World War II-Era Boston Thriller

The Rumor Game by Thomas Mullen is set in Boston during World War II. The novel follows two central characters: Anne Lemire, a determined newspaper reporter, and Devon Mulvey, an FBI agent. Anne writes a column dedicated to debunking Nazi propaganda and other destructive rumours, while Devon is investigating a series of antisemitic attacks, including the murder of a Jewish refugee. Their paths cross as they both look into the fascist elements threatening their city, and they find themselves entangled in a complex web of violence, prejudice, and political intrigue.

The Rumor Game stands out as a thought-provoking historical thriller that skillfully combines elements of mystery, romance, and social commentary. Mullen's characters are well-developed, and the plot is both engaging and informative. The novel's strengths lie in its historical accuracy and the relevance of its themes to contemporary issues of propaganda and misinformation. However, the pacing might feel slow at times, which could detract from the overall suspense for some readers.

Overall, The Rumor Game is a recommended read for those interested in historical fiction and stories that explore the darker aspects of human nature and society.

This was a really interesting read. Not how I usually describe historical fiction, but I was fascinated by the subject. Living in Boston, and being Jewish, I had never heard of the Irish-Jewish conflict that happened in the years leading up to WW2. I shouldn’t be surprised that it existed—but it’s not talked about, not taught, and definitely hasn’t been written about widely.

The characters were lovable in their own ways—each had a personal mission. I love that their paths crossed, but didn’t love that their encounters gave the impression that this would have a romance element to it.

The author description of Boston in the 40’s was so immersive, I felt like I was walking down a street, or up to Charlestown, alongside the characters.

Overall, a well-written read that should be read widely!

This work of historical fiction presents a fascinating account of the efforts of pro-Nazi groups n the Boston area as the U.S. prepares to enter Europe in the Second World War. The story is well documented but told through the eyes of a young local reporter trying to track down false rumors about the war and an FBI agent whose investigations brings him in conflict with the bigotry of Boston police. Both the reporter and the agent are from the local community and have endured prejudice of their own. Their personal stories give them a determination to challenge their superiors and bring these traitors to justice.
The story is gripping and leads you to an understanding that our country was not as united in our fight against Hitler as propaganda would have you believe. It was also eye-opening to realize that the poor treatment of the Irish by the British in their homeland had a direct impact on how the police — many of whom were from the Irish community — felt about coming to the aid of the British against Germany.. Even more disturbing was seeing that antisemitism was deeply embedded in a large part of American society.
In general, this fast paced, well-written book added a dimension to my understanding of World War II and helped me see the complexity
of the situation, both politically and socially.

I absolutely loved it. A mystery set in the time period of World War II and it took place in Massachusetts, Boston and it’s surrounding areas. Many of the men are away at war and the women are working in factories helping build planes, parachutes, or help with the war effort anyway they can. This book touched on so many themes, feminism, masculinity, and anti-semitism was a primary plot point in the story. I did like that there were only two main characters and a few supporting characters. There was plenty of character development for the two main characters, Anne Lemire and Agent Devon Mulvey. I appreciated how the author brought these two characters together and subtly inserted the history of their acquaintance. Annie Lemire was one tough cookie with a good head on her shoulders, tenacious and thorough. Agent Devon was such a typical Casanova, but he definitely came with a bit of family baggage. The storyline moved along at a good pace, since these two were trying to solve a murder. The narrator did a wonderful job with voicing the different characters and pronouncing the litany of different cities surrounding Boston. I have to admit that every time she said “Dorchester,” I was waiting for that Bostonian accent to come out and pronounce it as “Door Chester!” This was an entertaining historical novel, that was a quick read. I will have to check out Thomas Mullen’s backlist, I have a feeling that I will enjoy his books.

Decent historical fiction set during WWII. A reporter and an FBI agent investigate an isolationist group trying to keep America out of the war. It was a little heavy handed at times.

What I liked about this book:

1. WW2 era book that takes place in the US vs. overseas - really interesting.
2. Book was well written - in that it had good pacing and flow.
3. Liked the main character - Anne - strong female lead is always a favorite with me.

What I wished was different:
1. The context of the book felt shadowy and sinister which is normally a great thriller combination, but I had time staying engaged.
2. Some of the language was overused - I don't mind some, but thought was too much.



Thank you to the author Thomas Mullen, publishers Minotaur Books, and Net Galley for an advance digital copy

The Rumor Game comes from two different perspectives: Anne, a journalist and Devon, a FBI agent. The setting is Boston during WWII. I disliked Devon from his first appearance, which made getting into the story difficult for me. Anne was ok. The setting and plot were interesting, but I couldn’t get into the characters affecting my overall enjoyment of the story.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Thomas Mullen for the eARC.

