Intriguing and rich in historical detail. We are able to view the predjuice and hate surrounding WWII. A captivating story.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

"The Rumor Game" by Thomas Mullen is a gripping historical thriller set in World War II-era Boston that follows the intersecting paths of a determined reporter and a reluctant FBI agent as they confront fascist elements and delve into a dangerous web of espionage, organized crime, and domestic fascism.

Anne Lemire, the protagonist, is a reporter who writes the Rumor Clinic, a newspaper column dedicated to disproving harmful rumors circulating in the town. Frustrated with chasing trivial rumors, she seeks a more substantial story. On the other side, we have Special Agent Devon Mulvey, a rare Catholic at the FBI, juggling his responsibilities preventing industrial sabotage during the week and spying on clerics suspected of disloyalty on Sundays.

Their paths cross when Anne's investigation into Nazi propaganda connects with Devon's inquiry into the death of a factory worker. This convergence sets off a chain of events leading them through a perilous trail involving espionage, organized crime, and the ominous specter of domestic fascism. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a city on the brink of violence, and both protagonists find their own tangled pasts entwined in the unfolding mystery.

The novel captures the historical atmosphere of World War II-era Boston, immersing readers in a time of disinformation, power struggles, and the pervasive threat of fascism. As Anne and Devon navigate the treacherous terrain of their investigation, the story sheds light on still-timely issues related to the spread of misinformation and the consequences of unchecked power.

Thomas Mullen delivers a powerful thriller with a rich historical backdrop and a mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The exploration of espionage, organized crime, and domestic fascism adds layers of complexity to the narrative, making it not only a gripping historical thriller but also a thought-provoking exploration of societal issues. "The Rumor Game" promises readers a riveting and atmospheric journey into the dark underbelly of wartime intrigue and deception.

“The Rumor Game” is a WWII historical fiction book by Thomas Mullen. This book takes place in Boston, Massachusetts, a very different location for a WWII mystery/thriler I must admit. The book is told in two different POVs - one from the FBI agent’s view (Devon) and the other from a female reporter (Anne). While this book had its moments, at times I felt the book was a bit too convoluted. There are a lot of minor characters in this book - a murdered worker, his wife, the people who killed him, the witness, Anne’s extended family, Devon’s family, neighbors, co-workers - there were too many people to keep track of and try to remember how they were connected to either the main characters or the storyline. I did like that Mr. Mullen included an author’s note explaining what was true and what he made up - that’s always a bonus in a historical fiction book, I feel. I liked the idea of this book, but it needs to be tightened. Overall, I'd give this book 3.5 stars. If WWII historical fiction stories set in the US are your jam - along with a bit of FBI involvement and police and reporters, this may be a book you'd enjoy.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Feb. 27, 2024
Thomas Mullen’s, “Rumor Game” is a high-intensity, World War two novel full of action, conspiracy and racial tension.
Anne Lemire writes a small column in the local paper, where she disproves rumours circulating about the war. She wants more for herself but knows that, as a female, her chances are not the same as they would be if she were a male. However, she starts to notice that the antisemitic tensions around her are increasing, and, as a half-Jew woman, Anne hopes that she can investigate where others can’t, hopefully bringing to light the violence that police officers seem to be ignoring.
Devon Mulvey is one of the few Irish Catholics in the FBI and he spends his time infiltrating Catholic churches and their representatives, to filter out those who are using their power to spread hate speech and propaganda. When a story Anne is writing coincides with one of Devon’s investigations, the two begin a dangerous journey into the dark underbelly of the Boston criminal element, in a time where fear, intimidation and racism is running rampant.
Mullen is a new author for me, although he has been around long enough to win several awards and have at least one of his novels propositioned for a Hollywood version. His talent is evident, observable in his well-developed characters and seamless flow, and his plot is creative and unique. “Rumor Game” has something for every reader; family loyalty, rebellion, police investigation, corruption, race wars and hatred and even some romance. Every page is tense, thrilling and pulse-pounding.
Anne and Devon both share narrating responsibilities, which helps connect the two characters to each other and the reader. Anne is a firecracker, adamant to bring attention to the way Jews are being treated even if it means sacrificing everything she loves. Devon is an outcast in his own right, looked down on by his colleagues for being Irish, and looked down on from his family for being a cop. These two make the perfect pair to cheer for, as both are relatable and likable.
“Rumor Game” shines a light on Boston’s history with racial tensions that are not as distant as one would like to hope for. A clever and sharp work of historical fiction, Mullen’s new novel kept me engaged and entertained. He has found a new lifetime fan!

