Suspect Red

by L.M. Elliott

It's 1953, and the United States has just executed an American couple convicted of spying for the Soviet Union. Everyone is on edge as the Cold War standoff between communism and democracy leads to the rise of Senator Joe McCarthy and his zealous hunt for people he calls subversives or communist sympathizers. Suspicion, loyalty oaths, blacklists, political profiling, hostility to foreigners, and the assumption of guilt by association divide the nation. Richard and his family believe deeply in American values and love of country, especially since Richard's father works for the FBI. Yet when a family from Czechoslovakia moves in down the street with a son Richard's age named Vlad, their bold ideas about art and politics bring everything into question.

Richard is quickly drawn to Vlad's confidence, musical sensibilities, and passion for literature, which Richard shares. But as the nation's paranoia spirals out of control, Richard longs to prove himself a patriot, and blurred lines between friend and foe could lead to a betrayal that destroys lives.

Punctuated with photos, news headlines, ads, and quotes from the era, this suspenseful and relatable novel by award-winning New York Times best-selling author L.M. Elliott breathes new life into a troubling chapter of our history.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Book Club

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2017

About the author

L. M. Elliott was an award-winning magazine journalist for 20 years before becoming a New York Times bestselling author of historical and biographical novels. Three-time finalist for the National Magazine Award and winner of multiple Dateline Awards, Elliott focused primarily on women's issues. Her groundbreaking profile of a domestic violence survivor, wife of a high-level federal government appointee, was one of the first to discuss "white-collar" violence against women and the psychological/emotional control intrinsic to the abuse. Elliott’s extensive reporting experience on such topics informed and enriched the themes and characters of TRUTH, LIES, AND THE QUESTIONS IN BETWEEN. It is her third docudrama-novel exploring a fraught political era and the dangers of disinformation, unchecked power, hate-rhetoric, and censorship.

Her 14 novels cover a variety of era--–the Cold War, WWII, the Great Depression, American Revolution, and the Italian Renaissance–--and are for a variety of readerships, ages middle grade to adult. Her works have been honored with the Scott O'Dell, VLA Cardinal Cup, and Grateful American prizes for historical fiction; been named NCSS/CBC Notables, Bank Street College of Education Bests, Kirkus Bests, Capitol Choices, and to the TXLA Tayshas HS Reading Lists; as well as named finalists for state awards in VA, MD, PA, UT, ME, VT, KS, IA, and SC.

She holds a BA from Wake Forest University and a MA in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Reviews

[Illiana Villarreal · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange of my honest review.**

This book is a historical fiction story set during the 1950's and beautifully blends historical facts, pictures, and events with the "Red Scare" going on at that time. Usually, I don't like to read historical fiction, but this story was told well and Richard, the main character is relatable. He is a bookworm (aren't we all) and loves to learn through the characters. He is snarky and his point of view is limited (as any 14yo would be) but is broadened with exposure to other people and their beliefs. The format of this book is excellent, at the beginning of every chapter there is pictures and information regarding the world events of that time. This book blends fact and fiction so well the students won't realize they are learning about events that actually occurred.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s June 1953, the Cold War is in full swing, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg’s have just been executed on charges of committing espionage, and under the influence of Senator Eugene McCarthy (R-WI), certain books deemed to have secret communist themes are being removed from the State Department, and overseas embassies.

Now, though, summer vacation has just begun and Richard Bradley, 14, can finally get away from the bullies at school and lose himself in the pile of books he’s put together, beginning with a reread his favorite Robin Hood. Well, until his mom takes it away now that it has been determined too subversive, and she would know, since Richard’s dad is. K a G-man, working for the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover, who seems to agree with everything Senator McCarthy says. But Richard’s father also is suffering from PTSD as a result of his wartime service, and Richard seems to be the only one who realizes it. And he is trying to redeem himself after a failed FBI mission that Hoover blames him for.

When Richard and his mother visit a new neighbor,Teresa White, from Czechoslovakia who’s married to an American in the State Department, he meets her son Vladimir, a confident 14 year old who had lived in Prague and London during the war. Vladimir is a musician at heart, but he’s also an ardent reader like Richard, and though his taste in books is more sophisticated, he’s also willing to lend his books.

The two become friends, and while everyone in the White family is rather bohemian in their taste for art and left leaning politically, Richard soon begins to notice some suspicious things regarding Vlad’s mom. Perhaps he has been reading too many books like Herb Philbrick’s FBI espionage novel I Led Two Lives, but soon Richard is sure Mrs. White is involved in some kind of spying. Not sure what exactly it is all about, he talks to his dad, who advises him to think like a G-man and report back to him if he notices anything suspicious.

It’s exciting to think of himself as a spy, but Richard also feels disloyal towards Vlad. When school begin in September, Richard is sure Vlad will leave him flat and make friends with the other boys. While he is relieved when that doesn’t happen, Richard is still wrestling with his conscience about spying on Vlad’s family when he notices what appears to be really incriminating evidence. Telling his dad what he observed, Richard realizes that for the first time he and his dad are having the kinds of talks he has always longed to have - real father/son talks.

But when Vlad tells Richard in confidence what is really going on with his mom, Richard knows he has to tell his dad. But is it too late for that?

Suspect Red covers one year, from June 1953 to June 1954. It’s an important coming of age year in Richard’s life, where he learns the meaning and value of a good friendship and the consequences of betraying it, and in the life of the United States, when it allows itself to be influenced by one person with an agenda. The chapters are done by month, and each one includes documentary information at the beginning, relating to the politics of that month.

Richard was a very interesting character. I could see where he is standing with one foot in the kind of conventional life style his parents have and one in the unconventional life the White family lives, and trying to decide where he belonged. Both life styles seem to appeal to him. Luckily, McCarthy started to lose his hold over the US in 1953, so I could imagine Richard finding a way of blending of the best of both. Elliot is also spot on with her depiction of kind of indecisiveness and questioning Richard is wrestling with, as well as he struggle to figure out what the right thing to do is. And it's all muddied by his desire to have a relationship with his dad.

Pay attention to Ginny, Richard’s 9 year old sister. She has courage, confidence, and charm and her ambition is to become an Inquiring Camera Girl a la Jacqueline Kennedy. Besides Kennedy, Ginny has also managed to befriend Ladybird Johnson, and she’s culled lots of helpful information from a bunch of Washington’s other elite women. A novel about Ginny would be very different than Richard’s story.


On the whole, I though Elliot really captured the communist paranoia that gripped people during these early years of the Cold War. These lots of little details to add to the story and give it a certain realistic quality. I can remember my parents talking about how terrible McCarthy and the Senate hearings he held were, even years after they were over.

This book is recommended for readers age 10+
This book was an EARC received from NetGalley

[Filadelfo Galata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspect Red is a compelling historical story told during the Cold War and McCarthyism, written by L. M. Elliott. She dives into the character of Toby, a teenager growing up during the Cold War, and his best friend is suddenly accused of being a communist spy for the Russians. Elliott focuses on Toby and Red’s relationship, which is central to the story, and creates a sudden emotion of the possibility that your best friend could be punished for being wrongly accused of being a communist. Toby is deciding if he should trust his friend or feed into the pressure, that is being an anti-communist, this made me feel on edge during this whole book and the dynamic between different characters throughout the story. Elliott did a spectacular job of capturing the paranoia that people faced during the 1950s, where a world that trusts no one, and how fear is a big part of everyday life. Even though some of the secondary characters needed more depth to who they were, Suspect Red is a well-done take on the historical events that happened in the 1950s while also expressing a lot of emotion. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys historical fiction, and the emotional depth of the Cold War.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Includes a lot of history from real sources. Amazing that McCarthyism was allowed to advance to the point it did in our country. Really shocking and scary. Plan on sharing this novel with my 7th grade ELA class...just finished Animal Farm and I think this would be a great complementary text.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the #kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
It's the first day of summer vacation in 1953 and Richard is celebrating by rereading one of his favorite books, Robin Hood. It's been a hard year in 8th grade, mostly because his best friends decided to abandon him to concentrate on sports and girls. But today he's feeling relaxed, because at last he can be himself and just spend his time on his favorite pastime, reading. At least he's relaxed until his mom sees what he's reading. She instantly takes the book away, reminding him that Mr. Hoover, his dad's boss in the FBI, says that Robin Hood is one of the subversive books, because it’s about taking from the rich and giving to the poor. From that moment on in the story, you learn more and more about McCarthyism and the climate of the early 50s. I was disgusted and indignant, to be reminded of how American’s freedoms were ignored as Senator Joseph McCarthy led the nation and the FBI in the search for communists. Each of the book’s chapters is about a month in 1953 and begins with news stories from the month, as well as pictures, which make it all the more real to the reader.

