography.   

5.0 out of 5 stars A well written, well researched novel with a lot of gravitas, June 10, 2014

Kudos…for an extremely compelling, well written, well researched novel. The backdrop of songs from the 60's were an added gift bringing nostalgia regarding those special albeit tumultuous years.
Thank you for the experience.

5.0 out of 5 stars Action-packed, easy-reading first novel, June 9, 2014

Scars and Stripes Forever is a historical thriller that you won't want to put down. The desire to know the truth about JFK's assassination will remain with you long after finishing the book. A well-written and exciting first novel!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!!! June 8, 2014

In her first novel, Ms. Turner masterfully weaves historical facts and her own theories regarding the JFK assassination into an intriguing, totally believable story. It was spellbinding and exciting from cover to cover. I could not put it down. Can't wait to read the next one!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Kept me on the edge of my seat!, June 4, 2014

If you've ever wondered about the Kennedy assassination, you must read Scars and Stripes Forever. Incorporating the conspiracy theories that still swirl after more than 50 years into a fast paced novel, Claudia Turner has written a very convincing political thriller.

5.0 out of 5 stars When Is The Movie Coming Out??? May 30, 2014

This book has it all - a riveting plot that keeps you guessing from beginning to end, memorable characters, and an insight into our history that has not received much attention despite its tremendous impact. After reading this book, I now know why. Even though it is obvious that the author has performed considerable research, it reads well and moves quickly like something written by Tom Clancy or Dan Brown. One doesn't have to be an assassination expert to enjoy this book. It scratches that baby boomers itch that won't go away.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read - captivating, May 28, 2014

Ms Turner has done an incredible job of building a highly engrossing action mystery built around a synthesis of well-researched historical facts and some real imagination. Very well written and a real page turner. I highly recommend and look forward to her next book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this Book! May 28, 2014

I have been a follower of the JFK assassination since 4th grade, and have probably read most of the good materials out there. Claudia Turner has done a masterful job of taking the best researched of the conspiracy theories and using this material in a work of fiction. Characters are well developed and there is a flow to the book which culminates in a surprise ending. I actually enjoyed it enough that I read it twice!
 

5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating read, start to finish. May 27, 2014

Unlike any spy thriller or murder mystery I've read, Scars and Stripes Forever goes deep into the JFK investigation and decades of devious intelligence tactics and misdeeds that followed. Turner has crafted a chilling, suspenseful story of intrigue and dangerous romance.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read! May 21, 2014

I’m an avid reader, but not normally drawn to books involving conspiracy theories. This book was given to me as a gift so I thought that I would give the first chapter a try. It wasn’t long before I was at the end of the book with all kinds of questions about what really happened with the Kennedy assassination. It is a great read. Hard to believe that it was Claudia Turner’s first novel. I won’t wait for someone to gift me the second novel.  

4.0 out of 5 stars Who hated Camelot? May 17, 2014

Very satisfying synthesis of all the conspiracy theories: they all done it! The pages turn themselves, and the research is impeccable. Walking (jogging) tours of the conspiracy sites in New Orleans and Dallas, with nothing left out. This take on the JFK conspiracy has cinematic potential. But who will play Kat?  

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes you consider the Possibilities..., May 17, 2014

Such a well-written book that explores a very possible conspiracy theory. The author's writing style drew me right in and had me second guessing all along the way. Truly makes one wonder about what we think we know...

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent - very readable and highly engrossing, May 15, 2014

I read this novel in two sittings separated by a short night’s sleep. The story was very well written with a logical and easily followed plot line. Can not wait for her next book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting! May 15, 2014

Claudia Turner's SCARS AND STRIPES FOREVER is cleverly written and simply mesmerizing! Once I thought that I had the characters all figured out (good vs. evil), I'd turn the page and I would be @ square one again! It was difficult to put this book down. I literally flew through the final chapter so that I could see how it ended.... fascinating. To this day, I still think about some of the contents of Ms. Turner's book and remember the day, clearly, when President Kennedy was assassinated and our innocence was lost forever....

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read, May 15, 2014

A story that is well developed with several interesting twists and turns. For me it has an "All the President's Men" feel to it and thus could be turned into a really gripping screenplay. Clearly a thought-provoking, well-researched piece of work based on a truly disturbing event in U.S. history.

5.0 out of 5 stars Kept me Interested and Entertained, May 14, 2014

I love what I call "fact based fiction" where are great story is told using true facts and details to back up the story. EVERYTHING in this exciting story COULD be true which makes the reading all the more enjoyable. The charaters were well written, well developed and believable. The author did a great job of keeping you guessing who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. I highly recommend this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars A great subject in fact...even better in fiction. April 3, 2014

I have always been a history buff of this subject. I used to live in Dallas and went to the museum at the Book Repository several times. It is a creepy feeling place.

