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Midnight Burning
The Genius and the Tramp Fight Fascists in 1930s Hollywood.
“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.
It's 1937 and clouds of war gather over Europe, and American fascists march at home. While the FBI chases suspected communists, Nazi agents plot an armed insurrection. When the world’s two most famous men - Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin - uncover the scheme, which includes the assassination of Hollywood’s biggest stars, they fight back with nothing but their ingenuity, raw courage, and the fierce resolve of Georgia Ann Robinson, 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.
Paul Levine—praised by The New York Times for his “realistic, gritty, and fun” novels—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.
It's 1937 and clouds of war gather over Europe, and American fascists march at home. While the FBI chases suspected communists, Nazi agents plot an armed insurrection. When the world’s two most famous men - Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin - uncover the scheme, which includes the assassination of Hollywood’s biggest stars, they fight back with nothing but their ingenuity, raw courage, and the fierce resolve of Georgia Ann Robinson, 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.
Paul Levine—praised by The New York Times for his “realistic, gritty, and fun” novels—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.
374 pages, Paperback
Published September 16, 2025
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About the author
Paul Levine
81 books558 followersThe Genius and the Tramp Fight Fascists in 1930's Hollywood
MIDNIGHT BURNING - September 2025
“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.
Award-winning author Paul Levine weaves historical figures into a gripping, true-to-life plot to overthrow the U.S. government in the sizzling thriller MIDNIGHT BURNING.
It's 1937 and clouds of war gather over Europe, and American fascists march at home. While the FBI chases suspected communists, Nazi agents plot an armed insurrection. When the world’s two most famous men–Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin–uncover the scheme, which includes the assassination of Hollywood’s biggest stars, they fight back with nothing but their ingenuity, raw courage, and the fierce resolve of Georgia Ann Robinson, LAPD’s first Black female officer.
Levine—praised by The New York Times for his “realistic, gritty, and fun” novels—delivers a breathtaking thriller laced with humor and a larger-than-life cast, including Charles Lindbergh, Douglas Fairbanks, William Randolph Hearst, and Joseph Goebbels.
"This could be Levine's masterpiece." - Lee Goldberg, New York Times #1 Bestselling Author
ORDER FROM AMAZON HERE.
ORDER FROM BARNES & NOBLE HERE.
ORDER FROM BOOKSHOP HERE.
**********************************************;
Jake Lassiter tackles high school football and becomes the most hated man in Miami in EARLY GRAVE, Paul Levine's sizzling legal thriller.
"An extraordinary hero stars in a legal tale as believable as it is riveting." - Kirkus Reviews
"Levine scores with this complex and witty legal thriller. This winner works even for those new to the series." - Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
When his godson suffers a catastrophic injury in a high school football game, lawyer Jake Lassiter sues to abolish the sport and becomes Public Enemy Number One. The former NFL linebacker also battles CTE, the fatal brain disease caused by repetitive head injuries. His personal life, too, hits a rocky patch. He's in couple's therapy with fiancée Dr. Melissa Gold and vows to live long enough to fix his relationship and achieve justice for his godson.
"Grounded in reality, EARLY GRAVE is a novel with heartfelt emotion, flashes of humor, and high-octane excitement." - Franco Harris, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back
STILL GOING STRONG:
CHEATER’S GAME is a stand-alone entry in the Jake Lassiter series.
"Clever, funny and seriously on point when it comes to the inequities of society and the justice system, CHEATER'S GAME is top-notch stuff from Paul Levine. His Jake Lassiter is my kind of lawyer!" - Michael Connelly
You may ORDER HERE.
ALSO AVAILABLE: BUM DEAL.
“Fascinating, fully developed characters and smart, well-paced dialogue keep the pages turning. Levine manipulates the expectations of the reader as skillfully as Jake manipulates the expectations of the jury” — Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
"Drop everything...Read it now...BUM DEAL is fantastic." - Lee Child
MIDNIGHT BURNING - September 2025
“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.
Award-winning author Paul Levine weaves historical figures into a gripping, true-to-life plot to overthrow the U.S. government in the sizzling thriller MIDNIGHT BURNING.
It's 1937 and clouds of war gather over Europe, and American fascists march at home. While the FBI chases suspected communists, Nazi agents plot an armed insurrection. When the world’s two most famous men–Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin–uncover the scheme, which includes the assassination of Hollywood’s biggest stars, they fight back with nothing but their ingenuity, raw courage, and the fierce resolve of Georgia Ann Robinson, LAPD’s first Black female officer.
Levine—praised by The New York Times for his “realistic, gritty, and fun” novels—delivers a breathtaking thriller laced with humor and a larger-than-life cast, including Charles Lindbergh, Douglas Fairbanks, William Randolph Hearst, and Joseph Goebbels.
"This could be Levine's masterpiece." - Lee Goldberg, New York Times #1 Bestselling Author
ORDER FROM AMAZON HERE.
ORDER FROM BARNES & NOBLE HERE.
ORDER FROM BOOKSHOP HERE.
**********************************************;
Jake Lassiter tackles high school football and becomes the most hated man in Miami in EARLY GRAVE, Paul Levine's sizzling legal thriller.
"An extraordinary hero stars in a legal tale as believable as it is riveting." - Kirkus Reviews
"Levine scores with this complex and witty legal thriller. This winner works even for those new to the series." - Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
When his godson suffers a catastrophic injury in a high school football game, lawyer Jake Lassiter sues to abolish the sport and becomes Public Enemy Number One. The former NFL linebacker also battles CTE, the fatal brain disease caused by repetitive head injuries. His personal life, too, hits a rocky patch. He's in couple's therapy with fiancée Dr. Melissa Gold and vows to live long enough to fix his relationship and achieve justice for his godson.
"Grounded in reality, EARLY GRAVE is a novel with heartfelt emotion, flashes of humor, and high-octane excitement." - Franco Harris, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back
STILL GOING STRONG:
CHEATER’S GAME is a stand-alone entry in the Jake Lassiter series.
"Clever, funny and seriously on point when it comes to the inequities of society and the justice system, CHEATER'S GAME is top-notch stuff from Paul Levine. His Jake Lassiter is my kind of lawyer!" - Michael Connelly
You may ORDER HERE.
ALSO AVAILABLE: BUM DEAL.
“Fascinating, fully developed characters and smart, well-paced dialogue keep the pages turning. Levine manipulates the expectations of the reader as skillfully as Jake manipulates the expectations of the jury” — Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
"Drop everything...Read it now...BUM DEAL is fantastic." - Lee Child
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 13, 2025
An interesting piece of history. Felt a bit disjointed to me. Unique. Vulgar, unnecessary profanity.
I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
This is a review of the audiobook.
I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
This is a review of the audiobook.
November 5, 2025
I am a big fan of Paul Levine and have read all of his Lassiter and Solomon & Lord books which are very clever, funny and entertaining so I was looking forward to this novel. The concept, Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein teaming up in a thriller was very appealing. It was not bad, however it fell somewhat flat--just not that exciting or clever, unless you like bumbling Hogan's Heroes type Nazis. I just never thought they were the least bit funny.
July 20, 2025
Gripping story, fascinating history, fun characters
Who could resist a book featuring Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein teaming up to save Hollywood and the United States from fascists planning to take over the country? I am glad I did not, because the author follows up the clever original concept with a well-written story that delivered a very satisfying read.
The story itself was gripping, very well told, and make Midnight Burning worth reading on that basis alone. In addition, though, I learned a lot about the era, some of it fun and a lot of it shocking. Besides Einstein and Chaplin there were a number of minor characters readers will recognize from the Hollywood of the 1930s and other prominent figures like Henry Ford, who apparently was quite an anti-Semite, mobster Bugsy Siegel, and even Nazis like Joseph Goebbels. There was an excellent depiction of the era in many aspects, including fun trivia like the use of a new device called a walkie talkie. As I read, I often wondered whether something really happened or whether it was a product of the author’s storytelling skill, and I was delighted that there is a postscript about the characters and some major events to inform curious readers. It was a bit shocking to learn that some elements I assumed were fiction really happened! Who would have guessed that when Princeton polled its incoming freshman class asking, “Who is the greatest living person in the world?”, Adolf Hitler came in first (Einstein was second).
