In a time when the world seems increasingly divided, a new novel from first-time author Richard D. Greensfelder of Baltimore, Maryland, seeks to remind readers of the power of faith and conscience. Titled “50 Parachutes for 72 Virgins,” the book blends mystery and suspense with deep spiritual themes, offering a modern-day parable of good versus evil.
The title itself is striking and thought-provoking. According to Greensfelder, it references a peace summit where 72 clerics—12 each from Christian, Hebrew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Atheist backgrounds—gather to address the world’s moral crisis. The “50 parachutes” refers to “Plan Z,” a futuristic escape plan for Chicago’s Sears Tower, symbolizing the last resort when all else fails. This setup sets the stage for a narrative that explores whether humanity can come together before it’s too late.
At the heart of the story is Archbishop Rooney, an unapologetic, old-school clergyman who doesn’t shy away from diagnosing what ails modern society. He sees a world drifting from God at an alarming pace and warns that a society without conscience is dangerous. The Archbishop has organized a Peace Summit at the Sears Tower’s Skydeck just days before Christmas, hoping it will be a first step toward global peace. But terrorists have other plans, creating a tense thriller that keeps readers on edge.
Greensfelder’s novel is a wake-up call, urging a return to the virtues that once defined communities: love, sound values, truth, forgiveness, and charity. The Archbishop laments the “God Old Days” (G.O.D.), pointing to 1963 as a pivotal year when prayer was inadvertently banned from public schools. He asks his sidekick, Fr. Tommy Schaefer, whether 13 trillion “The Lord’s Prayers” could have made a difference, answering his own rhetorical question with a emphatic “Damn right they could have!” This sentiment underscores the novel’s core message: that evil thrives when God is pushed away.
Greensfelder, a devout Catholic and retired Director of Admissions at a private school, hopes his stories will inspire readers to be more caring and help make the world safer. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore, where he was part of a National Championship soccer team in 1975. His personal faith and background inform the novel’s passionate plea for a return to moral grounding.
The book is available in paperback and e-book formats on Amazon at Amazon. For more information, readers can visit the official website. The novel challenges readers to consider the state of the world and their own role in shaping it, making it a timely and provocative read.
