Atlantic Overture (Proceedings of the Gun Club)

The year is 1941. Talk of the US entering the war is on everyone's lips, but no one knows quite when or how. But technology is shifting quickly, and the new radar-directed armaments aboard US ships might just be the key to turning the tide.

So, when the Japanese make their move on Pearl Harbor and America is thrust to the frontline, there is only one man for the job: Lieutenant Scott Ellsworth, a young naval academy graduate eager for sea duty, whose unique training with the new technology makes him the ideal candidate for introducing it to his peers. But Scott has a secret: he prefers the company of men.

Both a thoughtful imagining of what life was like for a gay man serving in World War II and a thorough bringing-to-life of the Navy's innovations in radar technology at the time, Proceedings of the Gun Club is a one-of-a-kind work of historical fiction. Thrown into sea duty aboard USS Washington, one of the first American battleships equipped with radar-directed fire control, Scott must contend with the condescension and dismissiveness of his superiors and peers being introduced to radar, as well as all the regular politicking required of a naval servicemember. Along the way, intrigue ensues with the mysterious overboard disappearance of the ship's admiral, and all the while, Scott must find a way to obscure his sexual orientation-though his introduction, when on assignment, to a handsome British officer might complicate things.

Full of mystery, romance, and incredible historical detail, The Proceedings of the Gun Club: Atlantic Overture is sure to make a thrilling addition to the bookshelves of readers of all kinds, including World War II afficionados and lovers of gay romance alike.

The son of a naval officer, Grover Hartt III developed his lifelong fascination with all things navy early, leading to his extensive study of every facet of the American, Canadian, British, German, and Japanese navies throughout history. This led him to read hundreds of books on the topic, to join the Navy League, and to tour all surviving Word War II battleships-and interview several WWII navy veterans. A gay man himself, Grover was particularly attuned to the struggles of gay servicemembers navigating life in the military during the Second World War.

Though this is the first book he authored, Mr. Hartt wrote extensively for professional publications in relation to his long and successful law career. With a BA in history, a Doctor of Law degree, and a post-doctorate Master of Laws degree, Grover had a long and prolific career, receiving many scholastic and meritorious honors. He worked for the US Department of Justice for over thirty years, becoming senior litigation counsel and later, the chief of the Southwestern Civil Trial Section. Among a number of other significant recognitions, he was awarded the Rank Award for Meritorious Service by President Obama in 2011.

A lifelong resident of Dallas, Texas, when he was not practising law or studying all things navy, Grover loved to travel and patronize the arts. He passed away in 2017, and is survived by his husband of forty years.