A historical fiction based on life in the US. A strong female lead fighting for the rights and safety of the cruelty that the Jewish community had to endure as a female reporter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book

an addictive mystery with fierce characters who propel you to turn the pages. the author writes eloquently with precision and cleverness that draws you into the universe and refuses to let you go

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Mullen, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

A fan of Thomas Mullen, I was eager to pick up this book to read another piece of historical fiction. Mullen weaves a wonderful story and keeps the reader in tune with all that is going on. While I love historical fiction, some authors use little to no creative freedom when they write. Mullen makes sure to develop things as he would like them to be, allowing a better story and stronger developments.

It’s June 1943 and tensions are high across the United States, with distrust enveloping many. Friends are now foes and those who are unrecognised had better not come into town, for fear of major ramifications. As tensions rise, there is a great deal of harm that could occur, should stories not be clear or decisions spun in a certain manner.

Reporter Anne Lemire has her hands full trying to dispel many of the rumours that have been circulating around town. Some are Axis propaganda to divide Americans, while others are locally fabricated to stir the pot. Anne must get to the bottom of them before the tinderbox is lit and things become explosive. Anne is tired of the banality of it all and hopes to find a bigger scoop that is well worth her while and abilities.

Special Agent Devon Mulvey has made a name for himself within the FBI, not all good. He spends his days trying to root out the traitors and weekends finding clerics who are fanning the flames for their own benefit. Nothing is quite as Devon would like. Special Agent Mulvey has a way with the women and does all he can to score with them, while their husbands are out fighting or working.

After Anne begins chasing a story about Nazi propaganda, she comes face to face with Special Agent Mulvey, who has been working on an investigation into the murder of a n immigrant worker. Together, they are pulled into the depths of the propaganda machine, where espionage is the least of their concerns. They must find a way to discover the truth, together. As they struggle, there are aspects of themselves that are key to the larger investigation. Mullen does well with this piece and keeps the action high.

The novels of Thomas Mullen that I have read kept me hooked until the final pages. While I had moments of pace slowing, I found myself quite intrigued with how Mullen set things out. With strong narrative flow and keen characters to fill in all the spaces, Mullen keeps the reader wondering until the very end. Using a known historical period as a background, the story comes alive and keeps the reader guessing. Mullen has mastered the art of development and wastes no time here.

Plot points are well received throughout the piece, keeping the reader on their toes. There is so much going on at some points that the reader must stop to collect themselves. While World War 2 stories tend not to pull me in, I found myself hooked and eager to learn more. For that I must thank Thomas Mullen.

Kudos, Mr. Mullen, for keeping things on point and well-developed throughout.

Thomas Mallon's latest novel, Rumor Game, is a masterpiece. Set in 1942 Boston, Mallon's novel draws on substantial historical research to recreate the nation's atmosphere in the months following U.S. entry into World War II, particularly the virulent undercurrent of antisemitism the isolationists opposed to the war effort.

At the center of the book are two characters - a young Jewish woman reporter assigned to write stories debunking spreading falsehoods -- rumors - and an Irish Catholic FBI agent spared from the military to investigate individuals suspected of undercutting the war effort. A chance meeting between the two former childhood neighbors, attacks by his neighbors on her brother and others in an adjacent neighborhood, a suspicious death and the spread of antisemitic pamphlets draw them into an unlikely collaboration to uncover a plot for the country's entry into the war.

I couldn't put it down. A must-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.

This is an exceptionally well written historical fiction set during WWII in Boston. The story is told from the points of view of Anne and investigative reporter and Devon a FBI agent. The plot of the story is exquisitely detailed and the dialogue is sharp and witty. As readers turn the pages they will feel fully immersed in the story as it unfolds. The many twists and turns will keep readers engaged and interested throughout the entire story. This is truly a story worth reading and sharing with others.

Historical fiction (WWII - Boston), fast paced read, informative and entertaining with relatable, yet not perfect main characters. A well written story that keeps you interested until the end.