The New York Times described Paul Levine’s novels as “realistic, gritty, and fun”. That applies very aptly to Midnight Burning. With a pair of main characters like Einstein and Chaplin I was well prepared for the “fun” part but want to warn squeamish readers that the story is about a pretty nasty piece of history, and the term “gritty” is highly appropriate.
The title page of Midnight Burning proclaims it to be “An Einstein-Chaplin Thriller”, which implies that Albert and Charlie will pair up again. I certainly look forward to their next adventure.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Edelweiss and Blank Slate Press.
Who could resist a book featuring Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein teaming up to save Hollywood and the United States from fascists planning to take over the country? I am glad I did not, because the author follows up the clever original concept with a well-written story that delivered a very satisfying read.
The story itself was gripping, very well told, and make Midnight Burning worth reading on that basis alone. In addition, though, I learned a lot about the era, some of it fun and a lot of it shocking. Besides Einstein and Chaplin there were a number of minor characters readers will recognize from the Hollywood of the 1930s and other prominent figures like Henry Ford, who apparently was quite an anti-Semite, mobster Bugsy Siegel, and even Nazis like Joseph Goebbels. There was an excellent depiction of the era in many aspects, including fun trivia like the use of a new device called a walkie talkie. As I read, I often wondered whether something really happened or whether it was a product of the author’s storytelling skill, and I was delighted that there is a postscript about the characters and some major events to inform curious readers. It was a bit shocking to learn that some elements I assumed were fiction really happened! Who would have guessed that when Princeton polled its incoming freshman class asking, “Who is the greatest living person in the world?”, Adolf Hitler came in first (Einstein was second).
The New York Times described Paul Levine’s novels as “realistic, gritty, and fun”. That applies very aptly to Midnight Burning. With a pair of main characters like Einstein and Chaplin I was well prepared for the “fun” part but want to warn squeamish readers that the story is about a pretty nasty piece of history, and the term “gritty” is highly appropriate.
The title page of Midnight Burning proclaims it to be “An Einstein-Chaplin Thriller”, which implies that Albert and Charlie will pair up again. I certainly look forward to their next adventure.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Edelweiss and Blank Slate Press.
September 21, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Amphorae Publishing for the digital copy of this book and audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Did you know that Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein were friends? Well, neither did I! I was intrigued by the premise of this book. Both men fought against the Nazis in their own way. This book, however, considers the home-grown Nazis in Hollywood. I had read a novel by Susan Elia MacNeal that dealt with the Nazi underground in Hollywood during WWII, so I wasn’t going in blind.
This caper, because that’s really what it is, adds well-known Hollywood legends into a pulp-style historical thriller. There’s great banter between the characters, and let’s face it, reading about defeating fascists right now is just the jolt I needed in my reading.
While reading the author’s notes as well as doing some online research, I was very impressed that author Paul Levine remained largely faithful to the facts while creating a compelling narrative. Some other prominent figures appear in the story as well. I won’t name names, but I was familiar with most of them.
The production values of the audiobook were excellent. The narrator, Malcolm Hillgartner, was good for the most part. He doesn’t have the best sounding English accent, but it’s passable.
Did you know that Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein were friends? Well, neither did I! I was intrigued by the premise of this book. Both men fought against the Nazis in their own way. This book, however, considers the home-grown Nazis in Hollywood. I had read a novel by Susan Elia MacNeal that dealt with the Nazi underground in Hollywood during WWII, so I wasn’t going in blind.
This caper, because that’s really what it is, adds well-known Hollywood legends into a pulp-style historical thriller. There’s great banter between the characters, and let’s face it, reading about defeating fascists right now is just the jolt I needed in my reading.
While reading the author’s notes as well as doing some online research, I was very impressed that author Paul Levine remained largely faithful to the facts while creating a compelling narrative. Some other prominent figures appear in the story as well. I won’t name names, but I was familiar with most of them.
The production values of the audiobook were excellent. The narrator, Malcolm Hillgartner, was good for the most part. He doesn’t have the best sounding English accent, but it’s passable.
September 21, 2025
A wonderful blend of historical fiction. With the main characters of Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein, Paul Levine weaves an incredible story of 1937 American in the shadow of Nazi Germany.
I began this book not even realizing Einstein and Chaplin were friends. I loved the historical information as well as the fictional liberties. This book was cleverly written and well-researched. The characters are sympathetic and complex. The storyline involving Operation Hollywood was something I had never heard about, but fascinating. It’s rare to read historical fiction involving Nazis in America during this time period, so that was an interesting change.
The tensions of the time and rise of fascism are historically important and timely. I really enjoyed how the author and audiobook narrator brought this time period and so many famous (and sometimes infamous) personalities to life. Highly recommend.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #Brilliancepublishing for an ARC.
I began this book not even realizing Einstein and Chaplin were friends. I loved the historical information as well as the fictional liberties. This book was cleverly written and well-researched. The characters are sympathetic and complex. The storyline involving Operation Hollywood was something I had never heard about, but fascinating. It’s rare to read historical fiction involving Nazis in America during this time period, so that was an interesting change.
The tensions of the time and rise of fascism are historically important and timely. I really enjoyed how the author and audiobook narrator brought this time period and so many famous (and sometimes infamous) personalities to life. Highly recommend.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #Brilliancepublishing for an ARC.
September 26, 2025
Midnight Burning by Paul Levine, Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein were the greatest of friends and when we find them spending the weekend together their first playing tennis and Charlie has something he wants to tell Albert as Albert also has something he wants to tell Charlie. Albert shows Charlie a picture of two scientist in front of a chalkboard trying to make a bomb for the Nazis and Charlie has made plans for him and Albert to go to a Nazi get together in California. we also meet Jimmy Mitchell a black reporter for the black newspaper the sentinel and he’s heard about Nazis wanting machine guns and when he goes to investigate he almost gets caught but does witness a Jewish man being murdered in his last dying words were operation Hollywood. More than once best friends Charlie and Albert will be in danger and it’s mainly from a Nazi named Pelley. fortunately for the genius in the actor the deeper they get into the mystery the more good people they have on their side from Detective Robinson the first black female police woman the reporter Jimmy Mitchell and it doesn’t hurt that most of America agrees with them. I am doing a terrible job and giving a review to such a wonderful book from the mention of famous people popular in and around the 30s, the great writing, lol moments and last but not least a good versus evil story that you’ll be happy to see dismantle. Although not everyone makes it out alive it is still a very enjoyable and entertaining book that I absolutely enjoyed and would love to see another with these two solving the mystery. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,#midnightBurning, #PaulLevine,
September 30, 2025
Midnight Burning is a delight to read as it mixes historical facts and fiction with two beloved persons - Charles Chaplin and Einstein. Both are geniuses in their fields and they entertained a friendship that might have sparked quite a few of the situations that are mentioned in this story. It also raises questions regarding the events preceding WWII, the use of atomic energy to create a weapon of massive destruction, censorship of films in the US, anti-semitism, the rise of Hitler's preeching and the turmoil that would ravage the world. Even though dealing with difficult themes, the story is told in a charming, captivating and humourous way. Highly recommended!
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
September 14, 2025
It’s 1937. Friends Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin—two of the most famous men in the world—are committed to fighting fascism: Einstein by working to help Jewish scientists escape Nazi Germany, and Chaplin by writing an anti-authoritarian film to expose the folly of fascism to the world. This novel takes that premise and launches into an adventure through the wannabe Nazi militias and crooked-cop underbelly of 1930s Los Angeles. The pair uncover a plot to assassinate two dozen Jewish (or Jewish-supporting) Hollywood luminaries.
