Author: Paul Levine

Publisher: Blank SlatePress

ISBN: 9781943075966

Imagine this: on the brinkof global disaster, two of the brightest minds of the 20th century—aphysics genius and a comedy legend—team up to take down Americanfascists. That’s the thrillingsetup for Paul Levine's Midnight Burning.

This historical thrillershows off Levine's storytelling skills, going well beyond his popularcourtroom dramas featuring Jake Lassiter. 

With the glitzy, paranoidbackdrop of 1937 Hollywood, the novel is a fantastic mix of history,suspense, and a warning that feels just as relevant today. 

The storykicks off when Albert Einstein, already fleeing from Nazi Germany,pays a visit to his buddy Charlie Chaplin in Los Angeles. 

WhileChaplin is working on his film The Great Dictator to satirizeHitler, Einstein carries the weight of scary intel: German scientistsare racing to turn the atom into a weapon. 

Their deep conversationsare cut short when they become targets of a violent pro-Nazi groupcalled the Silver Shirts, who are plotting to assassinate key Jewishand leftist figures in a conspiracy known as "OperationHollywood." 

After surviving a dangerous attack, the duo teams upwith Georgia Ann Robinson, the real-life first Black female officerin the LAPD, and a young Black journalist. 

Together, they navigatethe glamour of Hollywood and the dark world of fascist camps in arace against time to expose the plot before it takes over the city. 

Their bravery in the face of such danger is really inspiring. Levinedoes an excellent job of blending fiction with actual history. Thebook includes real historical figures, from Nazi propagandist JosephGoebbels to appearances by Henry Ford and Bugsy Siegel. 

Events likethe German-American Bund's rallies and the eerie flight of theHindenburg over New York City aren’t just background details; theyadd to the plot's gripping realism. As noted by Bookreporter, Levine skillfully weaves fact and fiction together to create a worldthat feels both fantastic and disturbingly real. 

An author’s noteat the end clarifies what’s historically accurate, which is a nicetouch for readers who are curious. You'll walk away from this bookwith a better understanding of a crucial time in history. 

At itscore, the novel features a brilliant pairing of its main characters.Einstein is depicted as the quiet voice of morality, troubled by thescientific horrors he anticipates. 

Chaplin, on the other hand, is theshowy activist who believes humor can be a powerful weapon againsttyranny. 

Levine captures their dynamic perfectly when he writes aline that really hits home: “If laughter is the weapon, then letthe world hear it roar.” 

Their friendship forms the emotional heartof the story, as highlighted by *Marilyn's Mystery Reads*. 

Also, thecharacter of Georgia Ann Robinson adds so much depth, bringing avital perspective on the racial and gender challenges of the time, aspraised by Library Journal. 

Fans of Levine's fast-paced Miamithrillers will find a different yet equally engaging vibe inMidnight Burning. 

This book feels more cinematic and reflective,trading courtroom chatter for clever dialogue and a suspenseful mood. 

Themes like celebrity activism, the creeping rise of fascism, and themoral duties of scientists hit hard, making this not just a thrillingread but also a timely one that resonates with today’s politicalclimate. 

The urgency of these themes is sure to keep you glued toyour seat. With its exciting plot, vivid historical details, and apowerful alliance at the center, Midnight Burning is a real winner.

 It takes you on a wild ride through a dark chapter of Americanhistory, shining a light on the bravery of some unexpected heroes.Highly recommended for anyone who loves historical thrillers orbelieves in the power of art and intellect to fight against theshadows.