"The Twilight Town"

Terrence McCauley is the author of The Twilight Town: A Dallas ’63 Novel. This first book in a trilogy about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy has received early acclaim from authors like I.S. Berry, Meg Gardiner, James Grady and others.

McCauley has published more than thirty novels across three genres, including the acclaimed University Series thrillers, the Charlie Doherty 1930s crime novels, and two award-winning western series. He has also ghostwritten for several projects. He grew up in the Bronx, New York and now calls Dutchess County, New York home.

McCauley applied the Page 69 Test to The Twilight Town and reported the following:

From page 69:

Revill lowered his voice. “General Walker and Reverend Hargis. How do you like that?”

Wilson didn’t like it. He didn’t have to. “They’ve been all over the news lately. What’s it about?”

“The mayor’s office didn’t tell me, but I hear they’re planning on holding a couple of rallies here in Dallas.” Revill heard gossip, but didn’t spread it. He only repeated what he knew. “The mayor want us to work with them. To keep an eye on things and our ears to the ground for any trouble. Make sure no one gets too carried away on either side. You’d be a big help in making sure it all goes as smooth as silk.”

Zeke would be glad to hear the news. Hoover would be pleased by the intel. Walker and Hargis hated the Kennedys. Just like J. Edgar. “Just let me know the time and I’ll be there.”

“Meeting’s at nine, so it’d be great if you could be there by eight-thirty.” Revill acted as if he had just remembered something. “I almost forgot. Are you and Connie still going to that shin dig at the de Mohrenschildt place tonight?”

Wilson had forgotten he’d told Revill about it the previous week. But Revill never forgot anything.

“Unfortunately. Some kind of benefit for Russian refugees. Connie’s been looking forward to it.”

“I don’t blame her,” Revill said. “I hear the de Mohrenschildts really know how to throw a good party.”

“You should go in my place.”

“Connie would kill both of us. But it might be a good idea if you paid attention to everyone who’s there. De Mohrenschildt runs with an interesting crowd. Knowing who his friends are could come in handy later.”

Wilson had the CID drill down cold. “I’ll write up a full report and have it on your desk in the morning.”

“Nah, Monday’s soon enough.” Revill rarely flat-out asked his men for anything. He led them in a certain direction. He let them think it was their idea.

This test yielded some interesting results. The Twilight Town isn’t just about the JFK assassination. It’s about the dynamics of relationships and manipulation. Keep in mind that I also consider being enemies a form of relationship. Here, we see an example of soft power being used on Wilson by Revill. Wilson knows he’s being manipulated, but plays the game anyway. We see Revill’s cunning as he softens the order by placing it in the form of a favor.

General Walker’s relationship with Mayor Cabell is also demonstrated on this page. The audience sees the general has enough influence with the mayor to have a meeting with the city’s top officials. It implies power that goes beyond just the characters mentioned in this scene.

Discussion of the de Mohrenschildt party deepens the intrigue, with Revill knowing there will be attendees who are of interest to Dallas PD.

I feel the Page 69 Test gives the reader a strong sense of the main themes present throughout the book.

Visit Terrence McCauley's website.

My Book, The Movie: A Conspiracy of Ravens.

The Page 69 Test: A Conspiracy of Ravens.

Writers Read: Terrence McCauley (October 2017).

--Marshal Zeringue