The story is engaging and moves at a brisk pace. The POV rotates between our protagonists, their allies, and even the villains. History and fiction blend seamlessly as the investigation unfolds. Fans of the Golden Age of Hollywood will spot plenty of recognizable cameos—Joseph Mankiewicz, Orson Welles, Paulette Goddard, even Charles Lindbergh. For history buffs, the author’s note at the end is a highlight, separating fact from fiction and offering some surprising revelations.
A smart, fast-moving historical thriller, Midnight Burning will especially appeal to readers who enjoy Hollywood history, World War II intrigue, or stories where famous figures come vividly to life.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The story is engaging and moves at a brisk pace. The POV rotates between our protagonists, their allies, and even the villains. History and fiction blend seamlessly as the investigation unfolds. Fans of the Golden Age of Hollywood will spot plenty of recognizable cameos—Joseph Mankiewicz, Orson Welles, Paulette Goddard, even Charles Lindbergh. For history buffs, the author’s note at the end is a highlight, separating fact from fiction and offering some surprising revelations.
A smart, fast-moving historical thriller, Midnight Burning will especially appeal to readers who enjoy Hollywood history, World War II intrigue, or stories where famous figures come vividly to life.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2025
This thriller contains real historical characters and includes actual historical occurrences - like the Hindenburg disaster. However, it's a novel with author's discretion.
*****
It's 1937 and Germany is manufacturing weapons, rounding up Jews, coveting surrounding countries, and gearing up for war.
Germany in the 1930s
In America, William Dudley Pelley, a failed Hollywood screenwriter, is recruiting men to join the 'Silver Legion of America', an American fascist and pro-Nazi organization whose members are called 'Silver Shirts'.
William Dudley Pelley
Pelley is a rabid bigot who plans to use the Silver Shirts - as well as murder, propaganda, and manipulation - to make America a white Christian country. Pelley hates Jews, Blacks, Native Americans, immigrants, communists, etc. but he has a particular animus against Charlie Chaplin, who succeeded spectacularly in Hollywood while Pelley crashed and burned (so to speak).
William Dudley Pelley and a group of Silver Shirts
Southern California residents Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin are friends and neighbors who sense Nazi rumblings in Los Angeles.
Albert Einstein (left) and Charlie Chaplin
For one thing, Georg Gyssling - known as Hitler's man in Hollywood - is being permitted to censor and edit studio films. The industry allows this because movies must pass muster with the Nazi regime to be distributed in Europe, and filmmakers want to make money.
Georg Gyssling
For another thing, the German Consulate is having a reception to dedicate a new building, and Joseph Goebbels, his wife Magda, other Nazis, and jackbooted bully boys will be in attendance. As it happens Charlie Chaplin is invited and brings (a reluctant) Albert Einstein as his guest. The two men plan to spy on the Nazis and see what the fascists are up to in America.
Joseph Goebbels and his wife Magda
Pro-fascist Pelley, who'd love to ingratiate himself with Hitler, is formulating his own program as well. Pelley is planning 'Operation Hollywood' to kill the most influential Jews in Tinseltown, starting with Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin (Chaplin isn't Jewish but calls himself a son of Abraham). Pelley starts his anti-Jewish campaign by sending thugs to destroy a synagogue, then tries to have Chaplin and Einstein murdered on two different occasions.
William Dudley Pelley
When the assassination plan doesn't work, Pelley recruits a small army of Silver Shirts; obtains smuggled machine guns; and makes a hit-list of Jewish studio heads, performers, and other bigwigs to kill. Pelley also plans to destroy property; sow hatred; and convince pro-fascist Charles Lindbergh to run for president.
Charles Lindbergh
Pelley is assisted by corrupt Los Angeles Police Chief James Davis, known for encouraging brute force in the police department and taking money from criminals, traffickers, fascists, and other unscrupulous operators. Davis covers up Nazi crimes by planting evidence and blaming communists.
LAPD Police Chief James Davis
Chaplin and Einstein learn about Pelley's schemes with help from a Black journalist named Jimmy Mitchell, and they decide to take counter-measures. Along the way, the dynamic duo get assistance from LAPD's first Black female officer, Georgia Ann Robinson.
Chaplin and Einstein even get some inside information from German Georg Gyssling, who actually hates Hitler and fascism. Chaplin and Einstein get themselves into a very precarious situation, and are lucky to survive.
Albert Einstein (left) and Charlie Chaplin
Georg Gyssling
Though the book's subject matter is serious, there are plenty of light moments. Chaplin and Einstein joke around, make wry comments, go to a ball game, and have fun.
Charlie Chaplin
True to real life, Chaplin - who's married - is a compulsive womanizer and a capable athlete; and Einstein is a brilliant physicist and a fish-out-of-water in routine situations....like baseball games. To add to the merriment, Chaplin is in the midst of making his comedy 'The Great Dictator', which skewers Adolph Hitler and Benito Mussolini.
Poster for The Great Dictator
I wasn't aware of the strong fascist movement in pre-WWII America and was shocked that the Nazis made such extensive inroads. I also didn't know how deeply involved Charles Lindbergh was with the fascist agenda and the Nazis.
Charles Lindbergh hobnobbing with Nazis
I found parts of the novel disturbing, but it's well-written and exciting. Recommended to fans of historical thrillers.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Malcolm Hillgartner, who does a fine job.
Thanks to Netgalley, Paul Levine, and Brilliance Audio for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
October 7, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for this audiobook.
About the plot:
This book was a pleasant surprise. I loved the author's idea of exploring the friendship between Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein. I also enjoyed how the author plays with the plot, blending history and fiction, combining real events and historical figures into the narrative. The constant shifts in perspective and location gives the sensation of watching a movie set in 1930s Hollywood. However, the frequent changes, especially during short chapter sequences, could be a bit overwhelming. This also made it difficult to follow wich character's perspective we are following, especially since it's easy to lose focus when listening to audiobooks.
About the performance:
I really enjoyed Malcolm Hillgartner's performance. His narration was very clear. I also appreciate the way he used different accents to make the experience even more realistic.
About the plot:
This book was a pleasant surprise. I loved the author's idea of exploring the friendship between Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein. I also enjoyed how the author plays with the plot, blending history and fiction, combining real events and historical figures into the narrative. The constant shifts in perspective and location gives the sensation of watching a movie set in 1930s Hollywood. However, the frequent changes, especially during short chapter sequences, could be a bit overwhelming. This also made it difficult to follow wich character's perspective we are following, especially since it's easy to lose focus when listening to audiobooks.
About the performance:
I really enjoyed Malcolm Hillgartner's performance. His narration was very clear. I also appreciate the way he used different accents to make the experience even more realistic.
August 28, 2025
I love the idea of this book - Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin versus American Nazis!
When they learn about Operation Hollywood, a plot designed to kill famous Jews in the California film industry and spread terror among the less famous, the movie star and the scientist (who were actually friends in real life) decide to take action. With the aid of LAPD Sergeant Georgia Robinson, German Consul Georg Gyssling (a "good Nazi") and a heroic news reporter named Jimmy Mitchell, they learn what they can about the plot and figure out how to deal with a situation that the corrupt local police and Nazi sympathizers refuse to acknowledge officially.
While the events portrayed in this novel are serious, there is a great deal of humor in the behavior of both Einstein and Chaplin. They make a great team. Einstein is, of course, a genius whose knowledge of the German language and the terrible situation in his former homeland help uncover the details. Chaplin's connections in Hollywood and his natural athleticism make him a formidable partner. The descriptions of the American Nazis make it clear that while most of them were buffoons, they were still capable of doing tremendous harm.
