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Bombshell
It's September 1959—the height of the Cold War. As American school children "duck and cover" in classroom drills, Russian premier Nikita Khrushchev suddenly announces he wants to visit the United States. President Eisenhower agrees to the history-making trip. Khrushchev has only two demands: he wants to see Disneyland…and Marilyn Monroe. He was, for security reasons, refused his first request; the second request, a meeting with Hollywood's blonde bombshell, was arranged…What if Marilyn was the only one who was aware of a covert plot to kill Khrushchev? When a State Department agent refuses to take Marilyn seriously, the sex goddess takes it upon herself to rescue the famous Russian, spiriting him away for a midnight visit to the theme park he longs to see. At once an historical novel, espionage thriller, and comic mystery, Bombshell accomplishes something few if any of the scores of books on these two icons of the 20th century manage: to bring to life the great movie star and the Russian dictator as real people…human, flawed, and, in their own individual ways, heroic.
Barbara and Max Allan Collins live in Muscatine, Iowa.
Barbara and Max Allan Collins live in Muscatine, Iowa.
232 pages, Hardcover
Published April 15, 2004
67 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Collins
76 books15 followersWife of Max Allan Collins. They write together as Barbara Allan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 15, 2022
In September of 1959, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev arrived in the United States for an extended visit and a summit meeting with President Eisenhower. As part of his trip, he visited Hollywood in Los Angeles on the 19th. Among the day’s activities, he was given a tour of the Twentieth Century Fox Studios and was taken on to the sound stage for the movie “Can-Can”. He met a slew of celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Shirley MacLaine and Juliet Prowse. However, when he was told he could not visit Disneyland due to concerns over his own safety and security, he exploded in anger.
This is all documented history. But what the public doesn’t know is that Khrushchev also met Marilyn Monroe, and together they encountered a complex assassination attempt on his life. This novel covers that hitherto unknown thrilling aspect of his visit to the US, including a detour to Disneyland after all.
This novel grew out of a short story by Barbara Collins entitled, “Da Svidaniya, Khrushchev” which was published in 1997’s anthology, “Marilyn: Shades of Blonde”. The expanded version was written by Barbara and her husband, Max Allan Collins and originally published under their combined pseudonym, “Barbara Allan”.
This novel really took me by surprise. I confess my knowledge of both Khrushchev and Marilyn Monroe is minimal, mostly limited to the major headlines and public personas. I was also a little nervous about the seemingly absurd premise of the book. After all, how plausible is the idea of Marilyn Monroe overhearing an assassination plot and risking everything to lead Khrushchev to safety? At Disneyland of all places. But I must say, this story really gripped me. Absolutely delightful all the way through.
The story is told from the point of view of both of these icons as well as that of secret service agent, Jack Harrigan. I found all of them to be fully engaging and realistic, especially the characterization of Marilyn Monroe. It really captures her accidental zany antics combined with a laser-focused purpose. It’s hard to pull off a light-hearted but danger-filled thriller but these authors have done it superbly. And both authors’ knowledge of the era and celebrities of that time is on full display. Even Walt Disney gets in on the action.
All in all, this is a tremendously fun read. A page-turner to be sure.
Highly recommended.
This is all documented history. But what the public doesn’t know is that Khrushchev also met Marilyn Monroe, and together they encountered a complex assassination attempt on his life. This novel covers that hitherto unknown thrilling aspect of his visit to the US, including a detour to Disneyland after all.
This novel grew out of a short story by Barbara Collins entitled, “Da Svidaniya, Khrushchev” which was published in 1997’s anthology, “Marilyn: Shades of Blonde”. The expanded version was written by Barbara and her husband, Max Allan Collins and originally published under their combined pseudonym, “Barbara Allan”.
This novel really took me by surprise. I confess my knowledge of both Khrushchev and Marilyn Monroe is minimal, mostly limited to the major headlines and public personas. I was also a little nervous about the seemingly absurd premise of the book. After all, how plausible is the idea of Marilyn Monroe overhearing an assassination plot and risking everything to lead Khrushchev to safety? At Disneyland of all places. But I must say, this story really gripped me. Absolutely delightful all the way through.
