Fans of thrilling historical escapades will end the year on a high note with The Hindenburg Spy. By opening the pages of L.A. Chandlar’s The Hindenburg Spy, readers allow the author to transport them to a meticulously recreated historical setting, populated with all the expected diversity, while never losing sight of the fact that the topics under discussion are as timely as ever. The art deco ambiance of NYC envelopes the reader in comfort, before the extended set-piece aboard the Hindenburg itself becomes a white-knuckle ride for Lane Sanders, Daphne Franco, and for the readers themselves.
The Hindenburg Spy is the fourth book in L.A. Chandlar’s Art Deco mystery series starring amateur sleuth Lane Sanders. Readers have been waiting a bit for this next entry in the series, which turns out to be a fortuitous thing, given that The Hindenburg Spy is a novel that exists in a changing landscape. It’s 1937 and the oppressive hold of the Great Depression has begun to loosen its grip, allowing citizens to once again look hopefully towards the future. In many ways, the novel represents a reboot of the series, a shift in circumstances for Lane and her closest friends, and a transition for the Nation—even the World—itself.
One last shift is also on display with The Hindenburg Spy. While still very mysterious, with puzzles to be solved, this entry ups the stakes into thriller territory. The tension created by dropping Lane and the gang into a time-sensitive mission elevates the action in a way that is sure to delight fans of both thriller/suspense and traditional mystery in equal measure.
Fans of the series have always delighted in L.A. Chandlar’s ability to weave together fact and fiction. The books have been populated with real historical figures standing stoutly beside those fictional creations Chandlar needs to further the plot. Along with the political personas one might expect the aide to Mayor Fiorello La Guardia to encounter (i.e., the likes of Roosevelt and Churchill), The Hindenburg Spy continues to spotlight “celebrity” culture—in all its delightful diversity—in this case with a very moving appearance from none other than Josephine Baker that will resonate long after the pages are turned.
Despite this novel’s historical time-period, L.A. Chandlar succeeds in unspooling her tale in a way that resonates with our modern times. Society has much to learn from the past, if we can only manage to get out of our own way long enough to listen. Novels like The Hindenburg Spy are the bridge that is needed to establish that link. Allow yourself to be educated and entertained by this talented storyteller. You won’t be sorry you did.
BUY LINKS: The Hindenburg Spy by L.A. Chandlar
Disclaimer: An e-galley of this title was provided to BOLO Books by the publisher. No promotion was promised and the above is an unbiased review of the novel.