While this book is fiction, many of the characters and events, like the fate of the Hindenburg blimp, the dimwitted Amerca First theories of Charles Lindburgh, the anguished involvement of the pacifist Einstein in the invention of nuclear weapons, and the details behind the making of both City Lights and The Great Dictator, are true. There is a very amusing conversation between William Randolph Hearst and a young Orson Welles that probably didn't happen, but I enjoyed thinking it might have.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Blank Slate Press for the opportunity to access a free advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
When they learn about Operation Hollywood, a plot designed to kill famous Jews in the California film industry and spread terror among the less famous, the movie star and the scientist (who were actually friends in real life) decide to take action. With the aid of LAPD Sergeant Georgia Robinson, German Consul Georg Gyssling (a "good Nazi") and a heroic news reporter named Jimmy Mitchell, they learn what they can about the plot and figure out how to deal with a situation that the corrupt local police and Nazi sympathizers refuse to acknowledge officially.
While the events portrayed in this novel are serious, there is a great deal of humor in the behavior of both Einstein and Chaplin. They make a great team. Einstein is, of course, a genius whose knowledge of the German language and the terrible situation in his former homeland help uncover the details. Chaplin's connections in Hollywood and his natural athleticism make him a formidable partner. The descriptions of the American Nazis make it clear that while most of them were buffoons, they were still capable of doing tremendous harm.
While this book is fiction, many of the characters and events, like the fate of the Hindenburg blimp, the dimwitted Amerca First theories of Charles Lindburgh, the anguished involvement of the pacifist Einstein in the invention of nuclear weapons, and the details behind the making of both City Lights and The Great Dictator, are true. There is a very amusing conversation between William Randolph Hearst and a young Orson Welles that probably didn't happen, but I enjoyed thinking it might have.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Blank Slate Press for the opportunity to access a free advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 4, 2026
Paul Levine has created a historical adventure novel that combines the real life friendship between Einstein and Chaplin with the unlikely premise that has them on an adventure fighting Nazis in prewar America who are out to kill the Jewish Hollywood elite. .Although the caper may be fictitious, the story includes many historical figures and the basis is rooted in fact. Levine mixes historical research with action adventure, a tight plot, lean prose and witty dialogue.
I alternated between an eBook and audiobook. The narrator Malcolm Hillgartner did a great job.
The subtitle, "Einstein-Chaplin Thrillers" promises more stories to come. I can't wait to read the next one.
I alternated between an eBook and audiobook. The narrator Malcolm Hillgartner did a great job.
The subtitle, "Einstein-Chaplin Thrillers" promises more stories to come. I can't wait to read the next one.
January 4, 2026
Paul Levine has created a historical adventure novel that combines the real life friendship between Einstein and Chaplin with the unlikely premise that has them on an adventure fighting Nazis in prewar America who are out to kill the Jewish Hollywood elite. .Although the caper may be fictitious, the story includes many historical figures and the basis is rooted in fact. Levine mixes historical research with adventure, action and wit. The subtitle, "Einstein-Chaplin Thrillers" promises more stories to come. I can't wait to read the next one.
May 19, 2025
Chaplin considered the arithmetic. Machine guns plus fascists equals massacre. The code name ‘Operation Hollywood’ likely revealed the location of the attack. They didn’t call the mission “Moon over Miami” or “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans.”
The attack will be right here.
When the two most famous men in the world come together, what can’t they achieve if they put their minds to it? Science meets comedy, with Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin becoming fast friends, but in a period of unease, how long can the serenity of simply enjoying the company of one’s friend last?
As the Silver Legion of America begins to enlist more members into their ranks, events start unfolding that are wholly unpredictable. A Jewish temple is infiltrated and burned to the ground. A car narrowly misses hitting and killing Einstein and Chaplin, the emblem of an eagle clutching a swastika proudly displayed on the front of the car. As whispers of plots emerged, it became increasingly likely that Einstein and Chaplin were in danger, so they decided to take matters into their own hands.
Just like Charlie Chaplin’s renowned silent films, which convey powerful stories without uttering a single word, “Midnight Burning: Einstein-Chaplin Thrillers” by Paul Levine immerses readers in its narrative, making the experience feel like watching a movie unfold. This novel skilfully brings its tale to life, capturing the imagination in a way that is both engaging and unforgettable.
Everyone knows the names Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein, but knowing them merely by their names and accomplishments does not provide a true understanding of who they were. This novel allows its readers to get to know the great men who put so much of themselves out into the world, on a personal basis. Although Einstein is a renowned figure, he is depicted as a rather comical character in this novel. At times, he appears naïve when he fails to understand others’ jokes and can be impatient with his good friend, Chaplin. The sprightly back-and-forth banter between the two men provides a light-hearted narrative within the dark plots and conspiracies. Chaplin also presents as an incredibly down-to-earth character who does not hold his wealth over anyone around him, but rather works to share what he can and help out those who need it. Both characters are exceptionally well-developed, and their personalities come alive throughout the novel. Their backgrounds and thought processes are thoughtfully explained, allowing them to leap off the page as if the story is unfolding in real time.
The danger of this period of history is not glossed over, but brought up consistently, reminding readers just who they are reading about, and what is happening in the world around Chaplin and Einstein. On multiple occasions, Chaplin asks Einstein about his reluctance to work in nuclear fission, as Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann were doing in their attempts to build nuclear weaponry. True to his character, Einstein is portrayed as a pacifist, unwilling to help create something that could cause unspeakable damage and loss of life. The topic lingers in the reader’s mind throughout the entire novel, as they understand that such scientific discoveries were inevitable. With the advantage of hindsight, the reader is fully aware of the dangers posed by an atomic bomb. Einstein and Chaplin speak of the atom bomb as simply a theory, a nuclear device that has unknown properties and power. They have no way of knowing the true potential for such a scientific breakthrough, yet their casual discussions of something that history has proven to be catastrophically deadly truly put into perspective the discoveries and massive changes that occurred during this period of history.
Although some creative licence has been taken to create a realistic fast-paced thriller involving both Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein, such as the fictionalisation of events and creation of characters to aid in the story, this novel reads very much like a true account of historical fact. The narrative is not wholly led by Einstein and Chaplin, but also by men such as William Dudley Pelley, the leader of the Silver Legion, and men within the Legion itself. This allows the reader a much deeper understanding of how these men considered the world around them, as well as their thought processes when arranging and committing heinous acts against others. While it is somewhat concerning to read about the brutality and lack of compassion, the inclusion of narration from people within the Silver Legion provides a complete account of the story, and gives the reader an understanding of the fictional events, but also the true accounts of different organisations that emerged during the events of Hitler’s rise to power, and the lead up to the Second World War.
Operation Hollywood is one of the main focuses of this novel, a plot of dark censorship, but the control the Nazi party held over the world is highlighted in the censoring of a wide expanse of media. In particular, for this novel, as Charlie Chaplin is among the leading protagonists, the censorship of film is portrayed in great detail. For new films to be played in Germany, they faced extreme changes under the watchful eye of Georg Gyssling. Gyssling is depicted in this novel to be a conflicted character, for although he follows orders and twists new media into subtle forms of propaganda for the Nazi agenda, he does not necessarily agree with what he is doing, nor does he care a great deal for the agenda itself. He provides an interesting insight into the Nazi party, for although he is affiliated with them, that does not necessarily make him one of them.
This novel may be historical fiction, but it is most certainly also a thriller deserving of the greatest merit. Threats that lurk in the shadows, plots that are heard in hushed whispers down restricted corridors, and a police force that would rather look the other way culminate in a climactic series of events that keep the reader hooked. Tension certainly runs riot throughout the story. Levine will make you care for the characters, and then immediately put them in immense danger, keeping you perched on the edge of your seat throughout.
