Tailspin: The Strange Case of Major Call

by Bernard F. Conners

Book Overview

Written by former FBI agent and best-selling author Bernard F. Conners, TAILSPIN is a suspenseful true crime narrative which contains stunning revelations regarding Major James Call's role as Marilyn Sheppard's killer. It has received glowing endorsements from some of the top law enforcement and literary figures in America.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0945167504
• ISBN13: 9780945167501
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: British American Publishing
• Length: 506 Pages
• Weight: 2.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.1" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

5 Star Book

There is not much I can add to the other reviews. I couldn't put it down either and spent the whole day reading until my eyes gave out. Bernard F. Connors can really write. Major Call, the poetry loving desperado was an almost likable fellow, but as usual, "there was something about him." And God help the person who got in his way. A dedicated military and family man, he couldn't control his rages or his weakness for dangerous situations, fast cars, and stealing. He may very well have been the mysterious bushy haired stranger seen in the Bay Village neighborhood where Marilyn Sheppard was murdered in the 50's. Did he kill her? Read the book and decide for yourself. I went back and re-read parts of the story and studied the haunting photos. There are also documents and additonal photos in the back of the book. This is one you will want to own.

Hard to Put Down

I read this book in two sittings.The transformation of Major Call from a distinguished Air Force officer to a criminal is very hard to understand but well told.The story is compelling and grips your attention immediately.He was a very skilled criminal not to mention ruthless.His possible role in the murder of Dr.Sheppard's wife is fairly well established in this book.It would certainly leave you with a reasonable doubt if you were sitting on a jury.His penchant for living on the edge and taking risks makes Bond's 007 pale by comparison.

AZ & NY Reader reviews Tailspin

Author Brian F. Conners new offering of "Tailspin" is brilliantly written about Major James Call, an US Air Force hero,who after the loss of his beautiful wife took a path of criminality, which involved murder,burglary et al. Although non-fiction the book is written with a fictional method. I received this book three days ago and immediately began reading it, unable to close the covers until my reading was completed. This fine work is a must read for those readers who pursue true murder mysteries and police technique. Conners' research is methodical and accurate. It is historical and very interesting.The 106 Day manhuntfor Call was factual and complex. Read this book, you will enjoy Mr. Conners' written word. Sensational!!!.

Gripping, descriptive, and persuasive in its case

Written by a former FBI agent Bernard F. Conners who drew upon more than forty years of personal research, Tailspin: The Strange Case Of Major Call is a compelling, fact-based work offering a "literary bloodhound" solution to the still unsolved murder mystery of Major James Arlon Call. A war time hero who, after the death of his beloved wife, turned criminal. He was a man almost larger than life, flawed with a dark and ultimately lethal side when he engaged in a shootout with four police officers, wounding three of them, and one fatally. Gripping, descriptive, and persuasive in its case, Tailspin is an engaging, provocative, true crime narrative that dares to tread the border between historical fact and logical supposition.

Riveting

Tailspin is a page-turner. While the story of Major Call is indeed fascinating, what makes Tailspin phenomenal is the surprising revelation. Could Major Call have committed one of the most famous unsolved murders of the century? After reading Tailspin, I'm convinced. I couldn't put the book down. Highly recommended. Tailspin is riveting!