For a historical fiction book, the story did not seem realistic. I did not enjoy this book, and will not recommend it.

Thank you Net Galley and Blank Slate Press, for the ebook copy in exchange for my review.

I couldn't get into this one. The storyline was too far-fetched at times. I also didn't think that historical fiction lovers would enjoy this, as I usually love that genre and couldn't wait to be done with this one.

While this had an interesting premise, the story seemed unevenly paced and at times the plot seemed a little far-fetched. I did enjoy the pulp fiction/noir feel to the novel, but I probably would not recommend this to historical fiction fans.

Um....not good. Not good at all.

Greta Garbo was a force. This book is boring.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Looking for Garbo has a great premise, telling the story of a hard nosed reporter, Seth Mosley, who stows away on an ocean liner in order to get a candid shot of Greta Garbo, only to fall for the beautiful film star as World War II starts around them. Many years after this voyage, dying of emphysema, Seth tells the story to a fledgling documentary filmmaker, James Main. The secrets that Seth shares then change James's life forever.

I appreciated the inspiration for the story - an interview that the author had with the real Seth, and a supposed plot that Greta Garbo had to kill Hitler. Miller has a way with zingy, hardboiled dialogue, and the story has some fun, Indiana Jones / James Bond style elements that I imagined translated even better in the screenplay.

However, I found the sections that dealt with James Main dragged, and some aspects of Seth's story are so ridiculous and unbelievable that it made it hard to stick with the book. Miller's occasionally purple prose also intruded on my enjoyment of this novel.

All in all - there are some really good ideas in this novel, and I enjoyed many elements of the book, especially the noir elements, but I had some issues with plotting, pacing, and sometimes overblown language.

I enjoyed this book. Interesting historical perspective on one of the most enigmatic figures of the 20th century. And a really good historical fiction novel as well. An unfurnished gem.