Rated of 5
by Nikki M. (Fort Wayne, IN) I kind of felt like I was reading a history book!
I really wanted to like this more than I did. The author did give enough information about the war to keep me interested, though just barely so. I just didn't connect with any of the characters, even the "Beautiful Assassin" herself. Overall, I found this to be a disappointing read.....
Rated of 5
by Sharon W. (Columbia, SC) Beautiful Assassin
This novel should be a rip-roaring good read. It is carefully written, the plot structure would get an A in a creative writing class, and the characters are dutifully developed. Michael White has done a good job of crafting his novel.That is where, however, this book gets into trouble.
All the good work is overshadowed by a lack of art. I wanted more tension, excitement, and suspense. After all, the main character was a rare creature in World War II Russia . . . an excellent female sniper. I wanted much more than I got and left this reading feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.
Rated of 5
by Sandy P. (Gainesville, FL) Overall, worth reading
A good story but a bit laborious to get to the more interesting part when she comes to the US to promote the Russian war effort. A bit implausible that Mrs. Roosevelt would 'take her under her wing' as she did and become so personal with her. I would have liked to see more development with the Manhattan Project. In the books' defense it moved at a good pace and kept enough questions unanswered that you had to read to the end. Very nice job tying up loose ends and completing the story. I'll definitely check out some of his other titles.
Rated of 5
by Jan M. (Jenks, OK) BEAUTIFUL ASSASSIN
This was my first Michael White novel, but it certainly will not be my last. He hooked me right from the start and held my attention through the end. I was originally drawn to this book because I had visited Russia and some of the places mentioned were familiar to me. It was obviously a well researched book. The story gave a look at the harsh life of the Russian people in an important time in Russian history. It also gave the reader an interesting look at the political climate during the Roosevelt presidency. White was able to create such vivid word pictures that one could almost feel the discomfort of the character about whom he was writing. His ability to gradually reveal the story made this a real page turner. I just couldn't put it down until I found out how he handled Eleanor Roosevelt's involvement with the assassin. I thought he did a wonderful job of revealing the human side of seemingly ruthless soldiers during times of war. I really did not want this book to end, I wanted to hear, "the rest of the story." That makes this book one I would definitely recommend to my reading friends.
Rated of 5
by Arden Allen (Homosassa, FL) Disappointing
I was first introduced to Michael White's talent when I read “A Brother's Blood.” I have since read several of his subsequent novels, and always enjoyed and admired the detail, as well as the link to history each novel contains, and his ability to create the story vividly in a particular historical period, remaining true to that era. This book falls short. It tells the story of a young Russian woman who gains fame as a sniper during World War II, and who the Russian higher-ups send to the United States as an emissary (carefully monitored in the inimitable Russian fashion) in order to try to get Roosevelt to hasten his involvement on behalf of the Russians. The relationship that develops between her and the first lady belies believability. While it was an entertaining novel, it was a bit far-fetched. It might make a good movie, though, since movie audiences tend to be less discerning than readers, and don't necessarily care whether or not a story is plausible, as long as the movie is entertaining. As a reader, though, I prefer to read a book that is not only entertaining, but also creditable. I'm a little disappointed, since my expectations were higher.
Rated of 5
by Mary Ann B. (Louisville, KY) Beauiful Assassin
This book started a little slow , but after a few chapters, the gripping story of war and how it can change and shape us began to unfold. Stories of war are interesting to me, because such catastrophic events can change the way we see ourselves, creating opportunities (sometimes good, sometimes bad) to become a different person. This book takes us on a journey to discover who Taty'ana was and what she becomes.
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of 5
by Nikki M. (Fort Wayne, IN) 
of 5
by Sandy P. (Gainesville, FL) 
of 5
by Jan M. (Jenks, OK) 