This is my first book by Mullen but will definitely not be my last.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Leaving Atlanta behind, author Thomas Mullen heads north to Boston while also jumping back a couple decades and writes up an entertaining thriller of historical fiction that, sadly, could have easily been set during the 45th presidential reign.

The Rumor Game is set prior to America’s entry in the World War II European theater. Bostonians are hard at work in supporting the US War Machine while certain anti-semitism and isolationist groups want to (oh why not say it) “keep America great” and not fall to the internal Jewish “threat” while also preventing the blood from young New England men soaking the soil in France and Italy. Such groups decide that staging a violent attack on the homefront is the only proper solution. And that Hitler might only be the victim of bad press.

Right.

Enter Special Agent Devon Mulvey who is good at his job and actually wants to stop this conspiratorial threat. Likewise, reporter Anne Lemire heads up the “Rumor Circle” column for a Boston newspaper where she attempts to dispel gossip while subtly protecting Jewish shop owners. Faster than you can say “Mulder and Scully,” Mulvey and Lemire meet up, team up, and hook up. And it is all good.

Similar to the instance portrayed in Darktown, Mullen masterfully fictionalizes a relatively unheard event. He adds intrigue, action, mystery, and a couple well-placed feints that keep those pages a’turning. Additionally, Mullen scripts, at times, keen observational points that leap outside the narrative. These allow Mullen to artistically lend insight to Anne’s thoughts, or Mulvey’s actions, or even as background info. These beautiful pieces of prose contain their own style and act as a palette cleanser for the remaining procedural.

Mullen carefully avoids the cliche climax of the shoot out or the last minute rescue. The tension builds, and boils, but eventually comes down to a smooth simmer. The Rumor Game is political, romantic, and frighteningly real. Mullen’s story is also authentically patriotic; he recognizes and embraces the diversity of America that only strengthens - never weakens - this nation.


Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this exciting advance read. I remain a Thomas Mullen fan.

This is one of those books that I could tell was well researched, and there was a great story there, but unfortunately I got bored. I just couldn't get into the story and nothing was holding my attention. I really expected to be "wowed" and immersed and this one just fell short for me in that regard. I didn't connect to the characters at all and I really didn't care about them. I think that my favorite part of the whole book wasn't even the story itself, it was the author's note at the very end where we learned what was real and what wasn't.

I have enjoyed other works by this author so i'm not sure what happened with this one, just the wrong book at the wrong time I guess.

Thank you so much to Minotaur Books (SMP) and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I requested to read and review this book for free from Minotaur Books an Imprint of St. Martin's Publishing Company. This book was a work of fiction but I can see many truths to what was talk about in this book. One of the characters Anne believes as a reporter the truth needs to come out no matter who's name is involved. Character Devlon is an FBI agent but does he want to really be an agent or helping fight in the war. Can he fight for the truth at home. During the war who can you really trust? War brings out the best in some and the worst in others. Jews tried to escape to a better life in the United States but did they? Is family blood only or can it be others? Does the truth set you free or bring more danger to your lives.

Anne is a reporter for the Boston Star when she should be home keeping house and making babies! This was the attitude of most Americans at the start of WWII.

Anne discovers a case of M-1 rifles in a warehouse obviously stolen from a nearby military base. She is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery but this does not sit well with the editor of her paper and most of the citizens of Boston.

Thomas Mullen has written a very convincing tale of intrigue and espionage during the war. Anti-Semitism is rampant and Jew as well as German nationals and Japanese are restricted from working in Allied war industries.

The segregation of these people along with blacks who want to work in war-related industries keeps the workforce mostly white males.

This book uncovers the long-perceived notion of non-patriotism by these ethnic groups and the paranoia that was rampant in America during WWII. The book is well written and a very engaging and entertaining read. 4.5 stars – CE Williams

It's 1943, and in Boston, Anne is working hard writing her column debunking the rumors floating around. She'd like to tackle weightier matter, but it's a battle to keep her column focused on the serious rumors instead of the sillier ones her editor would like to see featured. At least she's not stuck covering fashion or the society pages. Devon is an agent with the FBI, a job he fought hard to get and still deals with a lot of bias, given his Irish Catholic roots. Both characters are involved in looking into increasingly complex crimes. Of course, eventually their paths, and the crimes they are following, merge.

