BOOK SYNOPSIS (296 words)
When a group of young boys in rural Alabama become aware of the sexual abuse of their most vulnerable comrade, Milton, they decide to take matters into their own hands. At a time when such matters were not discussed openly, the boys scheme to prevent the town’s highly respected preacher from any possibility of furthering Milton’s darkest nightmare.
Are these boys conspiring to commit an act of murder or is the elimination of this spiritual vampire an act of justice? Whatever the truth, the boys decide to bludgeon the preacher and throw his body down an abandoned well. Having also tossed their innocence and youth into that dark pit, they must then live the remainder of their lives burdened with this ghastly secret.
Enter into the picture Rita Belew, a young woman living a fairy-tale marriage until an unexpected revelation shatters her world. The heartbreak of her failed marriage renders her sexually and emotionally vulnerable, and she must somehow fashion a future out of the ashes of this tragedy. It is in this fragile state of mind that she meets Rodney Edgely, a professional speaker who presents himself as a sincere gentleman. However, Rita slowly begins to question the mysterious behaviors of her new companion while struggling to admit what is plainly before her eyes. Could the very person that she should most be able to trust be leading a double life?
Eventually the past, present, and future collide and expose unimaginable secrets and long-buried fears. The explosive combination of shocking lies and shattered egos fuels a showdown where hasty decisions become a matter of life and death. While the colorful characters struggle with their naked pasts and uncertain futures, in the end, their intertwined lives illuminate the deepest meaning of love.
Martha Rose Woodward is living a real life version of Murder She Wrote as a retiree who took up the job of reporter/writer as a part-time hobby and has turned it into a new career. Sitting in the court room amidst some of the most highly publicized murder cases in America, Martha has honed her writing skills. After publishing two non-fiction books, she has turned her creativity towards her first novel.
After retiring early from her 24 year career as a school teacher due to health issues, Martha is enjoying spending time with her three grown children while she also writes for a local newspaper. "I have the sheriff on speed dial and hob knob with local celebrities and politicos on a daily basis," says Woodward.
"I spend a lot of time watching people who are on trial for murder, rape, fraud, and more. I have a lot of life experiences to draw from that just had to come out in the form of a novel."
"I see many wounded birds in my daily life. Thankfully, many of them learn to fly as well."
Even Wounded Birds Fly
By Martha Rose Woodward
Prologue:
Northern Alabama 1958
The Reverend Harold Prescott died an easy death. All it took from each boy was one swift blow to the head with a baseball bat. A bat was the only weapon the boys had, and, during their discussions, they determined there could be no blood. Reverend Prescott deserved worse, and the kids wanted to inflict pain on him. They wanted revenge when they found out about the bad things he had done to Milton, and, keeping the crime a secret was necessary, so they agreed that bashing in his brains would have to be enough.
Why didn’t they just tell on him? Why didn’t they tell the leaders of the church and their parents? Because it was a different in those days, as the preacher was held in high regard. No one would have believed them. They would have been a disgrace to their families. Besides, talking about sex, especially the kinds of things the Reverend did to Milton was just not done. The boys knew the only way to make Reverend Prescott stop what he was doing to Milton was to put an end to his life.
“It has to be a secret,” the leader of the boys said.
“No one can ever tell anyone,” said another.
“Let’s take a vote, and unless each person can swear that he won’t ever tell, and I mean ever, we won’t do this,” suggested the leader.
They stood in a circle as each boy was asked if he could keep their plan a secret. Each boy swore that he could.
“Cut your finger with this knife, and show your blood,” commanded the leader. Each boy did what he was told.
“Put your blood on this Bible,” said the boy as he pulled a small, red book from his pocket.
“Repeat after me,” he said, as each boy’s finger bled drops of bright red blood.
“I swear I will never tell about this,” he said solemnly.
“I swear I will never tell about this,” the boys repeated in unison.
“We are sworn,” said the leader. “From this day forward you must keep this oath.”