Thread of Decency spans sixty-five years and three generations of the Matheson men who are confronted and assaulted by corrupt business practices and immoral, greedy businessmen practitioners. The Matheson's aren't especially religious, they simply, by their nature, subscribe to ethical values that are passed from one generation to the next through example and respect. John Matheson has recently started a new job and is about to be joined by his wife in a move from Michigan when he dies suddenly in a Phoenix hospital emergency room. The family is devastated and John's young professional son Al is especially affected. He's lost his father, his guidepost and his mentor. Over the following years, Al deals with his business adversities as his father had - resolute, alone and with consequence when holding moral ground. Immoral and unethical business practices, like bacteria, need a media in which to grow. There must be a conducive, often ignored business environment. The Matheson men never sit back and dismiss these realities, even when they aren't directly affected. Each, in his own way, takes the assault of these evils head on -- often to their own material detriment and pain. Their solace lies in realizing they've taken the honorable path and have the respect of their loved ones. Antagonist Ernie Dickerson likewise inherits his values from his father, ones completely opposite from those of the Matheson family. Ernie and Al are unaware of a coincident Phoenix past they both share until the fateful collision of their present day roles in a business setting. Near the end of a tumultuous career Al learns the real circumstances surrounding his father's death. After the many years, will Al, his son Paul and a Phoenix detective be able to piece together the puzzle? Will there indeed be any justice and closure for the Matheson family?
About the Author: A. Townsend Marshall was born in Detroit Michigan and grew up on the far east side of the city where he attended Catholic grade school and high school, before attending the University of Michigan in the early sixties. He received a BS degree in Engineering. After graduation from Michigan, he spent the first part of his career as a gas turbine performance engineer with a Detroit based company. He attended the University of Detroit in evenings earning an MBA. With an MBA degree in hand and strong emerging interest in computing systems, he moved from engineering into information systems. He progressed in that field for over thirty-eight years and retired from industry in 2002. Thread of Decency draws in part on his experience in industry, which included implementation of major computing systems in functional areas of engineering, manufacturing, finance, general business and eBusiness initiatives. Throughout his career he has led in defining major corporate information technology directions, systems strategies and the development of large and small organizations in their successful implementation. Mr. Marshall is also a GE Certified Six Sigma Blackbelt. He has been married to Marina for over forty-two years; has two grown children and four grandchildren. Marina and he enjoy woodworking, photography, quality time with family and friends and their time together in Northern Michigan. A. Townsend Marshall is a member of Mystery Writers of America and Michigan Writers. He says he truly enjoys telling an intriguing story with a message.