Anne Lemire is a reporter in Boston. She writes a column to dispel the many rumors that are going around Boston during WWII. She wants to be taken more seriously by her boss and wants to write more important stories. While investigating a rumor, she stumbles on to something much more important and something that puts her in danger. She also runs into someone from her past, FBI agent Devon Mulvey. Soon the two are investigating murder, espionage and more. Mullen’s Rumor Game is a taut atmospheric thriller filled with interesting characters and a different aspect on a WWII story. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good book, it takes place in Boston during WW2 and touches on some of the heightened paranoia of the era, rumors of U Boats off the coast, lobsters being poisoned and how the American forces are faring in Europe. Some of the story is based on fact, the author provides an afterward on which parts were. Two characters, Anne Lemire, a reporter that writes a column dispelling rumors and FBI Agent Devon Mulvey who seems more interested into getting busy with women he picks up at the bar. Anne becomes aware of pamphlets that are being distributed promoting Nazi ideology and starts trying to track down where they are being printed at. Devon is assigned to investigate the murder of a man that worked at a munitions factory, Abe Wolff who has a cocktail napkin in his pocket with a swastika printed on it. Anne and Devon's paths cross and they somewhat work together to try to solve both issues, which does generate some tension when Anne takes it upon herself to investigate a warehouse where she suspects the literature is being printed. Overall this was a good book, though I found it to be a bit long at times, though I would recommend especially if you enjoy WW2 type stories that take place in America. Thanks to #Netgalley and #Minotaur books for the ARC.

I wouldn't call this a thriller, perhaps more of an historical crime novel. It's hard to say how accurately the WWII times were described, but the author's knowledge of Boston and its neighborhoods was pretty clear. I wasn't too taken with either of the main characters, but the plot was interesting enough to keep me involved. Well-written, and recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being given freely.

Thank you to St. Martin's for the ARC for this book. I need to state up front that this was a DNF for me. This was due more to issues with me than with the book. The plot was much heavier than I anticipated it being, and with *waves hands* everything going on in the world/my own life right now I need lighter fare in my reading. I was enjoying the book, but also felt that it might not have the ending I was hoping for. So, I did what I used to do when I was a teenager & skipped to the last chapter to see how everything ended. Without revealing any spoilers, I knew immediately that I would not be satisfied by that ending no matter what happened in the rest of the book. I mulled over whether or not I should continue reading for several days, and finally decided that it was not the right move at this point in time for me to finish it (entirely a me issue). I stopped reading about halfway through the book.

I love cozy mysteries & even consider books by Charles Todd to be cozy, but this book was not what I consider a cozy mystery. The term "thriller" should have clued me in, but based on the description of the book given I thought it would be up my alley. With a different ending it might have been. This is a book I might circle back to at a later time when the world/my life aren't such a mess!

I have been trying new genres and this isn’t my usual stuff but I will read anything by this author if this book is something to go on. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this from beginning to end.

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

historical-fiction, mystery, thriller, suspense, FBI, espionage, organized-crime, journalist, Boston, 1943, gossip, bias****

The FBI agent is a hound, and the young journalist is better at investigative work than he is. The plot moved along in fits and starts but not really because of the side plots. The information was good and the ugly side of stateside life well portrayed, but I just couldn't get properly engaged. Maybe the next one will be more to my taste.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

This is a voluntary review for a complimentary ARC kindly provided by NetGalley and the author/publisher.