The US has entered the war and feelings are running high, both the patriotic fervor that has everyone looking around to see who isn't doing their part, and the anti-war sentiment, as those attracted to fascism find it hard to let go. Not to mention the money to be made if obeying the law isn't a priority, with munition factories, an active harbor and people gearing up to live in a wartime economy after the austerity of the Depression.

I am so tired of novels set during WWII, and yet enjoyed this one despite myself. Mullen writes well and has a talent for creating complex and nuanced characters, even in the tertiary roles. And here Boston is a lively and distinctive place. Altogether, a very enjoyable read.

this was a great historical novel! I love when they keep you entertained and the characters have personality.

I received an advance review copy of this novel thanks to the fine folks at NetGalley, the publisher and the author in return for an honest review.

While this book is a work of fiction, it is based upon historical fact as during the interwar years and the early years of World War II as domestic concerns in the United States, including unemployment and national security, combined with prevalent antisemitism and racism, helped to shape Americans’ responses to Nazism and willingness to aid European Jews. Anti-Semitism and isolationist groups are causing major problems in WWII era Boston in this intriguing thriller.

The Rumor Game is high-intensity novel set against the backdrop of World War II-era Boston, this novel masterfully captures the tension and unease of a city divided by wartime suspicions and fascist elements. With compelling characters, intricate plotting, and a richly detailed historical setting, Mullen crafts a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

It has an intelligent, strong and capable female protagonist, a flawed but likable male protagonist, mystery, intrigue, suspense, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. The author's notes are interesting and informative, and are truly appreciated.

I believe that this would be a tale that would be enjoyed by both fans of historical fiction and criminal reads, as I found this book to be less of a thriller and, while still a solid read, to be more of a crime read as the story delves into the criminal underbelly of Boston in a time where fear, intimidation and racism were running. rampant.

As far as rating this book, I would easily give this a solid four stars out of five, as it certainly opened my eyes when considering the context and the atmosphere of the era.

As with most of my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.

While this is a fictional read, there is a lot of truth built into this book.
This is WWII time, and we are in an area of the country that wants us to isolate from what is going on in the rest of the world, and the spread of hate for a religion.
We are given a bit of romance, family drama, and actual gangs beating up and hurting others, we thought this was only in Europe.
This is an eye opener for me, yes, my family lived in this area at that time, and yes, they were of the same faith and nationality. Sad.
I found this a page turner, and had a hard time putting it down, and it helped me understand remarks made in the past! I love the the drama of romance against family, and we are there for the decisions!
Don't forget to read the author's notes!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher St. Martin's Press, and was not required to give a positive review.

In The Rumor Game, Thomas Mullen masterfully transports readers to a tumultuous World War II-era Boston, weaving a captivating narrative that blends historical authenticity with heart-pounding suspense. Mullen's latest offering is not just a thriller; it's a profound exploration of the impacts of disinformation and power, making it profoundly relevant to our contemporary world.

Beyond the captivating world of 1940s Boston, I loved reading about Anne and Devon and watching their stories and backgrounds intertwine. This is a side of WWII that I haven't read a lot about and I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh perspective! A must-read for fans of historical thrillers and anyone interested in the ever-relevant battle against misinformation.

Thank you to Minotaur for my advanced electronic copy via NetGalley.

During World War II, reporter Anne Lemire does her bit for the war effort by tracking down harmful rumors and disproving them in her Boston newspaper column. While she sees the value in disproving rumors that could damage morale on the home front, she keeps angling to write about something bigger that will help bring down the fascist elements at home as well as abroad. So when her story about Nazi propaganda brings her in league with Special Agent Devon Mulvey of the FBI who is investigating a murder case, she finally gets her chance. The trail they follow involves espionage, domestic infighting between cultural groups, and the mob, and even pulls in secrets they would rather stayed hidden.

