Looking for Garbo

by Jon James Miller

"Blending hard-boiled noir and romance into a compelling historical tale, Looking for Garbo is filled with heart and action." —Foreword Reviews

James Main has a film to make. Seth Moseley has a story to tell. Neither have any idea how looking for Garbo would change their lives. When documentary filmmaker James Main places an ad looking for anyone still above ground who knew movie goddess Greta Garbo, he's delighted when Seth Moseley, a salty old reporter, replies with the promise of an untold story of why the reclusive star left Hollywood at the height of her fame. Dying of emphysema, Seth tells the story of when he was a cut-throat paparazzo stow away aboard the S.S. Athenia, intent on getting a candid photo of Garbo to pay off his gambling debts. Instead, the newshound falls hard for the enigmatic star as soon as he meets her face to face. But all is not what it seems and when war in Europe unexpectedly breaks out while the Athenia is still steaming across the Atlantic, Seth has to single-handedly save the movie star in the middle of an open ocean swarming with Nazis. Their daring escape brings Garbo's film career to a premature end and shatters the lives of both star and reporter. And, unbeknownst to James, hearing their story decades later will change his own life forever.

Genres: Fiction

308 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 2019

About the author

Jon James Miller has always been passionate about literature and film and pursued a career in the latter at Ithaca College in upstate New York, earning a degree in cinematography. He moved to Los Angeles in 1997 and worked as a muffin delivery boy to get onto movie studio lots. Jon eventually found work as a researcher and segment producer on cable documentaries for A&E, Lifetime Intimate Portraits and The History Channel. If you look closely, you can see him as a bit player in numerous reenactments. And, like everyone else in L.A., Jon wrote screenplays in his spare time.

In 2008, Jon won Grand Prize of the AAA Screenplay Contest sponsored by Creative Screenwriting Magazine for Garbo’s Last Stand. The World War II set mystery inspired by true events went on to win the 2009 Golden Brad for Drama. But advice Jon received from legendary screenwriter and novelist William Goldman proved most valuable. After reading Jon’s screenplay, Mr. Goldman said, “This is a great story, now go write the novel.” In 2010, Jon co-wrote Adapting Sideways: How To Turn Your Screenplay Into A Publishable Novel (Komenar Publishing), which chronicled the process of adapting his screenplay to novel. Looking for Garbo is Jon’s first novel and represented by the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency.

Reviews

[Joan Happel · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this had an interesting premise, the story seemed unevenly paced and at times the plot seemed a little far-fetched. I did enjoy the pulp fiction/noir feel to the novel, but I probably would not recommend this to historical fiction fans.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Interesting historical perspective on one of the most enigmatic figures of the 20th century. And a really good historical fiction novel as well. An unfurnished gem.

[April Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely the worst thing I have ever read. The author is a complete sexist that believes women will sleep with anyone moments after meeting them. The action is far fetched and just as you think it couldn’t get any worse he again adds in another woman debasing herself to distract from said James Bond action. I’m not even a feminist!

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get into this one. The storyline was too far-fetched at times. I also didn't think that historical fiction lovers would enjoy this, as I usually love that genre and couldn't wait to be done with this one.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't impressed with it. I never got immersed into the story and the tone was just weird

[Anne Fischer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title intrigued me. It was an easy read from the start. After completing the book, it’s still not clear to me if Garbo really planned to kill Hitler.
The action was choppy and highly unbelievable. The author used sex to develop the plots. I had never encountered that in a book previously and it seemed not only odd but highly unprofessional. In all due respect to the author, the last twenty pages kept me glued to the book. I was quite surprised to learn that James was the grandson of Seth. Very clever.

[James Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very atmospheric novel about a boat trip, Greta Garbo, and some Nazis. I enjoyed it, though there are some plot holes.

[Hilary · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wrote an honest review of this and my daughter said it was mean. I read an ARC that was in my hotel room (charming idea) and picked it up because Garbo had happened to stay at that hotel as well for an extended time. This book is not good.

[John]

Review available at Foreword Reviews.