Author: Paul Levine

Publisher: Blank Slate Press

ISBN: 9781943075966

Imagine this: on the brink of global disaster, two of the brightest minds of the 20th century—a physics genius and a comedy legend—team up to take down American fascists. That’s the thrilling setup for Paul Levine's Midnight Burning.

This historical thriller shows off Levine's storytelling skills, going well beyond his popular courtroom dramas featuring Jake Lassiter. 

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

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

While Chaplin is working on his film The Great Dictator to satirize Hitler, Einstein carries the weight of scary intel: German scientists are racing to turn the atom into a weapon. 

Their deep conversations are cut short when they become targets of a violent pro-Nazi group called the Silver Shirts, who are plotting to assassinate key Jewish and leftist figures in a conspiracy known as "Operation Hollywood." 

After surviving a dangerous attack, the duo teams up with Georgia Ann Robinson, the real-life first Black female officer in the LAPD, and a young Black journalist. 

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

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

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

An author’s note at the end clarifies what’s historically accurate, which is a nice touch for readers who are curious. You'll walk away from this book with a better understanding of a crucial time in history. 

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

Chaplin, on the other hand, is the showy activist who believes humor can be a powerful weapon against tyranny. 

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

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

Also, the character of Georgia Ann Robinson adds so much depth, bringing a vital perspective on the racial and gender challenges of the time, as praised by Library Journal. 

Fans of Levine's fast-paced Miami thrillers will find a different yet equally engaging vibe in Midnight 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 the moral duties of scientists hit hard, making this not just a thrilling read but also a timely one that resonates with today’s political climate. 

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

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