Thomas Mullen’s The Rumor Game is a gripping historical thriller that shines a spotlight on the dangerous power of misinformation and prejudice.

Set against the backdrop of World War II Boston, the novel follows journalist Anne Lemire as she uncovers a sinister plot involving anti-Semitic propaganda and domestic terrorism.  

Mullen masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue, while simultaneously offering a chilling commentary on the enduring nature of hate. The novel’s exploration of the ways in which rumors can be weaponized to sow discord and violence is particularly relevant in today’s world.

I found the Rumor Game to be an unexpectedly delightful historical mystery involving a young female reporter seeking to dispel rumors and gossip in wartime Boston. Anne, the young journalist, is tasked with identifying and disproving the harmful wartime rumors floating around town. While much of her job is routine and mundane until she comes around a story that is much larger than she expects.

The story was compelling and fast-moving, which kept me engaged. I appreciate that this books has multiple different story lines that unfold at different times, which makes it more than a standard thriller/mystery. I also found the characters to be likeable despite their flaws and somewhat questionable life choices. The possible love interest between Anne and Agent Devon Mulvey also added to the story's interest.

Overall, I would rate this book 4 stars and hope that there is possible sequel in the works at some point so I can read more about Anne. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the free copy in exchange for an honest review. I will post reviews on post this review on Goodreads, Bookbub, Amazon & Barnes & Noble.

The Rumor Game by Thomas Mullen a story set during WWII that follows a reported named Anne who is a reported with a newspaper column called The Rumor Game where she researches Rumors around Boston. While she aspires for bigger things, She finds out she is part Jewish after her father's death as she was raised Catholic. This story also follows Devon, an FBI agent to find spies and sympathisers.

I typically do not prefer historical fiction but I enjoyed this story.

Thanks to St. Martin's Publishing Group for providing an advance copy of The Rumor Game via NetGalley.

"The Rumor Game" by Thomas Mullen is a gripping historical thriller set in World War II-era Boston. The story follows two unlikely allies - reporter Anne Lemire and FBI agent Devon Mulvey - as they navigate a web of rumors, misinformation, and rising antisemitism in the city.

Mullen skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, from Anne's investigation into the spread of Nazi propaganda to Devon's probe into the death of a factory worker. The novel is particularly timely in its exploration of the dangers of disinformation and the way prejudice can quickly spiral out of control.

The characters are well-developed and compelling. Anne is a determined and principled journalist who refuses to back down in the face of threats, while Devon is a complex figure - an outcast in his own right who must confront his own biases. Their burgeoning romance adds an emotional layer to the high-stakes plot.

The novel's historical setting is vividly rendered, with Mullen capturing the tensions and fears of a nation at war. The threat of fascism hits close to home as the characters uncover a sinister plot by the Christian Legion, a group of anti-Semitic agitators.

While the pacing can be uneven at times, "The Rumor Game" is an engrossing read that will keep you turning the pages. Mullen's sharp writing and keen eye for detail make this a standout historical thriller.

Fans of Mullen's previous works like "Darktown" will find much to enjoy here, as will readers who appreciate well-researched fiction that sheds light on little-known corners of history. "The Rumor Game" is a timely and thought-provoking novel that reminds us of the power of truth in the face of hatred and fear.

The Rumor Game by Thomas Mullen is well written historical thriller with a strong and intelligent female protagonist.

Set during WWII this novel will have younengrossed from the start

The Rumor Game is set in Boston during WWII and it was a change from the usual European WWII locations I read. So that part of the story intrigued me immediately. The book is dual POV with the first being Anne, a reporter for a newspaper who mostly disproves local rumors, and Devon, FBI special agent. Eventually their jobs cause their stories to intertwine as they both investigate organized crime and more.

I found both main characters well-written and interesting but I do wish I would have felt more of a connection between them. The plot was solid but it did feel drawn out through the middle which made it hard for me to get excited about picking it back up. But overall, a decently entertaining historical suspense novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for providing me a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Set in Boston during World War II, The Rumor Game follows a reporter and a FBI agent as they work together to disentangle the fascist threat to their city. The story is riveting. Mullen did an excellent job at both world building and creating dynamic, engaging characters. My only complaint is pacing, the plot tended to slow down and veer of course rather unnecessarily at times, but the author never failed to reel it back in and ultimately, deliver a good historical tale.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.