For those in search of a gripping historical thriller that will keep you enthralled, look no further than “Midnight Burning: Einstein-Chaplin Thrillers” by Paul Levine. The novel immerses readers in a captivating narrative filled with richly developed characters who evoke powerful emotions, whether it’s intense love or profound hatred. This compelling story, set against a backdrop of intrigue and suspense, is truly unforgettable and promises to linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.
Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
The attack will be right here.
When the two most famous men in the world come together, what can’t they achieve if they put their minds to it? Science meets comedy, with Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin becoming fast friends, but in a period of unease, how long can the serenity of simply enjoying the company of one’s friend last?
As the Silver Legion of America begins to enlist more members into their ranks, events start unfolding that are wholly unpredictable. A Jewish temple is infiltrated and burned to the ground. A car narrowly misses hitting and killing Einstein and Chaplin, the emblem of an eagle clutching a swastika proudly displayed on the front of the car. As whispers of plots emerged, it became increasingly likely that Einstein and Chaplin were in danger, so they decided to take matters into their own hands.
Just like Charlie Chaplin’s renowned silent films, which convey powerful stories without uttering a single word, “Midnight Burning: Einstein-Chaplin Thrillers” by Paul Levine immerses readers in its narrative, making the experience feel like watching a movie unfold. This novel skilfully brings its tale to life, capturing the imagination in a way that is both engaging and unforgettable.
Everyone knows the names Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein, but knowing them merely by their names and accomplishments does not provide a true understanding of who they were. This novel allows its readers to get to know the great men who put so much of themselves out into the world, on a personal basis. Although Einstein is a renowned figure, he is depicted as a rather comical character in this novel. At times, he appears naïve when he fails to understand others’ jokes and can be impatient with his good friend, Chaplin. The sprightly back-and-forth banter between the two men provides a light-hearted narrative within the dark plots and conspiracies. Chaplin also presents as an incredibly down-to-earth character who does not hold his wealth over anyone around him, but rather works to share what he can and help out those who need it. Both characters are exceptionally well-developed, and their personalities come alive throughout the novel. Their backgrounds and thought processes are thoughtfully explained, allowing them to leap off the page as if the story is unfolding in real time.
The danger of this period of history is not glossed over, but brought up consistently, reminding readers just who they are reading about, and what is happening in the world around Chaplin and Einstein. On multiple occasions, Chaplin asks Einstein about his reluctance to work in nuclear fission, as Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann were doing in their attempts to build nuclear weaponry. True to his character, Einstein is portrayed as a pacifist, unwilling to help create something that could cause unspeakable damage and loss of life. The topic lingers in the reader’s mind throughout the entire novel, as they understand that such scientific discoveries were inevitable. With the advantage of hindsight, the reader is fully aware of the dangers posed by an atomic bomb. Einstein and Chaplin speak of the atom bomb as simply a theory, a nuclear device that has unknown properties and power. They have no way of knowing the true potential for such a scientific breakthrough, yet their casual discussions of something that history has proven to be catastrophically deadly truly put into perspective the discoveries and massive changes that occurred during this period of history.
Although some creative licence has been taken to create a realistic fast-paced thriller involving both Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein, such as the fictionalisation of events and creation of characters to aid in the story, this novel reads very much like a true account of historical fact. The narrative is not wholly led by Einstein and Chaplin, but also by men such as William Dudley Pelley, the leader of the Silver Legion, and men within the Legion itself. This allows the reader a much deeper understanding of how these men considered the world around them, as well as their thought processes when arranging and committing heinous acts against others. While it is somewhat concerning to read about the brutality and lack of compassion, the inclusion of narration from people within the Silver Legion provides a complete account of the story, and gives the reader an understanding of the fictional events, but also the true accounts of different organisations that emerged during the events of Hitler’s rise to power, and the lead up to the Second World War.
Operation Hollywood is one of the main focuses of this novel, a plot of dark censorship, but the control the Nazi party held over the world is highlighted in the censoring of a wide expanse of media. In particular, for this novel, as Charlie Chaplin is among the leading protagonists, the censorship of film is portrayed in great detail. For new films to be played in Germany, they faced extreme changes under the watchful eye of Georg Gyssling. Gyssling is depicted in this novel to be a conflicted character, for although he follows orders and twists new media into subtle forms of propaganda for the Nazi agenda, he does not necessarily agree with what he is doing, nor does he care a great deal for the agenda itself. He provides an interesting insight into the Nazi party, for although he is affiliated with them, that does not necessarily make him one of them.
This novel may be historical fiction, but it is most certainly also a thriller deserving of the greatest merit. Threats that lurk in the shadows, plots that are heard in hushed whispers down restricted corridors, and a police force that would rather look the other way culminate in a climactic series of events that keep the reader hooked. Tension certainly runs riot throughout the story. Levine will make you care for the characters, and then immediately put them in immense danger, keeping you perched on the edge of your seat throughout.
For those in search of a gripping historical thriller that will keep you enthralled, look no further than “Midnight Burning: Einstein-Chaplin Thrillers” by Paul Levine. The novel immerses readers in a captivating narrative filled with richly developed characters who evoke powerful emotions, whether it’s intense love or profound hatred. This compelling story, set against a backdrop of intrigue and suspense, is truly unforgettable and promises to linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.
Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
September 21, 2025
Edgar–nominated author Paul Levine, who is best known for his legal thrillers featuring linebacker-turned-lawyer Jake Lassiter, is back with an exciting new series. With the first installment, MIDNIGHT BURNING, he impressively integrates Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin, and Adolf Hitler’s henchman, Joseph Goebbels, into fact-based fiction.
It’s spring 1937. Brandishing Nazi swastika emblems, the German airship the Hindenburg glides over New York City. In Los Angeles, J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI agents myopically ferret out suspected communists while fascists establish a network of antisemitic and racist paramilitary goons to annihilate key Hollywood filmmakers and actors, including Chaplin. Meanwhile, “the Tramp” cobbles together a Hitler spoof, The Great Dictator, his first “talkie” film. “The world is a dangerous place, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.”
This book throngs with notable characters, including Charles Lindbergh, William Randolph Hearst and Douglas Fairbanks. Georgia Ann Robinson, the LAPD’s first Black female police officer, features prominently with “the Genius and the Tramp” as she aids them to glean information from officers who are as “crooked as a corkscrew.” She learns that “the path for trailblazers ran through a jungle of vipers.” Researching events nearly a century ago to prepare the story’s timeline surely was a herculean task.
“[S]taring into the heart of darkness,” Einstein and Chaplin trek to Rustic Canyon, a rural area near Santa Monica in the 1930s, where 200 machine guns and unfathomable amounts of ammunition were shipped to a ranch. That’s enough firepower to rid California’s entire squirrel population. Why else would a rancher need such an arsenal? The dynamic duo employs Einstein’s cunning and Chaplin’s acrobatic antics to achieve a genius solution to a predicament.
Levine incorporates a humorous exchange between the key characters at the premiere of Chaplin’s 1931 silent film, City Lights. Einstein to Chaplin: “You don’t say a word, yet the world understands you.” Chaplin to Einstein: “The whole world admires you, even though nobody understands a word of what you say.”
Aside from Einstein, the genius in this book is Paul Levine, who uses real people and true events to weave an intricate thriller tapestry. Some characters and scenes are fictional, and timelines blur to enhance a tale that has more plot turns than a spiral staircase.
Reviewer’s note: An intriguing parallel read is Lerone A. Martin’s THE GOSPEL OF J. EDGAR HOOVER: How the FBI Aided and Abetted the Rise of White Christian Nationalism. On the Acknowledgements page of MIDNIGHT BURNING, Levine praises “the indefatigable efforts of ace agent Kimberley Cameron” and Bookreporter.com’s “marketing dynamo Carol Fitzgerald.” You rock, Carol!