From the first line I was sucked into this hard-boiled, honest look at World War II-era Boston and its different ethnic groups and hard underbelly. The prejudice, hate, fear that fuel disinformation from the powerful and powerless alike are eerily similar to today. These are fully human protagonists who are operating in a very real world of intrigue and grit, and of hopes and dreams and heroism. I was highly invested in both Ann and Devon's stories, aching to see if they would solve anything and if life would get better. In the end I found it to be thought-provoking and evoking of just the right atmosphere to deliver a powerful message.

I love Mullen’s series set in post-war Atlanta featuring black police officers (“Darktown” is the first). I was surprised to see that his new book is set in wartime Boston. The racial tension in this book is not black/white, but isolationists targeting Jews.

Reporter, Anne Lemire, writes a column in the local paper called “Rumor Clinic” where she attempts to disprove misinformation – some of it Axis propaganda designed to create fear or weaken morale. (For example, permed hair on munitions workers does not cause explosions.) She’s also investigating antisemitism targeting Jewish-owned businesses and assaults of Jewish citizens after dark. Meanwhile, Irish Catholic Devon Mulvey is an FBI agent tasked with preventing industrial sabotage. He is looking into the murder of an arms factory worker who was set to testify in a Fair Employment Practice Committee hearing.

Anne and Devon’s paths cross as they track down leads in their respective investigations. Along the way, the reader learns about the home-grown fascists and their activities during this period of history. At times, the book felt like a fictionalized account of some of the events described in Rachel Maddow’s podcast “Ultra” and book “Prequel: an American Fight Against Fascism.” I appreciate that the author crafted a WWII novel featuring a less-examined aspect of the genre.

I wonder if Mullen plans a series. Hope so.

This book is told from two POV‘s one is Anne, a female Jewish reporter who has a gossip column that dispells rumors instead of creates them it is before America entered Europe in World War II intentions are high racism is at a peek and pamphlets saying negative things about the Jewish community are going around. There given out publicly as if everyone hates the Jews. She told this before but when her own brother Sammy gets beat up by Irish kids from the next neighborhood it hits a little too close to home. Unfortunately her editor Harry doesn’t want to run columns on pro minority groups because that isn’t his main audience. And is tenacious however and decides to investigate these pamphlets and the gang bangs her self. The other POV is FBI agent Devon he is an Irish Catholic one of only two on the force in him and his semi racist partner Lou go to investigate a murdered Jewish man The man was a German refugee working at an ammunition plant after they go to speak to Aliana the man’s wife Devon knows she is hiding something but what it is will blow the case wide open. His partner wants to blow it off it’s just another dead to do but Devon has more integrity than that at least when it comes to his work he does. When it comes to his pleasure he loves drinking in women and no small quantity and it doesn’t matter if they’re married or not. This is such a good book end it has so many intriguing tentacles and like an octopus it has many. I was not expecting where this book was going to go and like all books with different POV‘s when the two come together I knew there was going to be sparks but OMG poor Devon has the embarrassment of his priest preaching about Jewish hate but then the hate gets a little too close to home for comfort and OMG this is an awesome awesome read! I absolutely love this book I want to say I thought this book was a thriller and not a cop drama but I am so glad I read it it was so good I know I said that but if you love historical mystery set in World War II that’s intelligently done then you’ll definitely love The Rumor Game by Thomas Mullen I want to thank Saint Martin’s press and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Historical fiction set in Boston just before the US enters WWII. Ann is a young, Jewish journalist who is trying to battle fascism and anti-Semitism in her community. Devon is a young Irish-Catholic FBI agent whose own family is too bigoted for his comfort.

I found the story to be slow-moving and somewhat boring: I had a hard time connecting with the characters; the moments of both romance and suspense were not developed very well; and the ending just glossed over everything that the book had been building up to.

Based on the author's notes, a number of the characters and events were based on real people and events, and it seems to have been well-researched.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.