The Rumor Game follows two individuals - Anne the reporter, and Devon the FBI agent, during WWII Boston. You switch back and forth between the two perspectives as you learn what they are doing/investigating.
I found the book a bit hard to really get into. The characters were just OK to me. I think the author obviously knows what he's writing about as far as the setting, but I just couldn't really immerse myself. It might just be less of my kind of book as I realized I don't like police procedurals as much as I thought.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. #sponsored

Stop, wait, this book could have been so important, but to throw out a quote “There were many kinds of mistruths…” and the protagonist, reporter Anne Lemire doesn’t hesitate to use them when it suits her purpose. Mullen depicts the primary characters with many stereotypical flaws - Irish need not apply - Jews leaning toward communist ideology - neither being well done and did not strengthen the story. There was a length diatribe about ‘the duration” which started out strong and interesting but quickly became a tired mantra that went from nowhere to who knows where.

While the story may be historically correct it felt flat with too many factors intersecting with little successful resolution. Swatikas, anti-Jewish propaganda, Irish teenagers and men victimizing neighborhoods with antisemitic attacks, cops and powerful men inciting what we recognize today as white supremacy and the ugliest side of Boston leading up to World War II.

Organized efforts to attack one group because of the war. It isn’t just the Jew, the Irish Catholics, Italians, the mob, the immigrants all take literary hits throughout this book. It was really a struggle to get through it.

My thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a copy.

I don’t read a lot of historical fiction that deals with war and politics and more, but every once in a while one slips in, such as The Rumor Game by Thomas Mullen. There were elements about the story that struck me personally and it helped me to see the possibilities.

I loved Anne Lemire, because she does not back down. She puts herself front and center, digging and investigating, making herself a target. She writes for The Rumor Clinic, disproving harmful rumors. I thought for sure she was going to get her or someone close to her killed.

FBI Special Agent Devon Mulvey,….caught between a rock and a hard place. His job is to find those working against the government and sabotaging the war effort. I tried not to be judgmental, but….and I didn’t see the choice he would make, but I saw the reason why he made it.

I had to keep telling myself that this is 1943. Things were different then, yet current events prove that history repeats itself, over and over again. I find it puzzling, how those who were treated so badly when they immigrated to the United States could turn around and do the same thing to others. Why are they not more empathetic, seeing they can relate?

Everything felt so real. Whether it’s the Irish chasing and beating Jews or underground organizations printing hat sheet pamphlets inflaming the populace against those different from them and against the war in general, ration stamps, chauvinism, sexism, the union meetings, discrimination and threats in the factories, the USO dances, even religious leaders contributed to the discontent, police corruption, custodial detention, fascism, communism, murder…

….entrenched economic system forced people into roles….Negroes are lazy. Irish are drunks. Italians are criminals. Jews are bloodsuckers.

I found The Rumor Game by Thomas Mullen very disturbing…because it felt so real and made me think….too much…making my brain hurt, or at least giving me a headache. AND…that is why I don’t read a lot of historical fictional war and politics stories.

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In World War II Boston, people are not as united on the home front as we would like to believe. Reporter Anne is concerned that her younger brother is getting beaten up due to their Jewish heritage. Meanwhile, her best friend disappears after she assists her in one of her investigations. Devon, who she knew from her old neighborhood, reappears in her life and is very appealing. At the same time, Devon's investigations as an FBI agent uncover some uncomfortable truths about his own family.

A taut atmospheric historical novel, unromanticized (for the most part) by how people would like to think things were. #TheRumorGame #NetGalley

The Rumor Game by Thomas Mullen is a World War 2 novel set in Boston. Like most of these novels, it highlights heroic efforts and the story was enjoyable over all. I love the city of Boston and I enjoyed the references to the city in this book. However, I found it difficult to get into this book. The plot moved a bit too slowly. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This is historical fiction that sadly feels all too pertinent to things happening in today's world. Set in Boston during WWII, there's a lot going on here when a young female reporter crosses paths with an FBI agent - both are somewhat dissatisfied in their chosen professions, as they each want to move on to more important stories and cases. Childhood acquaintances, when the run into each other as adults they form an uneasy alliance when they find common ground in one of their investigations. What follows is a look at classism, racism, the rise of unions in the military-industrial complex, and the growth of the Mafia in Boston. Mullen does an excellent job of weaving all these elements together in a story that held my interest throughout, with flawed but likeable characters whose backgrounds were both interesting and pertinent to the events going on in the book. It was my first book by Thomas Mullen, but it definitely won't be my last.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.