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
It’s spring 1937. Brandishing Nazi swastika emblems, the German airship the Hindenburg glides over New York City. In Los Angeles, J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI agents myopically ferret out suspected communists while fascists establish a network of antisemitic and racist paramilitary goons to annihilate key Hollywood filmmakers and actors, including Chaplin. Meanwhile, “the Tramp” cobbles together a Hitler spoof, The Great Dictator, his first “talkie” film. “The world is a dangerous place, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.”
This book throngs with notable characters, including Charles Lindbergh, William Randolph Hearst and Douglas Fairbanks. Georgia Ann Robinson, the LAPD’s first Black female police officer, features prominently with “the Genius and the Tramp” as she aids them to glean information from officers who are as “crooked as a corkscrew.” She learns that “the path for trailblazers ran through a jungle of vipers.” Researching events nearly a century ago to prepare the story’s timeline surely was a herculean task.
“[S]taring into the heart of darkness,” Einstein and Chaplin trek to Rustic Canyon, a rural area near Santa Monica in the 1930s, where 200 machine guns and unfathomable amounts of ammunition were shipped to a ranch. That’s enough firepower to rid California’s entire squirrel population. Why else would a rancher need such an arsenal? The dynamic duo employs Einstein’s cunning and Chaplin’s acrobatic antics to achieve a genius solution to a predicament.
Levine incorporates a humorous exchange between the key characters at the premiere of Chaplin’s 1931 silent film, City Lights. Einstein to Chaplin: “You don’t say a word, yet the world understands you.” Chaplin to Einstein: “The whole world admires you, even though nobody understands a word of what you say.”
Aside from Einstein, the genius in this book is Paul Levine, who uses real people and true events to weave an intricate thriller tapestry. Some characters and scenes are fictional, and timelines blur to enhance a tale that has more plot turns than a spiral staircase.
Reviewer’s note: An intriguing parallel read is Lerone A. Martin’s THE GOSPEL OF J. EDGAR HOOVER: How the FBI Aided and Abetted the Rise of White Christian Nationalism. On the Acknowledgements page of MIDNIGHT BURNING, Levine praises “the indefatigable efforts of ace agent Kimberley Cameron” and Bookreporter.com’s “marketing dynamo Carol Fitzgerald.” You rock, Carol!
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
August 30, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Amphorae Publishing Group, LLC for this advance ARC in return for an honest review.
I was very much intrigued by the concept, two of the most famous people in America in the mid 30's, Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein, team up to foil an American Fascist / Nazi plot to sow dissension in America to keep the USA out of any possible European Conflict.
This historically based "thriller" includes several events( the Hindenberg Disaster being one ) and people for local color such as the head of the Silver Shirts, American Fascist, William Pelley, Joseph and Magda Goebbels, Hitler, German Consul, Georg Gyssling, Corrupt LA Police Chief Davis, not to mention Charles Lindbergh, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Ted Williams, and every ones favorite US Senator on the Nazi payroll, Ernest Lundeen.
What started off as fun and entertaining, lost steam as the dynamic duo start to investigate and ultimately thwart "Operation Hollywood" a real plot, to kill famous and powerful Jews in Hollywood. The deeper they got into solving the plot and going about trying to thwart it, the more inane the banter amongst our intrepid heroes got. I also was not impressed with Levine's effort to turn Pelley's Silver Shirts and Goebell's SS into slapstick antagonists. Although the real "operation Hollywood" was stopped, I doubt it was because the the Fascists were as inept as depicted in this story as opposed to the tireless efforts of Jewish Attorney Leon Lewis and his daring ring of spies dubbed by the Nazis as "the most dangerous Jew in Los Angeles."
Given the current political climate, and the epitome of Chaplain's "Great Dictator" in the White House, I thought this was a timely effort, but unfortunately it fell flat like a Charlie Chaplin prattfal.
I was very much intrigued by the concept, two of the most famous people in America in the mid 30's, Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein, team up to foil an American Fascist / Nazi plot to sow dissension in America to keep the USA out of any possible European Conflict.
This historically based "thriller" includes several events( the Hindenberg Disaster being one ) and people for local color such as the head of the Silver Shirts, American Fascist, William Pelley, Joseph and Magda Goebbels, Hitler, German Consul, Georg Gyssling, Corrupt LA Police Chief Davis, not to mention Charles Lindbergh, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Ted Williams, and every ones favorite US Senator on the Nazi payroll, Ernest Lundeen.
What started off as fun and entertaining, lost steam as the dynamic duo start to investigate and ultimately thwart "Operation Hollywood" a real plot, to kill famous and powerful Jews in Hollywood. The deeper they got into solving the plot and going about trying to thwart it, the more inane the banter amongst our intrepid heroes got. I also was not impressed with Levine's effort to turn Pelley's Silver Shirts and Goebell's SS into slapstick antagonists. Although the real "operation Hollywood" was stopped, I doubt it was because the the Fascists were as inept as depicted in this story as opposed to the tireless efforts of Jewish Attorney Leon Lewis and his daring ring of spies dubbed by the Nazis as "the most dangerous Jew in Los Angeles."
Given the current political climate, and the epitome of Chaplain's "Great Dictator" in the White House, I thought this was a timely effort, but unfortunately it fell flat like a Charlie Chaplin prattfal.
November 6, 2025
Midnight Burning. Paul Levine. Blank Slate Press, 2025. 374 pages. Book 1 of Einstein-Chaplin Thriller series.
It's 1937 Hollywood, and two of the most famous men in the world, Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein - geniuses at the top of their respective fields, are close friends living privileged lives, but the events of the world soon intrude and shake their world. As Europe begins its descent into war, Chaplin is in the process of creating "The Great Dictator," his political magnum opus, his one-man frontal assault on Adolf Hitler and fascism, his biting satire and personal attack against the Fuhrer. Meanwhile, the Silver Shirts, the West Coast fascist paramilitary thugs, just one of multiple pro-Hitler groups operating throughout the country, make plans to prevent its completion. With support and encouragement from Berlin, the Silver Shirts' plan goes beyond that, however, to include murders of dozens of top Hollywood movers and shakers who are either Jewish or anti-fascists and to light the fuse for a fascist coup to overthrow the American government. When Chaplin and Einstein accidentally uncover the plot, they realize that the movement has deep roots in California law enforcement and the FBI, so it's up to them to leap into action to thwart the evil plot. The result is a super, action-packed, buddy action thriller, based on real historical facts and including lots of cameos from real people including Douglas Fairbanks, Bob Hope, Bugsy Siegel, William Randolph Hearst, Joseph Goebbels, and Charles Lindbergh, along with Georgia Ann Robinson, the first black female police officer in Los Angeles. It all works to make a really great story. This book is billed as the first of an Einstein-Chaplin thriller series, and I would definitely read more. (And it led me to go back and watch "The Great Dictator" again, also highly recommended.)
It's 1937 Hollywood, and two of the most famous men in the world, Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein - geniuses at the top of their respective fields, are close friends living privileged lives, but the events of the world soon intrude and shake their world. As Europe begins its descent into war, Chaplin is in the process of creating "The Great Dictator," his political magnum opus, his one-man frontal assault on Adolf Hitler and fascism, his biting satire and personal attack against the Fuhrer. Meanwhile, the Silver Shirts, the West Coast fascist paramilitary thugs, just one of multiple pro-Hitler groups operating throughout the country, make plans to prevent its completion. With support and encouragement from Berlin, the Silver Shirts' plan goes beyond that, however, to include murders of dozens of top Hollywood movers and shakers who are either Jewish or anti-fascists and to light the fuse for a fascist coup to overthrow the American government. When Chaplin and Einstein accidentally uncover the plot, they realize that the movement has deep roots in California law enforcement and the FBI, so it's up to them to leap into action to thwart the evil plot. The result is a super, action-packed, buddy action thriller, based on real historical facts and including lots of cameos from real people including Douglas Fairbanks, Bob Hope, Bugsy Siegel, William Randolph Hearst, Joseph Goebbels, and Charles Lindbergh, along with Georgia Ann Robinson, the first black female police officer in Los Angeles. It all works to make a really great story. This book is billed as the first of an Einstein-Chaplin thriller series, and I would definitely read more. (And it led me to go back and watch "The Great Dictator" again, also highly recommended.)
