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  • Fireball

  • Carole Lombard and the Mystery of Flight 3
  • Written by: Robert Matzen
  • Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
  • Length: 12 hrs and 3 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (7 ratings)

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Fireball cover art

Fireball

Written by: Robert Matzen
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
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Publisher's Summary

This fresh look at Hollywood's "Queen of Screwball", Carole Lombard, presents a first-ever examination of the events that led to the shocking flight mishap that took her life on the side of a Nevada mountain in 1942. It also provides a day-by-day account of the struggles of Lombard's husband, Clark Gable, and other family, friends, and fans to cope with the tragedy. In effect, having just completed the first sale of war bonds and stamps in the nation following its entry into World War II, Lombard became the first Hollywood star to sacrifice her life in the war.

The War Department offered Gable a funeral service with full military honors, but he refused it, knowing his wife would not approve of such spectacle. Based on extensive research rather than gossip, this investigation further explores the lives of the 21 others on the plane, including 15 members of the US Army Air Corps, and addresses one of the most enduring mysteries of World War II. On a clear night full of stars, with TWA's most experienced pilot at the controls of a 10-month-old aircraft under the power of two fully functioning engines, why did the flight crash into that Nevada mountainside?

This gripping page-turner presents the story of the people on the plane, the friends and families left behind, and the heroic first responders who struggled up a mountain hoping to perform a miracle rescue. It is a story of accomplishment, bravery, sacrifice, and loss.

©2013 Robert Matzen (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What the critics say

"Devoured Fireball in a single day while recuperating from the Toronto International Film Festival. Fantastic job of research, served up as a real page-turner. It would make a great movie." (Lou Lumenick, chief film critic, New York Post)

What listeners say about Fireball

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Informative

This book was very well written, with many storylines surrounding the crash. The information all comes together and makes you feel like you know lots of facts from before, during and after the incident, with a focus on Carole’s life. The focus wasn’t on Clark Gable but you are still able to learn a lot about him and their relationship. An amazing way to listen to the history of the time.

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Interweaving stories

This was a really well written book. I liked the way the two stories (Lombard’s life, plane crash) were woven together. Great listen for aviation geeks.

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Fantastic Read

Every detail you'd ever want on that heart breaking accident.

The book well remembers every person on board, not just Lombard's death.

The details aren't for the faint of heart, but if you want to experience what happened on the side of Mt. Potosi that perilous night, Fireball has it.

As well, a tremendously detailed account of what happened to Clark Gable in those tortured days. I believe a part of his soul died along with Carole that day.

Well worth a listen.

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