Midnight Burning

Overview

“Historical Thriller of the Year” — Best Thrillers Book Awards Nazis in America: Hollywood stars marked for murder. Insurrection on U.S. soil. Can Einstein and Chaplin stop the deadly conspiracy before America falls into darkness? It's 1937. War clouds gather over Europe while fascists march on American soil. As the FBI chases suspected communists, Nazi agents plot an armed insurrection against the U.S. government. When real-life friends Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin uncover the conspiracy, including a scheme to assassinate Hollywood’s biggest stars, they fight back with ingenuity, courage, and the fierce resolve of Georgia Ann Robinson, the LAPD’s first Black female officer. A dangerous chase takes our heroes into the heart of darkness, a fascist encampment in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles where a militia armed with machine guns plans its attack. Batten the hatches: it's brains versus brawn in an explosive, unforgettable finale. Praised by The New York Times for his "realistic, gritty, and fun" novels, Paul Levine delivers a wildly inventive thriller laced with humor and a larger-than-life cast, including Charles Lindbergh, Douglas Fairbanks, William Randolph Hearst, and Joseph Goebbels. "Ingeniously pairs real-life friends Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin on a roller coaster ride to save America from a fascist threat within its borders." — Jacqueline Winspear, author of the Maisie Dobbs series. Inspired by actual events.

Reviews

“Aside from Einstein, the genius in this book is Paul Levine, who uses real people and true events to weave an intricate thriller tapestry...to enhance a tale that has more plot turns than a spiral staircase.”

— Bookreporter

“Inspired by historical events and the real-life friendship between Chaplin and Einstein, award-winning mystery writer Levine, author of the Jake Lassiter series, has carefully crafted an intriguing and in many ways timely historical thriller that immerses readers in the world of 1930s Los Angeles.”

— Booklist

“Levine's latest will appeal to fans of historical mysteries, especially ones with real-life protagonists. Levine does an excellent job capturing the atmosphere of Golden Age Hollywood as well as the spirils of two of the most important figures of the era.”

— Library Journal

“Readers will readily see parallels with white-nationalism today, making this a timely and ire-provoking read...This series promises to mix fun capers with serious societal commentary and is one to watch out for.”

— First Clue Reviews (Book of the Week)

“Paul Levine brings the snappy humor of his terrific Jake Lassiter series to the ingenious pairing of real-life friends Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein on a roller coaster ride to save America from a fascist threat within its borders.”

— Jacqueline Winspear, New York Times bestselling author of the Maisie Dobbs series

“Though the 1930s may seem peaceful in hindsight, Midnight Burning reminds readers that even in calm times, darkness can lurk beneath the surface. Einstein and Chaplin put everything on the line—not just for survival, but for the American ideals of justice and freedom. Takeaway: Gripping, cinematic ride through one of Hollywood’s most turbulent chapters.

— Booklife (Editor’s Pick)

“A captivating narrative filled with richly developed characters who evoke powerful emotions...a compelling story set against a backdrop of intrigue and suspense that is truly unforgettable.”

— Coffee Pot Book Club (United Kingdom – Highly Recommended)

“After retiring his best-known hero Jake Lassiter in 2023's Early Grave, Levine is back broaching sensitive subject matter with compelling storytelling and heartening courage.”

— Chatterific

“Despite the fun, the story is eerily and frighteningly relevant today. This may be Levine’s masterpiece.”

— Lee Goldberg, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Only Paul Levine can turn Hollywood’s Golden Age into an imaginative twisting tale of sharp wit and stunning suspense. His richest novel, a brilliant piece of fiction.”

— Deepak Sethi, screenwriter and film director

“A wildly inventive thriller from the Golden Age of Hollywood, animated by our heroes' wit, talent, and genius. Casting for the two stars should commence immediately.”

— Ed Zuckerman, Edgar Allan Poe and Emmy winner

“A delicious thriller.”

— Scott Eyman, New York Times bestselling author of Charlie Chaplin vs. America

“Levine takes us back to the Golden Age of Hollywood and combines historical fiction and political thriller into a lightning-paced propulsive novel.”

— Sheldon Siegel, New York Times bestselling author of Special Circumstances

“Strongest recommendation.”

— Men Reading Books

“A thrilling fight for democracy...Levine's combination of humor, charm, and historical accuracy, paired with compelling storytelling, makes his novels both enjoyable and thought-provoking.”

— Investors Hangout

“This well-researched historical novel has amazing scenes and clever dialogue.”

— KRL News

“The real-life friendship of Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein is brilliantly brought to life in Paul Levine’s historical mystery Midnight Burning.”

— Marilyn’s Mystery Read

“Midnight Burning was fun and easy to read. At the end of the novel, the author offers helpful notes about which characters are real and more details about the Nazi plot. Lovers of thrillers and detective novels will find a great deal to enjoy.”

— Rabbi Rachel Esserman, The Reporter

Author Biography