September 26, 2025
Wow! I really like this book. Paul Levine has taken two of the most recognizable figures from the twentieth century (Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein) and created a story of friendship, moral decisions, historical events, and political intrigue.
Midnight Burning is based on the events that were taking place during the 1930s and just prior to the beginning of WWII. Chaplin and Einstein did indeed meet each other and spent a brief amount of time together. Mr Levin took that particular incident and imagined the development of a lasting and close friendship. The story he has created intertwines historically accurate events with fictional and nonfictional characters. The result is a novel that is entertaining, realistic, and truly a picture of the political climate that existed between the two World Wars.
Beyond the two main characters, there is a parade of Hollywood actors, politicians, and other public figures who were all players during this time. Douglas Fairbanks, William Pelley and the Silver Shirts, and even Bob Hope are part of the story and these additions, among many others, only add to the depth of this book.
I so enjoyed Midnight Burning. It’s clever, inventive, and humorous. History does indeed repeat itself and this book is a reminder that democracy requires vigilance and protection or it could all go away. Thank you for writing this book, Mr Levin. It’s outstanding! NetGalley provided an advance reader copy.
Midnight Burning is based on the events that were taking place during the 1930s and just prior to the beginning of WWII. Chaplin and Einstein did indeed meet each other and spent a brief amount of time together. Mr Levin took that particular incident and imagined the development of a lasting and close friendship. The story he has created intertwines historically accurate events with fictional and nonfictional characters. The result is a novel that is entertaining, realistic, and truly a picture of the political climate that existed between the two World Wars.
Beyond the two main characters, there is a parade of Hollywood actors, politicians, and other public figures who were all players during this time. Douglas Fairbanks, William Pelley and the Silver Shirts, and even Bob Hope are part of the story and these additions, among many others, only add to the depth of this book.
I so enjoyed Midnight Burning. It’s clever, inventive, and humorous. History does indeed repeat itself and this book is a reminder that democracy requires vigilance and protection or it could all go away. Thank you for writing this book, Mr Levin. It’s outstanding! NetGalley provided an advance reader copy.
November 1, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I have to admit, at first this book puzzled me, and it took a while for me to get into it, but once I did, I really enjoyed the ride. I'm familiar with the real-life characters only in a cursory way, having seen and heard of them long after their heydays, but Levine brings them back to life in this book as passionate, flawed, but honest individuals trying to do the right thing.
I loved the adventure and intrigue of the book. It reads almost like a movie. I could picture Einstein and Chaplin along with their various accomplices trying to protect our country in what seems like the craziest scheme ever.
I wish the author had included something in an afterword about how much of his book is pure speculation and what is fact. Since I don't really know much about the era, I'm not quite sure about that distinction. I feel like he's taken some liberties, and I'd love to know what is real and what was imagined. Looks like I need to do a little research into that pre-WWII era. I know Lindbergh at least, was a Nazi sympathizer, but I'm not sure about Chaplin's beliefs.
It's a fun read, and moves quickly once I got the hang of it!
I loved the adventure and intrigue of the book. It reads almost like a movie. I could picture Einstein and Chaplin along with their various accomplices trying to protect our country in what seems like the craziest scheme ever.
I wish the author had included something in an afterword about how much of his book is pure speculation and what is fact. Since I don't really know much about the era, I'm not quite sure about that distinction. I feel like he's taken some liberties, and I'd love to know what is real and what was imagined. Looks like I need to do a little research into that pre-WWII era. I know Lindbergh at least, was a Nazi sympathizer, but I'm not sure about Chaplin's beliefs.
It's a fun read, and moves quickly once I got the hang of it!
September 11, 2025
A historical thriller in which Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin unite to unravel a fascist conspiracy lurking beneath the glamour of 1930s Hollywood.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ARC. My review is voluntary.
I thoroughly enjoyed discovering historical events I previously knew little about. From what I’ve researched, the author remains largely faithful to the facts, skillfully animating them through fiction—for instance the depiction of the Silver Shirts and their activities during this period
The choice to centre the story around two prominent figures of the era—both still widely recognised today—was a effective narrative decision.
Despite the author’s reminder that the real Chaplin was a striking and athletic figure, I found it difficult not to envision the Tramp throughout the narrative.
I listened to an audio of the book. The production values were excellent. The narrator was clear and easy to follow throughout, however his English accent needs some refining.
This book will appeal to fans of thrillers and 20th century history.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ARC. My review is voluntary.
I thoroughly enjoyed discovering historical events I previously knew little about. From what I’ve researched, the author remains largely faithful to the facts, skillfully animating them through fiction—for instance the depiction of the Silver Shirts and their activities during this period
The choice to centre the story around two prominent figures of the era—both still widely recognised today—was a effective narrative decision.
Despite the author’s reminder that the real Chaplin was a striking and athletic figure, I found it difficult not to envision the Tramp throughout the narrative.
I listened to an audio of the book. The production values were excellent. The narrator was clear and easy to follow throughout, however his English accent needs some refining.
This book will appeal to fans of thrillers and 20th century history.
September 13, 2025
This review is for the audio version of the book, narrated by Malcolm Hillgartner.
3.75/5
This was kind of fun.
This is sort of your standard action filled espionage/thriller. Except instead of Jack Reacher or Jason Bourne (is he still a thing?), your heroes are Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein.
It was fun to read about Albert and Charlie, old friends, teaming up to stop the fascist Nazi movement from using Hollywood to spread propaganda about Hitler, and sparking an insurrection.
Strangely, this is still a timely topic.
These historic figures where fun to read about in the context of a fiction novel. I will admit to not knowing much about either man, so I'm not sure how true to form these depictions are, but it was fun to imagine. The quiet and peaceful eccentricities of Einstein, the bold and brash Chaplin working together to save the country that took them in and offered them shelter in a very dark period of our history.
If spy thrillers are your thing, this is worth the time to read.
3.75/5
This was kind of fun.
This is sort of your standard action filled espionage/thriller. Except instead of Jack Reacher or Jason Bourne (is he still a thing?), your heroes are Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein.
It was fun to read about Albert and Charlie, old friends, teaming up to stop the fascist Nazi movement from using Hollywood to spread propaganda about Hitler, and sparking an insurrection.
Strangely, this is still a timely topic.
These historic figures where fun to read about in the context of a fiction novel. I will admit to not knowing much about either man, so I'm not sure how true to form these depictions are, but it was fun to imagine. The quiet and peaceful eccentricities of Einstein, the bold and brash Chaplin working together to save the country that took them in and offered them shelter in a very dark period of our history.
If spy thrillers are your thing, this is worth the time to read.
September 20, 2025
The idea of Einstein and Chaplin pairing together as a dynamic duo, thwarting Nazi plots was too good to pass up. Written with a clever plot, witty dialogue, and a suspenseful storyline, this had my attention the whole way through.
Using Einstein's brains and Chaplin's theatre background to save Hollywood's elite was perfect. There were mentions of plenty of other actors of the time, political figures and affluent people. Trying to work out what was real and what was fabricated was half the fun. I'd like to think they were actually close friends who fought the good fight and didn't fold for anyone. In their fight against the Regime, they also paired up with Georgia Ann Robinson, LAPD's first Black female officer. This was another lovely real-life addition to the storyline.
