The Hindenburg Spy

by L.A. Chandlar

From award-winning author, L.A. Chandlar, a stunning new novel that explores the mystery of the Hindenburg and what makes a monster.Spring, 1937. New York City’s gangsters are at war, and Lane Sanders, fearless aide to Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, overhears two words in a smoky jazz club that make her blood run Hindenburg hit. Worse, the plot bears the unmistakable mark of her nemesis, Daphne Franco.

Summoned into urgent strategy sessions with President Roosevelt and the up-and-coming Winston Churchill, Lane is chosen to stop Daphne’s scheme before it sparks disaster. Soon she’s aboard the Hindenburg itself—an elegant flying palace where passengers sip champagne to the sounds of a grand piano thousands of feet above the Atlantic—while Lane and Daphne engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

With her loyal circle of friends at her side—and an unforgettable cameo from Josephine Baker—Lane races to uncover a plot more incendiary than anyone imagined. If she fails, the fiery fate of the Hindenburg will not only haunt history but ignite a new global war.

The Hindenburg Spy is a glittering Art Deco thriller of chosen family, self-discovery, and the monsters hidden in plain sight—perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Susan Elia MacNeal.

Genres: Mystery

350 pages, Paperback

First published December 23, 2025

About the author

"I write about beauty out of ashes, friendships, self-discovery, adventure, and the making of monsters." L.A. Chandlar is the award-winning author of the LANE SANDERS MYSTERY SERIES featuring a fresh take on the vitality of late 1930s New York City and the upcoming 2026 THE LOST STORIES "Based on true holiday events that changed the course of history." Laurie has been nominated for the Agatha, Lefty, Macavity and Anthony Awards; and winner of Suspense Magazine’s Crimson Scribe as well as the GANYC Apple Award for Outstanding Achievement in Literature. Laurie’s degrees are in English and PR from The University of Michigan. She’s been living and writing in New York City for over 20 years and has been speaking for a wide variety of audiences including a women’s group with the United Nations. Laurie has also worked in PR for General Motors, is the mother of two sons, and has toured the nation managing a rock band. She is a fierce advocate for women’s rights. She loves coffee and wine; and hates thwarted love and raisins.

Reviews

[L.A. Chandlar]

Dear Readers-

This releases December 23rd and I can’t WAIT for you to read this wild ride with real and untold history, a fabulous and spicy scene with Josephine Baker, conspiracy theories that may be more than theory, the elegant airship voyage above the Atlantic ocean, all with the backdrop of the incomparable jazz scene featuring Billie Holiday, Smack Henderson, and Ella Fitzgerald.

This one has been a long time coming. The last one in the series - The Pearl Dagger - was my "Covid book" releasing just before we were in lockdown. It was a hard time for so many of us and I know we are all still dealing with long term ramifications of these hard years. As I reread the first three books and wrote The Hindenburg Spy, the overarching themes of beauty out of adversity, chosen family, and self-discovery were such healing things for me and meant even more. I hope you enjoy these characters and that you're inspired by the adventure, the love of life, and fight for justice. More notes to come! And I WILL be having a giveaway soon!

Thanks so much,
Laurie

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t go by the rules. Make the rules. There is no limit to what we can achieve if we believe in ourselves. Life is a dance, and we must keep moving to the rhythm.” never thought of life this way. Hmmmm. Such a good book!
I didn't think id like it as well as I did after finishing it. I loved many the many things about this adventure.
I couldn't put the book down! It grabbed my attention from the beginning and never let's go.
Lots of sleuthing for sure. I love figuring out a good puzzle.
Lane is wonderful at what she does! I really loved in getting to know her and her circle of friends.
I loved this quote as well,
Don’t wait for the world to change, be the change you want to see.”
I learned much about what makes people monsters. Just wow!!
I savored this story as long as I could because I didn't want it to end. My first time reading about the Hindenburg.
I really found myself holding my breath in certain places and wanting to cry in others.
What a powerful story! One that will leave you thinking about it for a long time to come.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this awesome book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine and I absolutely love the cover of this book. It's why I read it and the title of course.

[Katreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE HINDENBURG SPY by L. A. Chandlar
The Fourth Lane Sanders Mystery

Lane Sanders' boss, Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, is on the warpath when he hears two young boys are being held in jail after witnessing a murder. While the boys finger a well known mob boss as the trigger man, Lane and her compatriots aren't so sure. A hit in broad daylight is not his style and he would never do the dirty work himself. Lane can think of one person who would love to take the man down and take over his turf, her nemesis Daphne Franco. While visiting various jazz clubs to get the word on the street Lane finds that other gangs are antsy and everyone feels something big is brewing. Then she hears words that fill her with dread, Hindenburg hit. While she has an extraordinary team in New York City, everyone realizes that this a mission for Lane and only Lane. Heading to Europe to board the Hindenburg Lane knows it's up to her to stop the death and destruction that Daphne is surely planning.

Excitement abounds in the fourth Lane Sanders Mystery! While a general sense of unease occupies the first part of the book (Who's trying to frame Uncle Louie? What's going on with Valerie?) danger soon increases exponentially until the heart stopping climax aboard the Hindenburg!

I love how Lane's team are more than friends, they're family. They easily work together playing to each other's strengths. Even when apart they rely on each other.

One of the things I love most about THE HINDENBURG SPY, indeed this whole series, is the historical detail. Small details or a tiny historical footnote are given their moment in the spotlight. The Lane Sanders Mystery series brings history to life and I love feeling as if I'm a part of it!

Captivating, jaw dropping, and ultimately satisfying THE HINDENBURG SPY is a fast paced time bomb of a mystery.

[Julie Lence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely loved this final installment of the Lane Sanders mysteries. Without giving anything away, Ms. Chandler created an intriguing story involving Lane, her nemesis Daphne, and the Hindenburg. I really hate to see this series end, but can truly say I am so glad I visited Amazon last year when I saw the 1st cover on Twitter. Being a fan of 1940's fashion, the dress Lane is wearing on the cover caught my attention. I was doubly thrilled to learn most of the series takes place in NYC, which is another favorite of mine. In all 4 books, Ms. Chandler brought to life the heart and soul of NYC, to include fashion, cars, music, buildings, and real people and events. Her attention to detail, such as decor, was spot on, and I can only hope she brings to life another series set in the city and in this era.

[LuAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author brings historical events to the forefront in this fourth Lane Sanders installment. All that's happened between Lane and Daphne is all about to come to a head. Lane goes on the mission by herself....aboard the "Hindenburg" to stop Daphne in whatever her plan is. The description of the aircraft is so well researched and written you can actually picture it. This is a sitting on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Well worth the read!!!

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth in a series that is probably best read in order, as the backstory carries over in the books. Excellent historical detail and a plot that combines espionage with personal motives like revenge. The inclusion of real people (like Josephine Baker) adds to the setting. Lane Sanders is a wonderful heroine - smart, intuitive, and brave to the point of reckless. Thanks to Oliver Heber Books and NetGalley for the eARC.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly entertaining and spectacular read. It weaves a captivating tale of mystery and intrigue interspersed with snippets of the jazz age. It was an excellent book.