I really liked the respect, concern and empathy that Richard showed his parents in the book, even though he often disagreed with them. Also, Richard's little sister was a spunky nine year old, who I'd like to know a lot better. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a historical fiction book that's full of action. It's best for fifth grade and up.

[Kelly Lipscomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST read for middle and high school students learning about the Red Scare, and the power of rumors

[Colin King · Rating 5 out of 5]

The theme of this book is that sometimes, secrets must be kept, this is shown by the fact that Richard gives away of his friends family secrets (which involve possible communism) to his dad which could end up making things worse.

[elaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating - 3.5 stars

I loved Suspect Red! As a History Nerd, I loved the tidbits of historical information wedged into the book, and the accuracy of it— unafraid to talk about racism faced against black Americans during the 1950s.

[Ashley Stringham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Net Galley for free in exchange for an honest review. I found this book really interesting. I learned so much about the McCarthy/Hoover era that either I hadn't known or had been lost in my brain sieve. I enjoyed the characters and the obvious research the author had done. It's scary how history has a tendency to repeat itself and I think this book is timely in its commentary on the sad state we find ourselves in where fear is preyed upon. I absolutely recommend this book.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this book 3.5 stars.
Pros: this is an interesting and not as readily written about as other periods in history for a middle grade audience. Nonfiction updates for the year and month are placed in front of each chapter to give context to the chapter before the story unfolds further.
Different type of format: the story goes from June ‘53 to June ‘54 with about 1 day in the life of Richard, his family, and the neighboring family possibly suspected of Anti-American things.
Some characters were written realistically, like The little sister Ginny and Teresa. I would’ve preferred to have multiple POV or just their perspective, over Richard’s.

Cons: the story was boring and lacked a plot that drove the reader to keep reading.
Richard was a shell of a character from the beginning to 60% through. He was empty of most characteristics, not very likeable-quick to anger or blame others (but when Harry Potter does that in Book 5, we’ve already gotten to know and love him). I understood he grew to make his own choices and learn his own truths, but again, even at the beginning he vaguely questioned banning books but only for his pure benefit of reading what he wanted.

The overall themes of rumors, bullying behavior on a National scale were good, but the story was disjointed by the month to month format.
I didn’t believe that Richard would be exposed to NYC playwrights and such, and also at the Capital on the day of the shooting, etc.
Why did Richard refer to his mother and father as Abigail and Ron? Weird first name basis with family.
Annoying quirk: before chapters begin there were nonfiction images and stories, I really hated that they were written in red ink-I get it Communism. Red ink was harder to read in mid to low light, it strained my eyes.

[5by5books · Rating 4 out of 5]

FBI agents. Wiretapping. Banned Books. This historical fiction novel is a great book to read during Banned Books Week. Thanks to the #kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.

It's the summer 1953, and the United States has just executed Julius and Ethel Rosenberg after being convicted of committing espionage for the Soviet Union. The “Red Scare” has led to the rise of Senator Joe McCarthy and his hunt to expose communist sympathizers. Richard is looking forward to spending his summer vacation rereading his favorite books, but he quickly learns that many of his favorites like The Catcher in the Rye and Robin Hood have been blacklisted due to their perceived subversive messages. Richard considers himself a patriot. Yet when a new family from Czechoslovakia moves in down the street, their bold ideas about politics and art cause him to question everything.

Each chapter begins with a photo, news headline, ad, or quote from the 1950s. These short informative pages blend fact and fiction together to create a suspenseful and thought provoking novel. Readers will gain a new perspective on this challenging and sad chapter of our history.

