Book of the Day

Our Review:

Thomas Mullen's "The Rumor Game" transports readers to Boston during World War II with a gripping combination of history and imagination. As a history and mystery book lover, I found this one intriguing and more than a whodunit.

Mullen captures 1940s America's atmosphere so beautifully. Wartime restrictions and the creeping growth of anti-Semitism are vividly described by the author. This historical accuracy deepens the plot and makes you think about modern issues like fake news and social division.

The protagonists, Anne Lemire and Devon Mulvey, are well-written and have clear ambitions. Anne's role as a "rumor debunker" is intriguing since it changes how we view battle knowledge (and misinformation). Mulvey is interesting, yet he sometimes falls into "conflicted police officer." tropes. His troubles are complicated by his Catholicism.

The book shines when it examines the darkest parts of American society. Mullen discusses uncomfortable domestic fascist and organized crime facts. This paints a complete picture of a nation facing internal and external dangers.

The novel flows quickly and the plot lines blend well. However, the story can feel crowded, with several subplots given little attention. The burgeoning love story between Anne and Devon adds humanity, although it sometimes feels forced and detracts from the plot.

Mullen's language is concise and builds drama throughout the novel. They cleverly use historical elements to make the plot more fascinating without being too much, showing their competence writing historical fiction.

"The Rumor Game" is a fine historical story, but not great. A lot of mystery readers will see some narrative twists, and while the finale is gratifying, it does not quite match the suspense built up throughout the novel.

Despite these minor issues, "The Rumor Game" remains a fantastic historical fiction and mystery novel. Mullen's narrative is interesting to read and makes you think about history repeating itself and the need to fight fake news. They remind us that the "rumor game" continues and the stakes are high.