This book places you in the 'fictional' search for answers and offers up some very plausible explanations in a fun, exciting fiction novel.

This is among the best debut novels I have ever read. I hope Claudia writes again....and again...and again. This book was too much fun for her to not do more fiction!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reading, March 23, 2014

This is the type of book that keeps you from putting it down. Really got me to thinking a lot of different things. Can't wait to read the next book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, March 15, 2014

Excellent reading. I loved the author and the way she took valid information and turned it into a murder mystery novel. Well done!!!

4.0 out of 5 stars It's a read, March 14, 2014

Excellent plot and well written. Brings a unique view to the assassination of President Kennedy. The author apparently has done a lot of research re: conspiracy theories of his death. Although it is fiction it does make one think if there was more than Oswald involved. Very good for the authors first book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Page turner. Couldn't put it down, February 27, 2014

I am very interested in the truth of the Kennedy killing but can't always get through books with all theory and no story line, that's why I loved scars and stripes forever...it gives both the details of what might have happened and who was involved but it's all wrapped in the lives of two lovers! Highly recommend this book and will buy more from this author!

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting and eye opening, February 21, 2014

This is one of those books that you don't want to end. I looked forward to every time I read it. New clues are discovered and new characters are introduced in an interesting way. Haven't ever given the Kennedy conspiracy theory much credence before, but this book made me think I may have to give this some more thought. I look forward to future books by this author.

4.0 out of 5 stars Things that make you go "hmmm..." February 21, 2014

Claudia Turner has written an intriguing, thoughtful novel whose time has come. In an age when government surveillance and privacy issues have led the general population to question those in authority, her refreshing prose and entertaining plot lines compel the reader to look back at an earlier time and to realize that such questions, while uncomfortable, are eminently necessary and must be asked. Ms. Turner has clearly put much time and effort into researching the Kennedy Assassination and has come up with an extremely valid premise; but unlike dry high school textbooks, her story brings the characters involved vividly, and very humanly, to life.

5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting roller coaster ride, February 19, 2014

Ms. Turner takes you on a gripping adventure, more exciting with the turn of each page. This thriller is expertly intertwined with a beautiful story of lost love revisited. The nostalgic references make it a must read for every baby boomer. I look forward to Ms. Turner's next triumph!

5.0 out of 5 stars Claudia Turner has written a page turner! February 19, 2014

Whether you are a conspiracy buff or not, this book will keep your interest and glued to your reading chair. It was hard to put "Scars and Stripes Forever" down. Turner's prose is crisp and the action is non-stop. Obviously, Turner has done a lot of research on the Kennedy assassination and raises questions about what really happened while engaging the reader in a plausible suspenseful story. The plot twists and turns are great. Can't wait for her next book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Realistic Quality Research! February 8, 2014

Very credible report, well-researched and totally believable! Excellent novel, way close to what really happened, as someday we'll discover! Exciting read, revealing all the way! Hope the "System" doesn't list you as too much a threat, as "they" protect the nation from ourselves. Thank you… can't wait for your next masterpiece!  

5.0 out of 5 stars A page turner, February 7, 2014

Once I started reading Scars and Stripes Forever I couldn't put it down. I had just visited the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas so I can see how Turner's plot could be very plausible. I can't wait for her next effort. She's on my "must read" list.

5.0 out of 5 stars I devoured this book! February 6, 2014

I am a slow reader and I devoured this book! I could not put it down! I believe Claudia is off to an amazing start, much like Tom Clancy was, if she can do it again. Or is this her one shot? I can 't wait to find out!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Read, February 5, 2014

A book that drags you in right from the start. Cleverly woven fiction into mountains of data that really makes you think about our history in the last 50 years. Very clever and wonderfully written. I hope there will be a sequel.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced and a real page turner, February 3, 2014

The author takes the reader on a gripping ride with many twists and turns. This will make you look at JFK's assassination from a completely different angle. You don't have to have be an assassination aficionado or really have any interest in JFK to enjoy this story. Once you start reading, it's hard put it down.

5.0 out of 5 stars a great read! February 2, 2014

Scars and Stripes Forever was a captivating read. I had a hard time putting it down. It had great detail and very interesting plot twist that I couldn't see coming. It left me feeling as if a great mystery of our country had been solved, as if I was going to hear about it when I put on the evening news. The entire story was very plausible and accurate for being a fiction. I would suggest that everyone read this book

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ, January 27, 2014

This is a great book with plenty of action and suspense. Don't start it late at night as it's hard to put down once you begin. The integration of fact with fiction is especially engaging. Thank you Ms. Turner!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great New Author! January 26, 2014

Highly readable, action-packed, thought-provoking novel about an event that changed our lives forever. Great character development and plot sequencing - Loved it!