The story is told from the point of view of both of these icons as well as that of secret service agent, Jack Harrigan. I found all of them to be fully engaging and realistic, especially the characterization of Marilyn Monroe. It really captures her accidental zany antics combined with a laser-focused purpose. It’s hard to pull off a light-hearted but danger-filled thriller but these authors have done it superbly. And both authors’ knowledge of the era and celebrities of that time is on full display. Even Walt Disney gets in on the action.
All in all, this is a tremendously fun read. A page-turner to be sure.
Highly recommended.
October 14, 2021
During Kruschev's ill-fated tour of America, one of the things he wants to do is meet Marilyn Monroe. She overhears plotting of an assassination, and makes a move to rescue him. They wind up at DisneyLand.
In the afterword, it is noted that the novel is a lengthened short story. I think it would have been better as a short story. There just isn't enough there there.
In the afterword, it is noted that the novel is a lengthened short story. I think it would have been better as a short story. There just isn't enough there there.
March 30, 2023
This book was given to me for an honest review. I absolutely fell in love with this book. Set your cynicism aside and enjoy the ride. Much of the novel is based on real characters and real occurrences but of course it veers off into fiction from those touch points. I didn’t want this book to end. So much fun.
August 1, 2014
I have never read a book quite like this.
Bombshell is a story about Nikita Khrushchev's visit to the US. On his visit he wanted to meet Marilyn Monroe and visit Disneyland. There are serious aspects of the book which appear to be based on historical fact. I found myself googling to see if Nikita actually met Marilyn Monroe (he did) and whether or not he asked to see Disneyland (he did actually ask to see Disneyland).
It's historical fiction, thriller and comedy rolled into one book It was a page turner - I couldn't put it down.
A lot of the facts in the beginning of the story seem to be true. However, then the story becomes a comic thriller with Marilyn trying to save the life of Nikita while running through Disneyland. I know it sounds crazy - but the author is very creative and actually makes it work! You just have to be willing to go along for the crazy ride!
While reading this book, you may find yourself, like me, googling to see what is true and what is fiction/fantasy.
This book was unique. I enjoyed it!
Bombshell is a story about Nikita Khrushchev's visit to the US. On his visit he wanted to meet Marilyn Monroe and visit Disneyland. There are serious aspects of the book which appear to be based on historical fact. I found myself googling to see if Nikita actually met Marilyn Monroe (he did) and whether or not he asked to see Disneyland (he did actually ask to see Disneyland).
It's historical fiction, thriller and comedy rolled into one book It was a page turner - I couldn't put it down.
A lot of the facts in the beginning of the story seem to be true. However, then the story becomes a comic thriller with Marilyn trying to save the life of Nikita while running through Disneyland. I know it sounds crazy - but the author is very creative and actually makes it work! You just have to be willing to go along for the crazy ride!
While reading this book, you may find yourself, like me, googling to see what is true and what is fiction/fantasy.
This book was unique. I enjoyed it!
February 14, 2016
This is the kind of book that demands a suspension of disbelief. I had to check my cynicism and just roll with it. Then the fun begins.
The foundation of the story is Khrushchev's 1959 visit to the United States, and his meeting with Marilyn Monroe (which really happened). Throw in some political intrigue, a few fun chases and Khrushchev's famous shoe, and you've got yourself a cracking little page-turner.
There were two things Khrushchev wanted to do on his visit. He wanted to meet Marilyn (which he did) and he wanted to visit Disneyland (which he didn't). The authors had so much fun expanding on this and imagining how to have their very real historical figures behave in fictional (yet fairly plausible) ways.
I'm being deliberately vague as to the entire plot because part of the fun for me was in discovering the story as it progressed, and I'd rather not be the one to ruin that experience for you. I can tell you that I like wit, a bit of thrill, and real-life figures in fictional situations, and I liked this a lot. I want to see what else has been written by these folks, because I found this to be a treat.
The foundation of the story is Khrushchev's 1959 visit to the United States, and his meeting with Marilyn Monroe (which really happened). Throw in some political intrigue, a few fun chases and Khrushchev's famous shoe, and you've got yourself a cracking little page-turner.
There were two things Khrushchev wanted to do on his visit. He wanted to meet Marilyn (which he did) and he wanted to visit Disneyland (which he didn't). The authors had so much fun expanding on this and imagining how to have their very real historical figures behave in fictional (yet fairly plausible) ways.
