I really enjoyed this mystery set during World War 2. I am a little tired of books set in that time frame, but this one had a unique narrative and the mystery aspect helped make it stand out. I liked our two main characters, and the historical element was something I was unaware of. I liked the FBI and Journalist duo job exploration during this time as well. I would definitely recommend this one, especially if you love reading books set during this time period.

My thanks to NetGalley for an ARc ebook of <i>The Rumor Game</i> in exchange for an unbiased review.

Set in Boston in the early years of WWII, this novel explores the deep biases and downright hatred American Jews experienced. Powerful individuals, some wealthy, used their platforms to advocate for America to stay out of the war. They used all of the well-known racist tropes to blame Jews for America's involvement in the ever-growing war.

Anne Lemire, a reporter, and Devon Mulvey, an FBI agent, were childhood acquaintances. Now they work together as their current investigations lead to the same hate group, Christian Nationals, and what violent action the group may be planning. Their growing attraction to each other complicates the investigation.

Although this is fiction, the ridiculous generalizations that characters from the 40s so easily spouted are still so prevalent today. Mullen's anti-Jew characters included law enforcement, priests, bankers, and ordinary hard-working men and women.

This plot of this book slowed down in the middle; there was some repetitive action that did not forward the plot.

My thanks to Net Galley, the person invitation I received to review this arc, St Martin s Press, and Minotaur Books for allowing me to review.

I did like this book ,but am on the fence about it. Anne Lemire was a very strong willed character writing a column during ww2 exposing criminal activities. Devon Mulvey was an FBI agent solving a murder. Up.until about a third of the way through, I felt like I was reading 2 separate stand alone stories which was a bit confusing. Once the 2 protagonists came together, it got a little bit better but took to long.

I enjoyed the realism and historical references but I did find the book dragging a bit. Lots of descriptive content that could have been shorter. Not a bad book but so so for me.

I’m old school and appreciated the chapter titles, it gives a hint of what’s in store next in the story. I enjoyed the historical tidbits dropped throughout the story. It seemed realistic to the wartime era and Boston has long been a favorite setting for me. It’s rife with history and atmosphere, religion and diverse cultures.
Anne is a very young, slightly naïve and very determined reporter. The topic of her columns is disproving rumors which are rampant amongst citizens enduring rationing and fear. Discrimination and prejudice between multiple ethnic groups is commonplace. There are beatings that the police ignore. Solving a murder case is FBI Agent Devon’s priority. He soon finds it to be much more complicated than anything he could have anticipated. The many different agencies involved due to the security of the nation and extreme wartime circumstances is frustrating. The involvement of mobsters and dirty cops just adds to the difficulty of finding the truth. As the plot developed, I had little faith or trust in anybody. There were many emotional elements, some romance, betrayal and unpredictable outcomes.
This is an author I haven’t read before but will surely consider in the future. An advance reader copy of “The Rumor Game” by Thomas Mullen, Minotaur Books, anticipated publication date 02/27/2024, was provided by NetGalley. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

The Rumor Game

Thomas Mullen has written a compelling historical novel concerning the inherent tension between freedom of speech and sedition. Even though this book takes place in the 1940s, it is relevant to the present day. Despite, or maybe because of, the amount of information that is available, people are still eager to accept fringe theories while giving unquestioning allegiance to crackpots. Personality cults are definitely not a thing of the past.

Certainly, being against US intervention into Europe during this time period was a legitimate position to take, especially for those who could remember the horrors of World War I, or who had lost loved ones in that conflict. However, urging isolationism quickly turned from free expression of ideas into criminality when people encouraged hatred of ethnic minorities and actively fomented mob violence as a way to drum up support for that position. If you squint really hard, you can see some of the same or similar tactics being used today.

The story did drag a bit with some of the side plots. It would have been a better read if it had been tightened up a little. That being said, overall this book was entertaining and did a good job of shining a light on the mood prevalent in certain groups in the early days of America’s involvement in World War II.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Rumor Game is a World War II historical fiction novel. It differentiates itself from the typical canon in the genre by being a mystery to some extent, but primarily by focusing on a part of the period that isn't normally explored. The story takes place in Boston, after the events of Pearl Harbor, but prior to any major American offensives in Europe. The protagonists, Anne, a reporter, and Devon, an FBI agent, live in an uneasy world where anti-Semitism is rife, cops are dirty, and the mafia is union-breaking. Anne and Devon grew up in the same neighborhood but lost touch after Anne’s father died and her mother returned to her Jewish roots. The two have immediate chemistry, but they struggle to trust each other. This comes to a head when Anne discovers that Devon’s father is involved in anti-Semitic activities, and Devon subsequently learns that a member of Anne’s family has vital information about a murder he's investigating. The premise is interesting, but it takes a long time for it to get interesting. Anne and Devon don't cross paths until about a third of the way through the story, and the many moving pieces mean it takes a long time to unravel how they’re all interconnected. This makes the book feel dragged out, and while parts had a sense of urgency, there were parts where I just got bored. It felt long, and because of when the book takes place, it feels unfinished because the war is still going on when the story ends. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Rumor Game combined a well done historical fiction with a murder mystery. Taking place during 1942 in Boston, it covers the existence of pro-fascist sentiments in the city during that time as well as the Mob starting to take control of the unions.
Devon Mulvey is an FBI agent, tasked with investigating sabotage in the local war industrial companies, any crime that might involve an anti-USA aspect and even Catholic clerics against the war effort. He’s also got a bit of a “zipper problem” as we used to say. Meanwhile, Anne Lemire is a young reporter whose newspaper column is the Rumor Clinic, which disproves harmful rumors - everything from WAACs getting abortions to Nazis poisoning the lobsters off the coastline to sailors developing green skin after Pearl Harbor. Both main characters were well defined. Each has something to prove- Mulrey the odd Irishman in the WASPish FBI; Ann being both a woman and Jewish in a male, Christian dominated field.
I was impressed by Mullen’s ability to firmly place the reader in the time and place - the Boston neighborhood boundaries and the complete clannish aspects of the city, the anti-Jewish sentiment, the day to day restrictions because of the war. For a murder mystery, I felt I got a good grip on the political issues of the day. He’s done his research and most of the political issues addressed here are based on historical facts. Even Anne is loosely based on a real life reporter.
The story moves at a brisk pace. Neither main character knows who to trust, including each other. There are lots of moving parts and I was engrossed from beginning to end.
I was a fan of Mullen’s Darktown series and this book just proves that he has the ability to consistently create a well done mystery in a variety of historical times and places.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

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.