Verdict: Suspect Red was a fascinating read. I particularly enjoyed the real life events interspersed in the chapters that further illustrate just how much history repeats itself. This book is definitely a page-turner that will inspire readers to go and learn more about the McCarthy era. If you enjoy learning about history or like to read captivating stories, then check out Suspect Red by L. M Elliott.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is the first day of summer 1953 and Richard is excited to be able to read a bunch of books and not worry about the bullies at school. It is also the height of Senator Joseph McCarthy's communist hunt and everyone is on edge. Richard lives in Washington, D.C. His dad is in the FBI and J. Edgar Hoover lives just around the corner. Everyone is on the lookout for communists or pinkos. Every conversation, book, art piece, membership or family tie can be suspect and put you on the blacklist.

Richard becomes friends with Vladimir when his family moves into the neighborhood. Vlad's father works for the State Department, but his mom is from Czechoslovakia. Mrs. White and her daughter Natalia both seem to have leftist leanings and suspect friends and interests. Richard wants to be helpful to his dad so he tells a lot of the things he learns about Vlad's family. This leads Richard's dad to put the family under surveillance. However, the more Richard learns about Vlad and his family the more he likes them. And the more he learns about McCarthy the less he likes him.

This was actually a bit scary to read. The McCarthy era would have been terrifying to live though as the entire nation seems to have been swept up in the "red scare" or more appropriately "red madness". So many people lost their jobs and their livelihoods because of this witch hunt. It is terrifying to know that so little or really no evidence could convict a person in this era. Even the kids were brainwashed into looking for commies everywhere. Even though the events of this book took place more than 60 years ago it felt strangely timely.

I received this book from Netgalley.

[TurtleMuffinGR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good.
This book is about 14-year-old Richard Bradley, living with his FBI Agent dad, stay at home Mom, and reporter little sister in DC during the cold war. What starts out as a simple historical fiction premise quickly evolves into a multi-faceted story with likable characters, a fun plot, and intriguing mystery and *GASP* Richard is actually forced to DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF HIS ACTIONS! I won't say why for spoiler reasons, but it makes the book feel quite real. In addition to the masterful storytelling, real events are interweaved into the tale, like book bannings, and a shooting at the Capitol Building, giving the story an edge not found in most historical fiction novels.
**PLOT, NO MAJOR SPOILERS, BUT IF YOU'D LIKE TO AVOID PLOT DETAILS, READ THE BOOK! IT'S GOOD**
As the conflict begins to be established, we are introduced to the Whites, the new Czechoslovakian family a few houses down from the Bradley home. Bradley becomes close friends with their son, Vladimir. However due to the Red Scare and his dad being an FBI agent, Bradley becomes suspicious that the new family is communist especially when they express their interests in leftist art and books. Bradley's suspicions are heightened when he finds a map of Russia and surrounding areas as well as papers about people who have been accused of communist acts in Mrs. White's art studio. The story picks up from there, but I'll stop here. Regardless, we are always thrown into doubt about all the mysteries in the story, and Elliot does a fantastic job of telling the story. My only complaint is the setting doesn't feel fleshed out enough, even if it is a real city. 8.5/10

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up

I'm always on the hunt for historical fiction surrounding McCarthyism, so I was bound to love this story. Richard, the teenage main character, is the son of an FBI agent at the height of the Red Scare. An outcast due to his love of reading (which I don't understand but also related to), he befriends Vladi, a recent transplant to the neighborhood whose family is originally from Czechoslovakia. There were many references to fabulous classic books, such as Fahrenheit 451, The Crucible, and The Catcher in the Rye; as well as recommendations for some I've yet to read but have added to my list!

Each chapter opens with photos and historical information to set the stage for what is fictionally happening to the characters. I loved this addition, especially for an audience who may not be familiar with this era. I also appreciated the afterword that focused on more facts to separate the authorial additions from reality.

This is my first read from the author, but definitely won't be my last!

