Thomas Mullen tells the tale of 1940s Boston and Cambridge in his latest historical thriller where American anti-semitism and nationalism set the tone during WWII. Like his novel, Darktown, set in 1940’s Atlanta which featured the first black police officers in the city and the racism they endured, in The Rumor Game, Mullen takes on anti-semitism in New England during the war, especially by the Irish. Mullen has proven himself as a writer with impeccable research and accurate portraits of that period in American history.
The story revolves around Anne, a Jewish reporter who writes a column debunking rumors of a wartime nature, and Mulvey, an Irish FBI agent who knew each other as kids and reunite to try and solve the murder of a Jewish munitions worker. Surprisingly, some Americans were so Anti-Semitic that they sabotaged the American war effort under the guise of Christian Nationalism. The level of isolationist sentiment and violent response is quite reminiscent of what is happening in the US today.
The two protagonists of the novel uncover plots and murders revolving around Nazis, hatred and extremists which should not surprise us today, given how history does seem to repeat itself. The Rumor Game is a remarkable historical tale of political and police corruption, one we all should read to better understand current affairs. And it is a captivating story in its own right. My rating 4 of 5.
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review. The Rumor Game will be published on February 27, 2024.
Pam Did It 