Fireball

April 28, 2014
Carole Lombard’s successful and highly entertaining career was cut woefully short when her plane crashed in Nevada in 1942. Here, Matzen provides an intriguing mixture of biography and history as he relates not only the story of Lombard’s life, but those of the other passengers on Flight 3, as well as the curious elements of the plane crash. Narrator Gilbert delivers a skillful performance that will keep listeners engaged throughout. Her pacing, tone, and emphasis are all spot on, and she infuses suitable emotion into more touching sections of the book. A Paladin Communications hardcover.

September 15, 2014

Juxtaposing Carole Lombard's biography with the story of search-and-recovery efforts for her downed plane, Matzen (Errol and Olivia) examines not only the life of the actress, but the lives of those who died with her on Flight 3 on January 16, 1942. The author details recovery efforts through the rough Nevada terrain where the plane crashed, demonstrating the hope and heroics of the would-be rescuers. Matzen relies on primary sources instead of the gossip and speculation of the time and depicts Lombard as a generous and patriotic woman whose death occurred as she returned from the first bond campaign of World War II. Tavia Gilbert reads, easily switching from character to character, giving each a distinct voice. VERDICT Recommended for fans of old movies as well as anyone who enjoys a well-written adventure story, even more enthralling because it is true. ["Recommended, with reservations, for vintage-film buffs," hedged the review of the GoodKnight hc, LJ 11/15/13.]--Cheryl Youse, Moultrie, GA

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