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross-posted from Kiss the Book reviewer's personal Goodreads account

Suspect Red by L.M. Elliott, 291 pages. Disney (Hyperion), 2017. $17. Language: PG (11 swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

KID APPEAL: HIGH

Living in Washington DC at the beginning of the cold war, 14-year-old Richard is not looking forward to his 1st year in high school. A loner at school - his former best friend is now his bully; so, Richard plans to spend his summer reading. But then he meets Vladimir, the son of a American and Czechoslovakian, and they become fast friends. They have a lot in common, both boys have dads who work for the government, and they have similar reading interests, although some of Vlad's books are controversial. But when Richard feels suspicious of some of the talk by some friends of Vlad's mother, Richard tells his dad, an FBI agent.

Each chapter is introduced with photographs and descriptions to put that month in context. Brief and interesting, it supplies just enough background knowledge. Richard's dad suffers from PTSD from the war (not recognized as such yet) and his intensity is sometimes over the top, but the characters ring true and the plot is gripping. This is an incredible book about a short but important chapter of our country's history.

Lisa Librarian

[Matthew Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A history lesson in a book!

Suspect Red is a story set in Washington D.C. during the Cold War in the 1950s. The main character, Richard, lives with his dad, who is an FBI agent, his stay-at-home mom, and little sister Ginny. The United States has executed a couple suspected of spying for the Soviet Union, and tensions are high. One day, a boy named Vladimir and his family move in from Czechoslovakia and become Richard's new neighbors. Richard is immediately enthralled with Vladimir and his sense of music, literature, and politics.
The book would have gotten a 5-star rating, and I think it is more of a 4.5, but only because I think that they should have shown the perspective of the United States. I think this could have been accomplished by having more dialogue with the Senator. However, the plot introduces a lot of conflict and suspense, which drives it forward and makes the story more interesting. I loved the incident when Vladimir and Richard attended the government meeting(Won't say exactly what incident to avoid spoilers). I also feel like I learned about the Cold War and the espionage during it, and the tense relationship between the Soviet Union, China, and the United States. All in all, this is a very good book, and I would recommend anybody read it!

[Misha · Rating 3 out of 5]

In todays world, which seems to be ruled by political correctness, where one word can not just offend people, but start movements, and where ones opinion doesn't matter if it goes against the flow, "Suspect Red" shows us how a world used to be not too long ago.

Where one word, no matter how harmless it was could be interpreted as communism and find you unemployed, blacklisted, or jailed.

George Santayana said "...Those who do not remember their past are condemned to repeat their mistakes.....", and "Suspect Red" is a great reminder of the past, but also a lesson as we forge ahead. The movements we start, the riots we begin do not only affect us but those who come after us. In every argument there are two sides of the story, and that much is true in this one. And in every part of our history if there is one thing to learn it is that hate can not bring change. Only love can do that. And as long as we point a finger at each other, akd trying to prove why our opinion is right, nothing will ever change. Only way that happens is if we stop fighting and stop hating.

In the aftermath of Suspect Red some lives were ruined and a some friendship destroyed, but there was a light at the end.

A book deffo worth reading as it hold as much truth today as it did in the 50's

[Kyle Pucciarello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very eager to read this book upon ordering new novels for October, and I was not disappointed.

"Suspect Red" is a well-researched historical fiction novel that feels true-to-life. Characters are fully fledged out, despite being amalgamations of students and families in the 1950s.

The two main characters, Richard (the son of an FBI G-Man) and Vladimir (the son of Czech diplomats), embody the Red Scare taking place in mid-1950s America. The two are great friends with many similarities despite the possibility that Richard's father may be surveilling Vladimir's parents.

"Suspect Red" is an important novel in these times, reminding readers about the importance of what it truly means to be patriotic, protecting individuals' rights to be individuals, and not condemning an entire group of people based on the sins of a few. Historical news pieces are chosen carefully to provide framework to the story, as well as to lend a voice to the morals Elliott intends to impart on her readers.

Although the novel sags for a bit right before the climax, it remains engaging throughout. A real treat for any fan of historical fiction.

[Shawnna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Suspect Red is about a high schooler living in Washington DC during the early years of the cold war, while the McCarthy trials were going on. He has to navigate your typical high school social problems, with suspicion of "communist sympathies" everywhere - from the books he reads to the new neighbor and friend who comes from Czechoslovakia. All of this is made more important because his father works for the FBI and works closely with J. Edgar Hoover.