I looked forward to this book being set in Boston, and about an FBI agent and a young journalist trying to determine what’s happening with regard to antisemitic activity. The FBI agent wasn’t very llikeable, but the journalist was a good strong female character. The story moved slow and had a lot of side plots which served to mire things down. This was definitely a different WWII story.

I liked this one in that it was a different take on WWII fiction set in Boston. I fel it was the right combination of historical fiction and intrigue and mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley for letting me review the book

The Rumor Clinic is Anne's dream job as a reporter. She learns of rumors in Boston area and researches them to their source in order to dispel mis-information and keep the city safe from harm as America is drawn into WW 2 & Nazi/Hitlerite attitudes grow.

Childhood friend Devon Mulvey is an FBI agent assigned to do background checks on those applying to work at munitions and tank building businesses to prevent saboteurs.

The times were full of corruption & discrimination. It is encouraging how far we have come in accepting one-another and our differences now.

Anne Lemire, a journalist at the Rumor Clinic, proposes covering a pressing issue in her own neighborhood that deeply affects her younger brother: senseless attacks on Jews by a group of Irish boys. Although her pitch is rejected, Anne remains resolute in her determination to bring attention to this issue.

Mullen adeptly depicts Anne as a formidable female lead in the backdrop of World War II. Her relentless pursuit of truth is fueled by determination and an unwavering independence. In contrast, Devon's internal struggles and inclination to push the boundaries add a captivating dimension to their dynamic. These character types draw us closer to them and make that story feel more authentic.

In crafting a gripping narrative within the 1940s Boston setting, the author delivers a suspenseful ride that most will find hard to put down.

In Thomas Mullen’s latest novel, The Rumor Game, Anne Lemire is trying to establish herself as a serious journalist in the Boston area during WWII, but her editor only deems the rumor mill column in the paper. Then she stumbles across Jews being assaulted and beat up by a gang of teenage boys and young adult men of Irish descent. No one knows who they are, just that one has a crescent shaped scar on his cheek. Anne, determined to get to the truth of who it is and stop it from continuing discovers not only the assaults, but counterfeiting ration coupons and anti Semite propaganda being handed out on a casual basis.

Also looking into some riffraff and what the problems are leading to is Irish Catholic FBI agent, Devon, who feels his off hours are being there for lonely wives whose husbands are serving overseas. His job has him doing background checks on suspicious activities, which lead him to find a murdered dock warehouse worker who is Jewish. As he follows the clues to what happened, he reconnects with his former neighbor, Anne, not realizing they are connected not only by the old neighborhood, but by what they are trying to solve. When the investigation starts hitting too close to home, Devon finds himself torn between doing the right thing and protecting his loved ones.

Mullen‘s portrayal of a strong female protagonist during WWII who displays a fierceness and independence in discovering the truth comes across clearly. Devon is conflicted, but also a wild card who doesn’t always want to play by the rules, which is an issue to those he works with. The mix of the two in their scenes together is explosive and keeps you immersed in 1940s Boston. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book is set for publication on February 27, 2024.

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #therumorgame #thomasmullen #stmartinspress

The Rumor Game by Thomas Mullen is a gripping historical thriller that brilliantly blends crime, mystery, and American history.

Anne and Devon are the lead characters. They are both trying to uncover antisemitism. Unfortunately, a lot existed to find. Anne is not exactly doing what she is supposed to be doing, which is writing columns to debunk rumors. She pushes boundaries. It is suspenseful, keeps you turning pages. I would have enjoyed it more had there been less profanity. I read a copy courtesy of Net Galley.

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC. This historical narrative was well written, but I found it difficult to engage. I felt myself skimming pages a few times.
WWII fans may enjoy this book.

I am a big fan of historical fiction with a good plot and some mystery to it. This book did deliver all and had me reading about Boston during WW11. I must say that I was enlightened and learned about the strife, racism , and crime that was happening all the while WW11 was full blown. I found that most interesting and so very disheartening. All and all I enjoyed the book. The characters did not really grab me but I certainly was engaged enough to finish the book.