Through meticulous historical detail, Hyde (White Lies) transports readers back in time to the politically tumultuous year of 1939, when America teetered on the brink of war and conspiracies were hatched by those determined to keep the U.S. out of the fray. The point of view of the narrative alternates briskly between several main characters, capturing such diverse personalities as tough-as-nails freelance news photographer Jane Todd; flashy IRA leader Sean Russell; London detective Thomas Barry; professional assassin John Bone; and Bone's latest target, stuttering King George of England. The body count as well as the risk to each character's welfare increases as they become entangled in a complex conspiracy to assassinate King George on U.S. soil and thereby destroy any amity between the two nations. Both Jane and Thomas emerge as the unlikely but compelling heroes of this tale, which Hyde insists is based largely on actual events and persons. Whether or not the reader chooses to accept Hyde's claim, this is still a rousing political thriller that bursts with nonstop action, rapid-fire dialogue and eminently likable characters. (Mar. 5)