I enjoyed learning about this time of history - I really didn't know much about what went on during the McCarthy years. The author threw in history articles at the beginning of each chapter so you could get a feel for what was going on in the country at the same time the events of the chapter were occurring. It's difficult to believe that people weren't allowed to read certain books - such as Robin Hood - just because they seemed sympathetic to the Communist cause. The story was well done, and would be a great tool to teach middle schoolers about this time in history.

[Jared Eckelberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspect Red by L. M. Elliott takes place in 1953. At this time, the Cold War was in full tilt. But, specifically, was on it’s high horse was the Red Scare. The Red Scare was basically the threat of communism being on the rise and eventually taking over the world. One of the characters named Joe McCarthy, tries really hard to catch and punish people he calls “subversives”. Subversives are communist sympathisers or supporters of communism. He even has a couple executed for spying in America for the Soviet Union. Another big character is named Richard. He is the son of an FBI agent in Washington D.C. One day, A Czech family moves a few houses down the road and Richard becomes friends with the new kid. His name is Vlad. Vlad and Richard have many of the same likes and they become even better friends because of that. But Richard’s dad becomes a little worried because he thinks that the Czech family is not loyal to America. This book is totally for you if you like historical fiction. This book portrays the fear and the “walking on eggshells” mentality of citizens and government of both countries in an amazing way.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in Washington DC at the beginning of the cold war, 14-year-old Richard is not looking forward to his 1st year in high school. A loner at school - his former best friend is now his bully; so, Richard plans to spend his summer reading. But then he meets Vladimir, the son of a American and Czechoslovakian, and they become fast friends. They have a lot in common, both boys have dads who work for the government, and they have similar reading interests, although some of Vlad's books are controversial. But when Richard feels suspicious of some of the talk by some friends of Vlad's mother, Richard tells his dad, an FBI agent.

Each chapter is introduced with photographs and descriptions to put that month in context. Brief and interesting, it supplies just enough background knowledge. Richard's dad suffers from PTSD from the war (not recognized as such yet) and his intensity is sometimes over the top, but the characters ring true and the plot is gripping. This is an incredible book about a short but important chapter of our country's history.

Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!

[Agd]

6.27.25. 7/8, though could go lower. Very minor cursing. Rest clean.

Washington DC 1953-1954

America is locked in the midst of the Red scare. Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are executed for spying for the Soviet Union, the “Hollywood 10” are sentenced to prison for refusing to name names, and Sen. Joseph McCarthy "exposes" people he deems subversives and communist sympathizers. Richard considers his WWII dad to be instrumental to the process of routing out the reds in his new job at the FBI. Still, Richard doesn't understand why that routing out has to extend to banning the kinds of books he loves, movies he wants to see, and ideas he'd like to discuss. So when a worldly family from Czechoslovakia movies in up the road, he doesn't immediately see the possibility of Soviet spies. He sees a kid his own age who loves the kinds of music, books, and movies he too cherishes. But Vlad and his mother might be harboring a secret, and Richard feels torn between exposing them and remaining loyal to his friend.

Like the nonfiction articles and photos scattered throughout. Good historical fiction w/ educational basis.

[Lynndell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion for the opportunity to read and review Suspect Red by L.M. Elliott! Chapter One is entitled "June 1953"; the book opens as Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are executed for giving the Soviet Union U. S. atomic bomb technology. More factual information is given: the reason for the Berlin Wall and censorship with books, before the story begins. Set in the Cold War era, Richard enjoys reading about spies and other topics that the government frowns upon at the time. His father works for the FBI and was active in the military during wartime. The story alternates between true historical moments and photographs to the fictional characters of Richard and his family and their lives. Eye-opening and relatable, the timeline of the fictional story flows with Cold War history as it is laid out. It's crazy how much one person affected an entire nation in such a negative way. Suspect Red is an interesting, entertaining way to gain knowledge about the state of our nation during the Cold War, 5 stars!

