Bombshell

This historical mystery focuses on a 1959 meeting that actually occurred between Nikita Khrushchev and Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn's West Coast publicist discourages the meeting, warning that the government will use her for political gain, but Marilyn follows through anyway. She serendipitously discovers a plot by a vengeful Hungarian refugee to kill Khrushchev, fails to convince an FBI friend of the danger, then foils the plan herself. Fanciful conjecture indeed, but told with warmth, attention to historical detail, and serious tone. This novel is based on Barbara's 1997 short story "Dasvidaniya, Khrushchev"; Max is also author of Chicago Confidential. For most collections. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.