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Boxes: The Secret Life of Howard Hughes
Eva McLelland was good at keeping secrets, and she had a big one. Sworn to secrecy for thirty-one years until the death of her husband, Eva was at last able to come forward and share a story that turns twentieth century history on its head and fills in puzzling blanks in the mysterious life of the tycoon Howard Hughes. How could Hughes appear to witnesses as an emaciated, long finger-nailed, mental incompetent, yet fly a jet aircraft four months later? How could a doctor describe him as looking like a "prisoner of war," when at the same time investment bankers, politicians, and diplomats who met him said he was articulate and well-groomed? The answer is a perfect example of the brilliance of the elusive billionaire. He simply found a mentally incompetent man to impersonate him, drawing the attention of the Internal Revenue Service and an army of lawyers who pursued him, while he conducted his business in peace from Panama with his new wife, Eva McLelland.
Sound fantastic? It is. However, after seven years of research and verification, Eva's story produces the final pieces in the mysterious puzzle that was Howard Hughes.
Douglas Wellman has been a television producer and director in Hollywood since 1980. He is currently Assistant Dean of the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Deborah.
Sound fantastic? It is. However, after seven years of research and verification, Eva's story produces the final pieces in the mysterious puzzle that was Howard Hughes.
Douglas Wellman has been a television producer and director in Hollywood since 1980. He is currently Assistant Dean of the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Deborah.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2010
162 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 18, 2016
Having read many books about Howard Hughes throughout the years, I was delighted to see a new one. At first I was pretty skeptical at the premise, a woman claiming to have been married to a mystery man for 31 years, who turned out to be Hughes, yet she's basically unknown. But I was won over once I settled into the story, and read along as the woman, Eva McLelland explained it to co-writer Mark Musick, a retired major general. It came up as they were making the long drive back to Eva's home in Alabama from the Gulf Coast, where he'd helped her to scatter her husband's ashes. Musick was doubtful at first that her revelation about her husband's identity could be correct. But as she spent hours telling story after story about their long lives together, he realized she couldn't be making up so many memories, and in such detail. He became hooked, and began 8 years of research into it to verify or rule out the things she'd said.
It actually makes more sense than the weird story that Hughes was really the emaciated, long-haired, drug-addicted man who resided for years on a floor of the Desert Inn Hotel in Nevada, and died in such a horribly emaciated condition on April 5, 1976. That man was apparently a double, which allowed Hughes to be free to live his life elsewhere with Eva, who knew him as Verner "Nik" Nicely. He later died at the advanced age of 96 in 2001.
Musick ended up believing her story, which his research and documentation over the years never had shaken. In the confusing and often contradictory information and records on Hughes, many times Eva's story cleared things up.
And not that their lives together weren't also strange. They mostly moved from place to place, renting different homes and apartments, yet shadowed by Hughes' associates who kept him in touch with those running his businesses.
Boxes - refers to Howard's habit of keeping his belongings in cardboard boxes all through the time they were together, in anticipation of having to pick up and go in a hurry.
I received this book through Goodreads, Boutique of Quality Books Publishing and
WriteLife Publishing.
It actually makes more sense than the weird story that Hughes was really the emaciated, long-haired, drug-addicted man who resided for years on a floor of the Desert Inn Hotel in Nevada, and died in such a horribly emaciated condition on April 5, 1976. That man was apparently a double, which allowed Hughes to be free to live his life elsewhere with Eva, who knew him as Verner "Nik" Nicely. He later died at the advanced age of 96 in 2001.
Musick ended up believing her story, which his research and documentation over the years never had shaken. In the confusing and often contradictory information and records on Hughes, many times Eva's story cleared things up.
And not that their lives together weren't also strange. They mostly moved from place to place, renting different homes and apartments, yet shadowed by Hughes' associates who kept him in touch with those running his businesses.
Boxes - refers to Howard's habit of keeping his belongings in cardboard boxes all through the time they were together, in anticipation of having to pick up and go in a hurry.
I received this book through Goodreads, Boutique of Quality Books Publishing and
WriteLife Publishing.
September 10, 2015
Believe it! Having read many books that claimed to be “the truth” about Howard Hughes I had little hope for this book. As you start reading it your mind says maybe this is true. When you read further, you starting thinking this really could be true. By the end of the book, you know it to be the truth. Well written. Facts are presented, then double and triple checked with evidence shared. No one was out to make a buck by writing this – they are simply sharing the love store of a reclusive man. Read it and see what you believe to be true. Enjoy! NetGalley and BQB Publishing provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
April 14, 2021
Great Story! To be taken with a many, many grains of salt!!!!
This is a very entertaining story. If it is the truth, it is interesting. Problem bring there is NO WAY to prove or disprove anything that is covered.
This is a very entertaining story. If it is the truth, it is interesting. Problem bring there is NO WAY to prove or disprove anything that is covered.
January 26, 2016
This is the very unusual, highly debated story of what happened to Howard Hughes after he "died".
An elderly lady, Eva Renee McLelland, claims that she had been married to a man who was the real Howard Hughes for over 30 years, and the authors share her story, their research, and tries to prove that Eva's story is the correct one.
As much as I want to write my thoughts about whether or not I believe the story, this review is not about that, but about the book itself. It's well documented and researched (though some of the "proof" to me wasn't really proof - showing a small, grainy, black and white photograph of Howard Hughes and one of "Nic" - the man supposed to be the real Howard Hughes - isn't proof to me. You can see anything you want to see in a photograph. Boxes is definitely a fascinating read and a must read for anyone who is at all curious about Howard Hughes life (which always just struck me as sad, overall. The incredible life he led, yet how many people really loved him?) I do hope that Eva's story was true, because that meant that Howard eventually got some peace and love in his life.
An elderly lady, Eva Renee McLelland, claims that she had been married to a man who was the real Howard Hughes for over 30 years, and the authors share her story, their research, and tries to prove that Eva's story is the correct one.
As much as I want to write my thoughts about whether or not I believe the story, this review is not about that, but about the book itself. It's well documented and researched (though some of the "proof" to me wasn't really proof - showing a small, grainy, black and white photograph of Howard Hughes and one of "Nic" - the man supposed to be the real Howard Hughes - isn't proof to me. You can see anything you want to see in a photograph. Boxes is definitely a fascinating read and a must read for anyone who is at all curious about Howard Hughes life (which always just struck me as sad, overall. The incredible life he led, yet how many people really loved him?) I do hope that Eva's story was true, because that meant that Howard eventually got some peace and love in his life.
September 5, 2018
While the story itself is compelling, the writing is problematic. The story is believable, but this book is poorly edited. I would suggest if you want to learn an interesting twist to the history of Howard Hughes you thought you knew, read it but beware, be ready to feel frustrated as a reader page after page as they repeat, repeat, repeat. I don't enjoy calling out another author or editor, and I hope they will consider a re-write to make this story shine. The work they've put into it deserves it. Best wishes to these authors.
September 16, 2010
I have never been a fan of conspiracy theories and tell-all books, but this one is different. I found it very possible and believable. His wife did not seek money or fame--she just wanted the truth to be told after their deaths. I recommend it highly for all history buffs.
January 10, 2018
Awesome book
I heard about this book on coast to coast radio shoe. It was so compelling I had to read the book. It was well documented, and it really makes one think.
I heard about this book on coast to coast radio shoe. It was so compelling I had to read the book. It was well documented, and it really makes one think.
August 11, 2020
I’ve always wondered about the mysterious Howard Hughes. I decided to read this book due to my curiosity about him. The authors met a woman named Eva Renee McLelland who said she had been married to Howard Hughes for 31 years. Brig. Gen. Mark Miller to who she told her secret to him first, and Douglas Wellman, a Hollywood producer believed her. This book is the result of the research done. According to Eva, a homeless derelict was substituted for Hoard Hughes. Hughes had taken a name Verner Niicely and moved to The Panama Canal Zone. He met Eva there. Eva and Howard lived together most of the time until he died in 2001 in Alabama. They moved often. Hughes was accompanied 24/7 by his aides that were Mormons. Eva died in 2009. Is this biography the truth? You must decide that for yourself.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
August 13, 2020
I’ve always wondered about the mysterious Howard Hughes. I decided to read this book due to my curiosity about him. The authors met a woman named Eva Renee McLelland who said she had been married to Howard Hughes for 31 years. Brig. Gen. Mark Miller to who she told her secret to him first, and Douglas Wellman, a Hollywood producer believed her. This book is the result of the research done. According to Eva, a homeless derelict was substituted for Hoard Hughes. Hughes had taken a name Verner Niicely and moved to The Panama Canal Zone. He met Eva there. Eva and Howard lived together most of the time until he died in 2001 in Alabama. They moved often. Hughes was accompanied 24/7 by his aides that were Mormons. Eva died in 2009. Is this biography the truth? You must decide that for yourself.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
October 4, 2024
A VERY interesting and bizarre read. I believe the authors do a wonderful job of writing about a highly unusual and bizarre person. There’s no other way to express this as the story unfolds. Howard Hughes, a recluse, inventor, risk taker, paranoid and an enclopedia of information.