[Nikhil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Richard lives in Washington DC, and his father works for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, more commonly known as the FBI. Richard has a new neighbor, his name is Vlad, Vladimir White. Richard's dad has PTSD from previous involvement with the military, and he is constantly trying to prove himself to the mighty FBI director, J. Edgar Hoover. When he hears of his father's struggles, Rich tries to help, by feeding him information. Richard believes Vlad and his family may be "commies" or communists, so he tells his father. The only problem is that Vladimir, is Richards best friend, and he's not so happy when he finds out the FBI bugged his house.

This book is slow in the beginning, but it gets interesting as the story goes on. At the beginning of each chapter, the author includes photos of current events happening during this Historical Fiction novel, and at the end she has a chapter comparing the events in the story to real life. I'd recommend this book to someone who likes history.

[Tammy Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just about perfect. It has a little bit of everything - adolescent crushes, friendship, PTSD, book banning, and family dynamics - all wrapped up around a heavy dose of McCarthyism. The text is peppered with enough nonfiction vignettes to give a clearer context to the historical narrative, making readers who may not have known much about the Red Scare (me) want to know more about the Hollywood Ten, Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, J. Edgar Hoover, and all the books that were banned for being subversive.

The one criticism I have about the 3rd person limited narration is that the main character's parents are called by their first names, which took me about 200 pages to get used to. The reader becomes so invested in Richard's story that it feels unnatural to call his parents Don and Abigail instead of Mom and Dad. The narration feels like it would have been much more effective in first person.

[Vincent F]

I thought suspect red was a great book I would recommend it especially if you like historical fiction. My favorite character was vladimir because he was more of a two sided character. My favorite event was when Vladimir was moving into his new house in the United States and Richard's entire family was helping them move. I think that this book was written very modern and fast paced which is why the book is so short. the fast pace, drives the book and has lots of attention getters which constantly keep you sucked into the book. I think that this book constantly talks about the gravity of the time period and what's going on. This book was taking place during the Korean War and there are all kinds of scandals revealed. My favorite quote was you can tell a pinko(communist) by what he thinks. Excellent book and would greatly recommend.

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The McCarthy Era/Red Scare of the 1950's tested the American system of democracy and civil rights with its bullying investigations and sensational accusations. Worried about the Communist threat especially with the Rosenberg Trial, Soviet invasions in eastern Europe and the Korean War, many Americans were swayed to look for the Commie spies under every bush. Ms. Elliot makes the story more personal for today's reader by having Richard whose father is an FBI agent, befriend the new family from Czechoslovakia, but as the news media stirs up paranoia Richard begins to suspect them of disloyalty. Can he bring himself to, perhaps destroy their lives? The pictures that introduce each chapter bring more realism to the story.

[Stephanie Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard is the kind of kid I was; always a nose in a book. He is growing up in a time where everyone is on edge due to the rise of Communism and the Cold War. He meets a new kid, Vladimir, and quickly clicks with him until he starts to question Vlad's moms intentions. Richard learns about friendship but also how to think for himself in a time where propaganda was constantly fed to him to alter their views. Real talk though: this book was a slow read for me. I wanted to be more invested in the characters but the chapter openers had me feeling like I was reading a history textbook. I'm afraid they will get lost for any kid. But if you dig historical fiction like me, pick this up!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

For fans of books like Countdown and Revolution, I recommend Suspect Red. The topic of the book was fascinating and gave YA readers a story steeped in McCarthyism. Each chapter opens with pop culture and politics from the time, and that lends credence to the suspense of the story. The two families are fictional, Richard's family is all-American with a dad who works for the FBI, and Vlad's family is new to the area, his dad a diplomat and his mom Czech-born. The story felt a bit juvenile, but I think that's because I am a fan of similar things (like the tv series The Americans).
Fun for someone interested in modern American history.

[nikola · Rating 3 out of 5]

This looks into the paradigm on 1950s America during the Red Scare and the era of McCarthyism. It delves into interesting and relevant themes such as censorship and individualism, when you were encouraged to turn in any person you thought was sympathetic to Communism.
I enjoyed the allusions and mentions of "subversive" texts and people, as well as the photos and extracts placed between chapters, providing for an immersive and informative experience.
I disliked the slow pacing. Though the characters were relatively intriguing, I found it difficult to retain interest, especially through domestic scenes that had little to do with the main themes.