New York Reviewer

Fantastic, authentic military fiction.

Taut, well-crafted thriller about a nuclear stand-off in the waning days of the Nixon administration. McCurdy’s book offers a microscopic view of the officers stationed at the Minuteman Missile System located at Missouri’s Whiteman Air Force Base during the 1970s. Based on actual events, McCurdy examines an aborted missile launch through the perspective of Lieutenant Gray Crawford, a crack Air Force officer stationed at the base.

Crawford is a hero’s hero, a military wunderkind best suited to performing under duress. Readers will likely become captivated by Crawford—both as a man and a soldier—as he carefully ponders the fateful decision that, in the tensest days of the Cold War, will head off World War III.

McCurdy was once stationed as a commander at Whiteman during the early ’70s and channels his experiences into the book, lending the story a level of detail and authenticity missing from other, more dilettantish military fictions.

Access to recently declassified information flavors the narrative with a certain cache; the author’s claim that some of the stories have been, until recently, top secret only ratchets up the level of excitement.

But McCurdy keeps the novel’s pace exhilarating with energetic prose and imaginative renderings. He turns the Launch Control Capsule (the underground command center where the Missile System team works) into a pressure cooker where anything can happen—a sort of militaristic soap-opera set.

But Whiteman is not jingoist military fiction. McCurdy may pack his book with thrills, but he

Robert Moore
Former Decorated Missileer
Crew Photo

is also sure to communicate the heavy ethical burdens carried by the men who, day in and day out, have their fingers on the proverbial red button. This depth of characterization provides the book with a nuanced weight and texture that assures McCurdy’s novel serious consideration.

Fantastic, authentic military fiction.

Kirkus Discoveries - Review

New York, New York

“Thrilling, action-packed view of what ‘could have been’ during one of sssssssssss
our coutry’s most critical periods.”sssssssssss

Dale Mangunoss
Former Missile Combat Crew Commanderss

“A well told tale of life as a missile crew member, with a good technicalssssssssssss
base and great fiction about the Whiteman Scenario.”ssssssssssss

Charlie Simpson, Colonel USAF, Ret.ss
Editor- The Missileer, and ss
Executive Director - Association of Air Force Missileers r r
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Former Missileer Mike Clemente
comments on
The Whiteman Scenario

"...an excellent job of describing what it was like..."

A MUST READ For Any History Fan... March 5, 2008, Heather Shockney

"This book drew me in right away. I couldn't stop reading it until I finished the last page. The writer makes you feel like you are right there with them. This is a must read for any fan of history. I will admit I do not usually read too many history-type books, but this one kept my attention throughout. "

A Great Time In History... March 5, 2008, Kathy Gudenau

"I have to admit, I found this book to be a definate attention grabber.. This book was recommended by y 17 year old son, who found it to be one of the best books he had ever read. After reading it myself I found that a subject that was not one of my favorites, certainly drew me in. The pictures were captivating."

Gripping! - March 4, 2008, Kristina M. Fountain

"This book is very intense. It is even more emotional considering it is based on a true story. Indeed, the "Whiteman Scenario" helps readers understand some of the difficulties good government figures face when trying to protect the American public. It also shows how war is often used as a selfish political tactic by government officials more concerned with staying in office than preserving lives."

Right Down My Alley - March 4, 2008, Timothy D. Webster

"As a Marine Corp Sgt, a history buff, and someone who grew up in an area in the part of the country where we would pass one of these missile locations, I am very interested in what type of life these military men and women were experiencing. The book did not let me down. I enjoyed the style that the book was written in since it afforded me the luxury of feeling as if I was down there with them. This was a very good read."

Terrifyingly Possible ... March 2, 2008, Scott Luper

"I am amazed by the stark reality Steve McCurdy uses when writing this possible alternative to the actual events. I love the realism with which he gave voices to each of his characters. Anyone who loves Tom Clancy should do themselves a favor and check out The Whiteman Scenario."

Great Read - March 2, 2008, Luliel Boehlke

"Steve McCurdy leaves you at the edge of your seat as you anxiously read page by page in this "could have been" thriller. A wonderful recount of events in history that could have changed mankind as we know it. The pictures and illustrations are a wonderful compliment to this book. A must read if you enjoy military and history!"

Wow - February 29, 2008, Cheryl H (Amazon)

The night before the historic resignation of US President Nixon, the Soviet Union jeopardized both countries into what could have been a nuclear holocaust. Nixon and his entire staff were in an upheaval because of his Watergate Scandal so there were many actions that they could have opted for but it was one man who literally saved the world that night. Unbelievable book to say the least!

Thrills and History - February 28, 2008, L. Webster (Amazon)

"You've gotta agree that suspense and drama are made even more interesting when they're based on actual events. This book puts you in a location rarely written about -- A missile silo in (1974) -- right in the middle of the cold war. While school children were "ducking and covering", this novel depicts some the actual events that could have changed history forever. I found that it was very easy to get lost in the story and find yourself down there in the hole with them."