This is a recommended read if you like your books clever and deliciously funny. I listened to this on audio with narration by Malcolm Hillgartner who did a fabulous job, especially with a few accents. Thank you to Netgalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Using Einstein's brains and Chaplin's theatre background to save Hollywood's elite was perfect. There were mentions of plenty of other actors of the time, political figures and affluent people. Trying to work out what was real and what was fabricated was half the fun. I'd like to think they were actually close friends who fought the good fight and didn't fold for anyone. In their fight against the Regime, they also paired up with Georgia Ann Robinson, LAPD's first Black female officer. This was another lovely real-life addition to the storyline.
This is a recommended read if you like your books clever and deliciously funny. I listened to this on audio with narration by Malcolm Hillgartner who did a fabulous job, especially with a few accents. Thank you to Netgalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley, publisher, and the author for allowing me an early read of this book. It was an enjoyable, fast paced caper through historical events of 1937, as two celebrities, Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein, take on American-Nazi fascists. There are enough real events, such as the Hindenburg explosion, the Charles Lindbergh “America First” group, and the famous Einstein-Szilard letter, to keep things “real.” And then there’s also the Chaplin-Einstein espionage, as they join a soirée at the German legate to acquire any information they can on “Operation Hollywood.” There’s enough near-misses and explosions to keep the reader on the seat of their pants, and the pacing moves swiftly to a satisfactory conclusion. Overall, I was entertained, and you can’t beat that with a Charlie Chaplin cane!
July 29, 2025
ARC received from NetGalley
I enjoy Hollywood-centric fiction, especially historicals. Midnight Burning expands upon the friendship of Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin as they tangle with the threat of Nazism in their personal and professional spaces. As written, the story progresses somewhat like a Chaplin film in which the villains bumble around in preparation for their evil-doing, while the Tramp comes away unscathed.
What's wild about reading a book about two well known figures foiling facist plotting is that a story like this should stay fiction. As a supplement to this book, I watched "The Great Dictator", a film from 1940, and am stunned by it relevancy.
There are scary moments that come off scarier if you put this historical fiction into modern context. Overall, it is entertaining.
I enjoy Hollywood-centric fiction, especially historicals. Midnight Burning expands upon the friendship of Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin as they tangle with the threat of Nazism in their personal and professional spaces. As written, the story progresses somewhat like a Chaplin film in which the villains bumble around in preparation for their evil-doing, while the Tramp comes away unscathed.
What's wild about reading a book about two well known figures foiling facist plotting is that a story like this should stay fiction. As a supplement to this book, I watched "The Great Dictator", a film from 1940, and am stunned by it relevancy.
There are scary moments that come off scarier if you put this historical fiction into modern context. Overall, it is entertaining.
August 2, 2025
Set in 1930s Hollywood with a cast of legitimately famous personages, it does show a great deal of diligent research as well as a wicked sense of humor and a solid plotline. Some of the real interpretations seem a mite scary in 2025 America.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Amphorae Publishing Group, LLC | Blank Slate Press via NetGalley. Pub Date Sep 16, 2025 #goodreads #bookbub #librarything
#Midnight Burning by Paul Levine @jake_lassiter_novels @amphoraepublishing ***** #review
#historicalfiction #AlbertEinstein #CharlieChaplin #1930sHollywood #GoldenAgeOfHollywood #AntiFascism #PoliticalThriller #Bookstagram #BookLover #MustRead #Fiction #HollywoodHistory #ReadersOfInstagram #AntiFascism #FightFascism #PoliticalThriller #ThrillerNovel #filmindustry
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Amphorae Publishing Group, LLC | Blank Slate Press via NetGalley. Pub Date Sep 16, 2025 #goodreads #bookbub #librarything
#Midnight Burning by Paul Levine @jake_lassiter_novels @amphoraepublishing ***** #review
#historicalfiction #AlbertEinstein #CharlieChaplin #1930sHollywood #GoldenAgeOfHollywood #AntiFascism #PoliticalThriller #Bookstagram #BookLover #MustRead #Fiction #HollywoodHistory #ReadersOfInstagram #AntiFascism #FightFascism #PoliticalThriller #ThrillerNovel #filmindustry
August 29, 2025
Good concept, bad execution. I'm not a fan of villains always being bumbling idiots that accidently succeed and the hero's win based on coincidence and spectacle.
Midnight Burning is a historical thriller that imagines Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin teaming up to stop a fascist plot in 1930s Hollywood. The premise is undeniably intriguing, and Paul Levine brings a lot of energy to the story, blending real-life figures with fictional suspense.
However, the delivery drags on as it should not take multiple chapters to get through a single conversation. Some characters feel underdeveloped, and the plot is plodding. Overall, it’s a easy read with a unique concept, but it may leave readers wanting more nuance and polish. Worth checking out if you enjoy historical fiction with a twist, but temper expectations.
Midnight Burning is a historical thriller that imagines Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin teaming up to stop a fascist plot in 1930s Hollywood. The premise is undeniably intriguing, and Paul Levine brings a lot of energy to the story, blending real-life figures with fictional suspense.
However, the delivery drags on as it should not take multiple chapters to get through a single conversation. Some characters feel underdeveloped, and the plot is plodding. Overall, it’s a easy read with a unique concept, but it may leave readers wanting more nuance and polish. Worth checking out if you enjoy historical fiction with a twist, but temper expectations.
October 12, 2025
I have been a fan of Paul Levine’s novels since the Solomon vs. Lord series and have enjoyed reading all of them. However, I must admit that this book tops all of his other works. Despite several of the unsavory topics —— corruption in the LA police department, the German plans to overtake the US government, murder, etc. —- I found it fun reading about real people ( Chaplin, Einstein, Lindbergh, Pelley, et al) and the extraordinary dialogue attributed to them. I could not help comparing the actions of the Germans in the US in the late 1930s to the political situation today with MAGA and its followers. This novel is highly recommended for all and I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this outstanding book prior to its publication.
June 26, 2025
A highly entertaining historical thriller with surprising humor. The real-life friendship of Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin is the foundation of the tale. Real, too, was an American fascist plot dubbed “Operation Hollywood” which targeted entertainment figures, including Chaplin, for assassination. The so-called Silver Legion of America also plotted an insurrection against the U.S. government. Who better to take them on than the Genius and the Tramp? Oh...they get help from another historical character, Georgia Ann Robinson, the first Black female officer on the LAPD. The deadly serious plot is leavened with the humorous banter between the two icons. Highly recommended.
October 7, 2025
Learn from the Past
An excellent read well grounded in historical research. For years I have read and thoroughly enjoyed Mr Levine’s legal thrillers featuring Jake Lassiter, football jock turned lawyer and the comedic series featuring an under educated Jewish lawyer who cites Perry Mason cases at trial, while teamed up with his beautiful Ivy League partner. Midnight Burning shows us a different side of Paul Levine, and I like it! In these days of MAGA madness, we can learn from history.
An excellent read well grounded in historical research. For years I have read and thoroughly enjoyed Mr Levine’s legal thrillers featuring Jake Lassiter, football jock turned lawyer and the comedic series featuring an under educated Jewish lawyer who cites Perry Mason cases at trial, while teamed up with his beautiful Ivy League partner. Midnight Burning shows us a different side of Paul Levine, and I like it! In these days of MAGA madness, we can learn from history.
October 9, 2025
Midnight Burning, by Paul Levine, is a strange thriller, set in the mid to late 1930's. Set in Hollywood, it pairs Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein as our champions, in the fight against American fascism. It is in turn very funny, historically accurate, and very accurate. As it turns out, Einstein and Chaplin were friends, if not heroic buddies...at least as far as I know. The novel is well plotted and fast-moving. It also gave me a lot to think about in terms of the values we choose to live by. Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a wonderful read.
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