I'm being deliberately vague as to the entire plot because part of the fun for me was in discovering the story as it progressed, and I'd rather not be the one to ruin that experience for you. I can tell you that I like wit, a bit of thrill, and real-life figures in fictional situations, and I liked this a lot. I want to see what else has been written by these folks, because I found this to be a treat.
October 10, 2021
I received this book as a giveaway from the authors for the promise of an honest review. This is the third Barbara Allan novel I have read (the other two being Regeneration and a Trash 'n Treasure s novel) by this husband and wife team. I am a big Max Allan Collins fan (this is probably the 10th book of his I've read just this year). He is very prolific and writes a variety of series and styles. While my favorites are his Quarry and Nolan series, everything he writes or co-authors is extremely readable.
Bombshell falls into the category of his novels based on real historical events and people. It revolves around Nikita Krushchev's visit to the US during the Eisenhower administration and involves an assassination plot and Marilyn Monroe. The book includes a look at Disneyland in its very early years. The book is fast paced, fun, and well tied to historically accurate people and facts. Highly recommended.
Bombshell falls into the category of his novels based on real historical events and people. It revolves around Nikita Krushchev's visit to the US during the Eisenhower administration and involves an assassination plot and Marilyn Monroe. The book includes a look at Disneyland in its very early years. The book is fast paced, fun, and well tied to historically accurate people and facts. Highly recommended.
December 4, 2023
A factual book about that time Marilyn Monroe averted World War III. :p
February 16, 2023
4/5
This book is amazing. I love how Marilyn was portrayed. The same can be said with Nikita Khrushchev. The story brings life to the characters. Highly recommend this book!
This book is amazing. I love how Marilyn was portrayed. The same can be said with Nikita Khrushchev. The story brings life to the characters. Highly recommend this book!
January 11, 2016
Marilyn Monroe foils an assassination attempt on Russian Premier Nikita Khrushchev circa 1959. Blending fact with liberal fiction, the authors craft an okay read that pits the proverbial bombshell against bullets in an internal affair which threatens to start WW III. Whilst both Khrushchev and Monroe are well characterized and easily readable BOMBSHELL suffered from too many pages with too little progressive content. BOMBSHELL wasn't a book I wanted to keep reading unfortunately - drab despite an interesting concept. The authors also focused far too much on Monroe's intellectual prowess which did everything but enforce that element of her as a character in this book. I get where the authors were taking this but it just missed the mark for me.
January 16, 2016
It must have been a devil of an effort to write a story involving the reigning sex siren of Hollywood and the Soviet premier but Ms Allan (with hep from her husband) pulls it off with panache - while keeping it quite plausible but exciting....
December 5, 2017
Great read
This is a fiction story about real people who do the unexpected. Based in Hollywood and the Disneyland park in its early years.
This is a fiction story about real people who do the unexpected. Based in Hollywood and the Disneyland park in its early years.
January 27, 2019
If only it was true
Marilyn Monroe fans should love this ! Someone should make this into a movie or mini series! Netflix this would be great
Marilyn Monroe fans should love this ! Someone should make this into a movie or mini series! Netflix this would be great
February 10, 2021
Much better than I had expected
Amazing! Expected it to be somewhat boring but found it fascinating. Unable to put it down. A very good read.
Amazing! Expected it to be somewhat boring but found it fascinating. Unable to put it down. A very good read.
June 15, 2017
Initially having read the blurb for the Bombshell book about Marilyn Monroe meeting Nikita Kruschev, I thought it sounded quite comical and indeed absurd. However, that was before I googled the two famous names together and realized that, strange as it sounds, the reality is that these two people actually met in person. I also found that, in 1959, Kruschev took a tour of America, a bizarre and strange tour.
So, there is a factual basis for this book. The writing is superb and it reads quicker than you would imagine. Here, we have Marilyn Monroe in her star's dressing room, getting ready for a production. We have ack Harrigan, the famous secret service man, preparing to host the leader of America's biggest rival state, one which had atomic warheads aimed at every American city. We have school children at Emerson Junior High (a real school) preparing for drills to duck and cover and a
schoolchild wondering what the point of such an exercise was since, if the bombs really dropped, there would be nothing left to duck under.
We have Nikita Kruschev preparing to come to America, hoping to among other things, meet the famous actress, Marilyn Monroe, and go to Disneyland. We also have a story about how the Soviets violently put an end to the Hungarian revolt a few years earlier and how
Kruschev played a part in machine-gunning the voices of freedom and how some of the survivors fled from Budapest. All these points of history come together in this fictionalized account of history.
And, we have Marilyn Monroe, out to prove that she's no dumb blonde. In fact, she doesn't agree to meet with Kruschev unless the State Department preps her for his visit on all the relevant historical details.
I cannot say enough positive things about this book. It was a pleasure to read. The characterizations ring true. The action is intense and, although comical at times, always true to the story. I enjoyed climbing
into Monroe's mind and seeing how she thought and acted. I also enjoyed climbing into Kruschev's mind as he rode through the streets of Los Angeles in his limousine and assumed the American wealth he
saw was all fake and put out there in a feigned effort to embarress him.
So, there is a factual basis for this book. The writing is superb and it reads quicker than you would imagine. Here, we have Marilyn Monroe in her star's dressing room, getting ready for a production. We have ack Harrigan, the famous secret service man, preparing to host the leader of America's biggest rival state, one which had atomic warheads aimed at every American city. We have school children at Emerson Junior High (a real school) preparing for drills to duck and cover and a
schoolchild wondering what the point of such an exercise was since, if the bombs really dropped, there would be nothing left to duck under.
We have Nikita Kruschev preparing to come to America, hoping to among other things, meet the famous actress, Marilyn Monroe, and go to Disneyland. We also have a story about how the Soviets violently put an end to the Hungarian revolt a few years earlier and how
Kruschev played a part in machine-gunning the voices of freedom and how some of the survivors fled from Budapest. All these points of history come together in this fictionalized account of history.
And, we have Marilyn Monroe, out to prove that she's no dumb blonde. In fact, she doesn't agree to meet with Kruschev unless the State Department preps her for his visit on all the relevant historical details.
I cannot say enough positive things about this book. It was a pleasure to read. The characterizations ring true. The action is intense and, although comical at times, always true to the story. I enjoyed climbing
into Monroe's mind and seeing how she thought and acted. I also enjoyed climbing into Kruschev's mind as he rode through the streets of Los Angeles in his limousine and assumed the American wealth he
saw was all fake and put out there in a feigned effort to embarress him.
November 1, 2021
A Fun Historical Adventure
In the late 1950’s the Russian President takes a tour of the United States. Two of his desires are to meet movie star Marilyn Monroe in Hollywood and to experience Disneyland.
This historical fact is the basis for the fine plotting by the Collins authors who add a lot of adventurous fun to the plot, the actress overhears about a plot on the life of the Russian, which ends up having them escape to Disneyland in the middle of the night. The park is empty, without nighttime security and one occupant; it’s founder! Among the historical characters are added ones like the special security agent, Harrigan. All of them make for a fine read.
What I especially enjoyed was how the two main protagonists, Marilyn and Nikita, were not two dimensional. She was presented with more intelligence and depth than one would expect, and the Russian was reasonable, and his known peculiarities were worked into the story well.
If you love Hollywood, politics, or mysteries I believe that you will enjoy Bombshell as well.
In the late 1950’s the Russian President takes a tour of the United States. Two of his desires are to meet movie star Marilyn Monroe in Hollywood and to experience Disneyland.
This historical fact is the basis for the fine plotting by the Collins authors who add a lot of adventurous fun to the plot, the actress overhears about a plot on the life of the Russian, which ends up having them escape to Disneyland in the middle of the night. The park is empty, without nighttime security and one occupant; it’s founder! Among the historical characters are added ones like the special security agent, Harrigan. All of them make for a fine read.
What I especially enjoyed was how the two main protagonists, Marilyn and Nikita, were not two dimensional. She was presented with more intelligence and depth than one would expect, and the Russian was reasonable, and his known peculiarities were worked into the story well.
If you love Hollywood, politics, or mysteries I believe that you will enjoy Bombshell as well.
July 17, 2022
I love Max Collins. He brings characters from real life into his novels and creates believable personas for them, whether he is writing about Charles Lindburgh, Frank Nitti, Elliot Ness or Sally Rand. In this novel, the Bombshelll is none other than Marilyn Monroe, and Mr. Collins obviously thinks a great deal of this sometimes maligned star. Nikita Kruschev plays a major role in this rollicking good adventure, and is worthy of Mr. Collin's talents. I have enjoyed every book of his that I've read, and I've read a bunch.
February 6, 2022
The Mental Images Alone Make It Worth The Read...
This enjoyable "faux historical" comedy/thriller romp was a lot of fun to read. It's worth the price of admission simply for the mental images of Marilyn Monroe and Nikita Khruschev on the run to thwart a diabolical scheme to plunge the world into a nuclear conflagration. The Collins team didn't disappoint - I've enjoyed every offering they've put forward. A fun action-packed read!
This enjoyable "faux historical" comedy/thriller romp was a lot of fun to read. It's worth the price of admission simply for the mental images of Marilyn Monroe and Nikita Khruschev on the run to thwart a diabolical scheme to plunge the world into a nuclear conflagration. The Collins team didn't disappoint - I've enjoyed every offering they've put forward. A fun action-packed read!
April 3, 2024
A fun book. A wacky idea, sure, but good fun and solidly written (per usual for Max Allan Collins). I must admit, despite being a big fan of Collins, this was the first book of his co-written by his wife that I've read. It was quite good and I will read more. I must also admit that the idea of the book didn't immediately hook me either, but again, it turned out to be a really good, really fun book. Would definitely recommend.
February 23, 2018
Cute story
This was an entertaining, light read. The characterizations of Monroe and Khrushchev were both well done, capturing the styles of speech and behavior well. The mystery/adventure is cleverly designed around actual historical events, and sprinkled with a cast of characters we all know, including Frank Sinatra and Walt Disney. A delightfully diverting little book.
This was an entertaining, light read. The characterizations of Monroe and Khrushchev were both well done, capturing the styles of speech and behavior well. The mystery/adventure is cleverly designed around actual historical events, and sprinkled with a cast of characters we all know, including Frank Sinatra and Walt Disney. A delightfully diverting little book.
May 24, 2018
Interesting
Not sure I like how it was written but it was an ok book. I actually never knew this happened.
Not sure I like how it was written but it was an ok book. I actually never knew this happened.
March 9, 2022
Astoundingly entertaining and well-paced book with some fascinating insights
November 30, 2025
Interesting and a fun read
Not sure it’s a page turner, at times it was quite interesting but other times dragging. A little disappointed with the ending.
Not sure it’s a page turner, at times it was quite interesting but other times dragging. A little disappointed with the ending.
July 9, 2019
Really fun adventure story involving famous people, historical political figures and pop culture icons in addition to standard “everymen” of the time period. Very enjoyable read!
December 13, 2012
Well, this is a very silly book. Looking back at Khrushchev's US visit in 1959, it imagines that Marilyn Monroe had saved him from assassination by hiding out in Disneyland. Yes, really! You have to read it as a kind of comic strip in prose, and there are a few moments when the fantasy almost works. For the most part, though, it's just too absurd. Which is not such a bad thing - if you're looking for a light read, perhaps for a long journey. Written by Max Allan Collins, who recently penned a somewhat better book about Monroe's death, Bye Bye Baby, and his wife Barbara Collins, 'Bombshell' was first published in 2004.
July 7, 2015
Part thriller, part comic romp - Bombshell imagines the unusual yet engaging relationship between Marilyn Monroe and Premier Khrushchev during the latter's visit to America. A fun read likely to appeal to Marilyn and anyone into 20th century history.
April 23, 2016
A fun read about how Marilyn Monroe saved the free world. Based on a few facts the imagination of the authors took over and, as you might expect from something with Disneyland as the backdrop, it was a great ride
January 25, 2014
Very entertaining
very entertaining with many twists and turns. I could hear Marilyn Monroe talking as I read this book. I would recommend it to anyone
very entertaining with many twists and turns. I could hear Marilyn Monroe talking as I read this book. I would recommend it to anyone
January 23, 2014
Curious how much is true. Goofy is the best way to describe this story. Although it would make a great movie.
March 1, 2014
enjoyed this Marilyn Monroe story. I did wonder if the story of her running around Disney Land with the prime minister of Russia was true. It was entertaining.
August 5, 2014
This was entertaining and a little silly but in a good way. I thought it was highly imaginative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews