The
Presley Arrangement (A Novel)
Monte
Wayne Nicholson
Living
The Dream Press, USA, 2004, Softcover, ISBN: 0976176424
"The
book that started it all"
|
Many
fans, particularly those interested in the ongoing "is
Elvis alive" phenomenon, will be familiar with
Monte Nicholson's book, The Presley Arrangement.
Thanks
to claims it was removed from bookstore shelves on original
publication in 1987, it has assumed iconic significance
over the years. Not surprisingly, its 2004 reissue was
eagerly anticipated by many fans.
The
story: A retired cop, Mark Howe, snaps photos of someone
who looks very much like Elvis boarding a helicopter at Graceland only hours after the coroner has pronounced The King dead.
|
 |
What ensues
is a fast paced blend of old-style detective novel and contemporary
thriller as Mark Howe tries to make sense of his experience
and unravel what is an intricate mystery.
Did
Elvis really die? What is the significance of "that" Elvis tribute artist? Who is trying to kill Mark Howe?
The
storyline flows effortlessly in The Presley Arrangement as
Monte Nicholson conjures up bold pictures with his easy going
writing style:
"What
a fix he was in. His head felt like a ripe melon, the pit
of his stomach screamed of emptiness and Mark had nightmares
about being a lonely old man deserted by his wife and family."
The
author also injects nice touches of humor to his narrative.
In fact, Nichiolson's sense of fun is signalled in the opening
line of the book:
"Feeling
like a bowling shirt at a sit down dinner..."
The
author's characterisations are vivid and believable, featuring
a cast of colorful characters and situations such as Ronald
King (or was that Clint Eastwood?), shadowy covert operatives,
a plethora of Elvis tribute artists, a paramedic who may hold
a key to the mystery but who mysteriously vanishes, and the
powerful and highly secretive E.A. organisation.
The
Presley Arrangement permeates with black, white and grey areas,
as the plot twists and turns along a windy, dusty road towards
its denouement. Along the way it criss-crosses the continental
USA from Memphis to Santa Rosa, to LA and Las Vegas. It is
a road you find yourself wanting to travel as the narrative
draws you in and raises more than one question in your mind.
So
who was the man Mark Howe saw and photographed boarding a
helicopter shortly after Elvis died? You'll have to read the
book to find out...and as promotion for the book says, it
may well leave you "wondering long after". After
all, truth is stranger than fiction, and this is "a story
so controversial it could only be told as fiction".
For
believers in the 'Is Elvis alive?' theory, finally being able
to read this book will reveal the genesis for several of the
core themes present in the conspiracy tale. For non-believers,
The Presley Arrangement does not need to be considered beyond
its existence as a polished and highly enjoyable mystery thriller.
Verdict:
The Presley Arrangement is a strong novel that will add fuel
to the fire for believers, and for the rest of us will be
enjoyed as a well written and plotted mystery which keeps
us guessing and wondering until the end. Is it pure entertainment
or more? Read it yourself and be the judge.
Click
to order "The Presley Arrangement"
Click
to comment on this review
Click
to read EIN's interview with Phil Aitcheson of the Presley
Commission
|