One won’t regret reading this book
One won’t regret reading this book
May 4, 2022
Real Life Mystery
This is a relaxing, educational book on Howard Hughes. Mystery and drama. Well written and enjoyable. Whether or not you believe the premise the authors, it won’t take away from your enjoyment reading it.
This is a relaxing, educational book on Howard Hughes. Mystery and drama. Well written and enjoyable. Whether or not you believe the premise the authors, it won’t take away from your enjoyment reading it.
January 10, 2025
Although I was never very interested in Howard Hughes, this book was well written and a great book discussion. We included one of the authors, Mark Musick, via google meets, and he was very knowledgeable, articulate, and friendly.
October 8, 2019
Good
A conspirators feast with tons of theories . Author leaves the reader choices and that is fine. Well written story.
A conspirators feast with tons of theories . Author leaves the reader choices and that is fine. Well written story.
January 10, 2011
I have read most of the books out there about Hughes, and they pretty much were the same. If there ever was a person that would and could have faked his death, it would have been Howard Hughes, Jr.
This book, in my opinion, is as close to the truth as any published. Doug and Mark have put a lot of time and effort into investigating the facts as given to them. Doug wrote this book in good faith, fully believing that Eva's story was true. I know that Hughes did not die in 1976. There have been many people out there trying to make a buck off of the Hughes name, but Doug and Mark are not among them. The world has a right to know the truth, and it is my sincere belief that this book may very well lead to that truth.
For anyone who has been a Hughes fan, this is a must read book, one that will make more sense than what you have read thus far.
This book, in my opinion, is as close to the truth as any published. Doug and Mark have put a lot of time and effort into investigating the facts as given to them. Doug wrote this book in good faith, fully believing that Eva's story was true. I know that Hughes did not die in 1976. There have been many people out there trying to make a buck off of the Hughes name, but Doug and Mark are not among them. The world has a right to know the truth, and it is my sincere belief that this book may very well lead to that truth.
For anyone who has been a Hughes fan, this is a must read book, one that will make more sense than what you have read thus far.
October 17, 2016
Compelling story
I think the enigma that was Howard Hughes will provide us with endless research, speculation, and even, in the true spirit of the man, adventure. The authors did the world a service by creating all the former characteristics in their work. And the irony isn't lost on me. The fact that Eva Howard, for the rest of her life, would actually secretly be "Eva Howard-Hughes"; it would be within Howard's character to see this as an added bonus to his escape. The grand irony being that while the world wondered where he was, he would be living with someone that had his exact namesake.
No spoilers, and no Cliff's Notes style review. If you like a real-life mystery, adventure, and a touch of celebrity with a dash of power, grab it.
I think the enigma that was Howard Hughes will provide us with endless research, speculation, and even, in the true spirit of the man, adventure. The authors did the world a service by creating all the former characteristics in their work. And the irony isn't lost on me. The fact that Eva Howard, for the rest of her life, would actually secretly be "Eva Howard-Hughes"; it would be within Howard's character to see this as an added bonus to his escape. The grand irony being that while the world wondered where he was, he would be living with someone that had his exact namesake.
No spoilers, and no Cliff's Notes style review. If you like a real-life mystery, adventure, and a touch of celebrity with a dash of power, grab it.
December 4, 2022
It just didn’t hold my interest. Parts were written based on research, with citations provided.
It should have been fascinating. I was bored.
Eccentric, wealthy, malignantly narcissistic, mentally ill, or flat out insane. CIA conspiracy theories. Shadow lives in a shadow world. Yet another woman staying in an abusive marriage for love? Living in a hole? And what was in all the boxes? A 50-year old pervert seducing a 16-year old girl? Criminal. But hushing it up for cash may be the only thing I do believe.
At the end of the day, If it’s true, I don’t care. If it’s a hoax, I don’t care.
I read it because a book club member picked it. Ugh.
It should have been fascinating. I was bored.
Eccentric, wealthy, malignantly narcissistic, mentally ill, or flat out insane. CIA conspiracy theories. Shadow lives in a shadow world. Yet another woman staying in an abusive marriage for love? Living in a hole? And what was in all the boxes? A 50-year old pervert seducing a 16-year old girl? Criminal. But hushing it up for cash may be the only thing I do believe.
At the end of the day, If it’s true, I don’t care. If it’s a hoax, I don’t care.
I read it because a book club member picked it. Ugh.
January 21, 2016
Full of interesting theories and revelations, certainly one you should read and decide for yourself.
April 13, 2017
I really hope this is true for Howards sake. Interesting read, for sure!
April 5, 2016
Fascinating story, and convincing, but very poorly written
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews