The Rumor Game - Thomas Mullen

 The Rumor Game - Thomas Mullen

She  Read

It is June, 1943 in Boston and isolationists are hell bent on keeping America out of full scale war in Europe.  There are ethnic tensions among the various groups including Irish, Italians, and Jews. Reporter Anne Lemire, who has only of late discovered her Jewish roots, is anxious to land a big story and is trying to unravel the violence instigated against Jews in her hometown. Agent Devon Mulvey, an Irish Catholic rarity in the FBI, is charged with uncovering sabotage in the wartime industries.  When an immigrant factory worker is killed, their paths cross in a dangerous and alluring race to uncover the truth.

I enjoyed this story, despite some of the male characters being extremely annoying with their caddish behavior and demeaning remarks.  Mullen captures well the “feel” of the war years…the ration cards, the uber patriotic films, the sacrifices and making due for “the duration.”.  Here also are the domestic Fascist groups, xenophobia, propaganda, prejudice, and what is today called disinformation.  The book is a well written, creative page turner. 

I am always concerned about accuracy in historical fiction.  Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end regarding his research and some of the real events that inspired his fictional accounts.  

Thanks to #netgalley and @stmartinspress #minotaurbooks for the ARC.

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