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Firebird
A blend of suspense, mystery, political intrigue and romance, FIREBIRD explores the universal themes of love, loss, courage and redemption.
At its heart, FIREBIRD is the story of a woman mourning the death of her estranged sister, and a man who has sacrificed everything for love of his country.
Dr. Alexandra Marik, a single mother and art gallery curator, is haunted by her past and the sudden, inexplicable death of her older sister. Ivan is a lonely, secretive Russian spy who has been “forgotten” since the chaos of Glasnost. Their lives are about to collide.
It is October, just weeks before the Presidential election. A controversial Senator has replaced an ailing Vice President on the Republican ticket…
Just miles from the White House, the funeral of Alexandra’s sister, Eve, is about to begin, while, in a forest far to the north, the man called Ivan is mourning Eve’s death as well.
Alexandra’s quest for the truth behind her sister’s death will expose a decades old political secret that must be protected to allow Ivan to complete his mission. Her search will test her courage, challenge her concepts of family, surprise her with unexpected romance, and propel her to risk her own life to protect the children she loves.
At its heart, FIREBIRD is the story of a woman mourning the death of her estranged sister, and a man who has sacrificed everything for love of his country.
Dr. Alexandra Marik, a single mother and art gallery curator, is haunted by her past and the sudden, inexplicable death of her older sister. Ivan is a lonely, secretive Russian spy who has been “forgotten” since the chaos of Glasnost. Their lives are about to collide.
It is October, just weeks before the Presidential election. A controversial Senator has replaced an ailing Vice President on the Republican ticket…
Just miles from the White House, the funeral of Alexandra’s sister, Eve, is about to begin, while, in a forest far to the north, the man called Ivan is mourning Eve’s death as well.
Alexandra’s quest for the truth behind her sister’s death will expose a decades old political secret that must be protected to allow Ivan to complete his mission. Her search will test her courage, challenge her concepts of family, surprise her with unexpected romance, and propel her to risk her own life to protect the children she loves.
- GenresMystery Thriller
492 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2012
20 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Helaine Mario
8 books169 followersHELAINE MARIO - ABOUT THE WRITER
Best-selling author Helaine Mario grew up in NYC and is a graduate of Boston University. Now living in Arlington, VA, this mother of two, grandmother of five, and passionate advocate for women’s and children’s issues came to writing later in life. Her first novel, The Lost Concerto, won the Benjamin Franklin Award Silver Medal. Echoes on the Wind is her fifth novel and the fourth in her Maggie O’Shea Classical Music Suspense Series. Royalties from her books go to children’s music and reading programs. Helaine recently lost her husband, Ron, after 57 years together. Her new book echoes with loss, grief and, ultimately, the healing power of love.
Best-selling author Helaine Mario grew up in NYC and is a graduate of Boston University. Now living in Arlington, VA, this mother of two, grandmother of five, and passionate advocate for women’s and children’s issues came to writing later in life. Her first novel, The Lost Concerto, won the Benjamin Franklin Award Silver Medal. Echoes on the Wind is her fifth novel and the fourth in her Maggie O’Shea Classical Music Suspense Series. Royalties from her books go to children’s music and reading programs. Helaine recently lost her husband, Ron, after 57 years together. Her new book echoes with loss, grief and, ultimately, the healing power of love.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 8, 2013
Firebird is an exciting story with the right balance of plot, action, and detail. Unfolding like a mystery with each discovery advancing the underlying plot, the story moves forward without pause and had me constantly trying to spot the next foreshadowing moment. (Got a few, saw many in the rear view mirror).
As a well written book should do, it had me believing the scenes and used a very effective combination of a personal struggle set amidst a realistic web of political intrigue, a lingering cold-war debt, and a series of questionable loyalties.
Very enjoyable.
As a well written book should do, it had me believing the scenes and used a very effective combination of a personal struggle set amidst a realistic web of political intrigue, a lingering cold-war debt, and a series of questionable loyalties.
Very enjoyable.
June 18, 2016
I'd actually give this novel 3.5 stars. I loved The Lost Concerto by this same author, but maybe it was too soon to read this first novel of hers. I found several similarities between the two books: the search for a missing or in this case distant child, occasional voices from the deceased, an intelligent female main character who doesn't always make smart decisions. It takes a little while to get the story underway, but eventually the suspense builds and an interesting tale unfolds. Interwoven is a back-story set in St. Petersburg, Russia, complete with a ballet troupe and a stunning jeweled Firebird. The action picks up in the last 1/3 of the book. Overall, it was a good read, but not as good as The Lost Concerto.
October 24, 2020
During this unprecedented time of social isolation, FIREBIRD by Helaine Mario was a welcomed distraction from the news of the day. Because I wanted it to last as long as possible, I rationed each chapter the way I savor a box of Godiva chocolates. Well-developed characters and an intriguing plot provided all the elements of a memorable novel. Fans of FIREBIRD will be happy to know Helaine also writes a series featuring Maggie O’Shea. Book one is THE LOST CONCERTO followed by DARK RHAPSODY and SHADOW MUSIC will be published in the summer of 2021.
July 22, 2023
A magnificent read!
FIREBIRD is a wonderful story of love, forgiveness and courage. And, its all wrapped up in a tumultuous run of mystery and intrigue. Its a "catch-me-if-you-can" race to the very end.
FIREBIRD is a wonderful story of love, forgiveness and courage. And, its all wrapped up in a tumultuous run of mystery and intrigue. Its a "catch-me-if-you-can" race to the very end.
May 3, 2023
Really enjoyed the intrigue and suspense.
February 7, 2024
It ended too soon!
June 9, 2016
I really enjoy this author. Female thrillers is what I like to call them. Well written and exciting. I will look for more of her novels in the future.
January 3, 2016
Enchanting as a thriller can be.
April 3, 2017
This novel was a very pleasant surprise. I met the author at an authors' event at my local library. She lives part of the time in this community. She was very humble about her writings, almost embarrassed to be pitching them. I purchased this one and am so glad I did. The main plot is about a Russian spy network in the US trying to influence a US presidential election. This was written at least 6 years ago, but could have been taken from today's headlines. The primary characters are well-
developed and believable. The plot becomes a thriller very early on - I couldn't wait to get to the bottom of things. Very enjoyable for me and my mother.
developed and believable. The plot becomes a thriller very early on - I couldn't wait to get to the bottom of things. Very enjoyable for me and my mother.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews