In a time when global tensions often dominate headlines, a new suspense novel from Maryland author Richard D. Greensfelder offers a provocative blend of faith, mystery, and social commentary. The book, titled "50 Parachutes for 72 Virgins," was recently published and is already sparking conversations about the role of religion in modern society.
The title itself is intriguing, drawing from a futuristic escape plan for the Sears Tower in Chicago, referred to as "Plan Z." According to Greensfelder, the title also reflects the number of clerics assembled for a peace summit designed to help the world regain its conscience. The story is a classic tale of good versus evil, where love and forgiveness battle hate and revenge, echoing the timeless narratives found in works like Tolkien's.
At the heart of the novel is Archbishop Rooney, a character who is unapologetically outspoken about the world's drift away from God. He has organized a Peace Summit scheduled at the Sears Tower's Skydeck just days before Christmas, bringing together 12 Christians, 12 Hebrews, 12 Muslims, 12 Buddhists, 12 Hindus, and 12 Atheists. The Archbishop hopes this summit will be a first step toward global peace, but terrorists have other plans, setting the stage for a suspenseful confrontation.
Greensfelder, a devout Catholic and retired Director of Admissions at a private school, explains that the book is a wake-up call. "I have written the book to remind folks about what made the 'Good Old Days,'" he said. "Love, sound values, the truth, forgiveness, charity, helping others—these are virtues that make this world a better place for our children and our children's children. It's a call to move back closer to God where we all are safer."
The Archbishop's character laments the loss of community and moral values, pointing to 1963 as a critical year when prayer was inadvertently banned from public schools. He asks his sidekick, Fr. Tommy Schaefer, a rhetorical question: "Do you think 13 trillion 'The Lord's Prayers' would have made a difference? Damn right they could have!" This sentiment underscores the novel's central theme: that a world devoid of conscience is a dangerous place.
The book is available on Amazon in paperback and e-book formats at Amazon. For more information, readers can visit the author's website at 50parachutes.com.
