Official Review: Kill Abby White! Now! by C.B. Huesing

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 05 Sep 2018, 20:09

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Kill Abby White! Now!" by C.B. Huesing.]

4 out of 4 stars

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C.B. Huesing's Kill Abby White! Now! is a historical thriller following the lives of several friends whose paths first crossed in college when they witnessed a Mafia crime in 1929. For nearly twenty years and across the continents, their lives remain closely intertwined and forever changed.

Abby White is a twenty-two-year-old college senior when she and a group of friends are shot at after witnessing a Mafia crime, in Chicago. She and Dan, Karl, and Esther survive but are attacked again while they are still in protective custody prior to the Al Capone trial. Now afraid to trust anyone, they make plans to flee to Dan's family cottage, in Ireland. As a member of the Friends of New Germany organization, only Karl remains behind. After they escape to safety in Ireland, Abby, Dan, and Esther accept job offers respectively in Berlin, London, and Lyon. The three friends continue to stay in touch while building very different lives. Through the persuasion of a charismatic colleague, Dan gets entangled with a dangerous political group. Esther becomes a popular newspaper columnist and gets married. On assignment, Abby has her first encounter with Adolf Hitler, but it won't be her last...

This historical suspense was well-written and fast-paced. The author creatively crafted the plot around historically accurate events including the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, the Al Capone Trials, the Stock Market Crash, and the social climate in Germany during the rise and fall of Adolf Hitler. Hand-in-hand with the plot's historical facts and ongoing espionage, there was a quirky what-if scenario involving Hitler that was quite engaging. The characters were relatable and well-developed, especially the protagonist, Abby.

In fact, what I liked most about this book was the strong character portrayal of Abby. As a young journalist in the 1930s, she was savvy, ambitious, and self-assured. She was also very adept at thinking on her feet and often delivered witty one-liners that conjured images of movies depicting that era. I also appreciated the book's full-circle ending. Loose ends were tied, and everything was wrapped up with a bow in the epilogue.

I found no weaknesses to highlight in this intriguing read, and I'm pleased to rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Though there are a handful of grammatical errors, they did not detract from my reading enjoyment. I recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction, espionage, and war-related stories. Though not graphic in nature, there is content related to the Holocaust which may not be suitable for sensitive readers.

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Kill Abby White! Now!
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ashley_claire · Post by **ashley_claire** » 07 Sep 2018, 07:04

I like how the author weaves in several different historical events into one story. Even though it's a thriller, it also sounds like the perfect book for those who enjoy historical fiction. Nice job on the review.

topdan30 · Post by **topdan30** » 07 Sep 2018, 07:13

Abby sounds like an interesting character. Thanks for the review

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 07 Sep 2018, 08:35

ashley_claire wrote: ↑07 Sep 2018, 07:04 I like how the author weaves in several different historical events into one story. Even though it's a thriller, it also sounds like the perfect book for those who enjoy historical fiction. Nice job on the review.

I agree. Thanks for your comment.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 07 Sep 2018, 08:36

topdan30 wrote: ↑07 Sep 2018, 07:13 Abby sounds like an interesting character. Thanks for the review

Yes, she is. Thank you for stopping by and for your comment.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 07 Sep 2018, 09:05

Wow! I feel really sorry for Abby and her friends. They are having a VERY difficult time. I know about Al Capone but not enough. Sounds like this is a very fun and enjoyable way to learn a bit more. I'll definitely put it on my list. Glad it's got some accuracy in there as well. That's important for a historical fiction.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 07 Sep 2018, 09:45

kandscreeley wrote: ↑07 Sep 2018, 09:05 Wow! I feel really sorry for Abby and her friends. They are having a VERY difficult time. I know about Al Capone but not enough. Sounds like this is a very fun and enjoyable way to learn a bit more. I'll definitely put it on my list. Glad it's got some accuracy in there as well. That's important for a historical fiction.

I think you'll enjoy it. Thanks for commenting!

Bluegirl53 · Post by **Bluegirl53** » 07 Sep 2018, 09:52

I have been looking at movies from and I am so sorry whatHitler did to all the people and I am happy at some the people was safe by other people

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 07 Sep 2018, 15:11

Bluegirl53 wrote: ↑07 Sep 2018, 09:52 I have been looking at movies from and I am so sorry whatHitler did to all the people and I am happy at some the people was safe by other people

Thank you for stopping by and for your comment.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 07 Sep 2018, 16:24

I think your writing style reflects the book. You do an excellent job of portraying the characteristics of the book. This sounds like an interesting historical fiction book. Thanks for the positive review!

Social Butterfly · Post by **Social Butterfly** » 07 Sep 2018, 18:59

I think this story really captures how one's life can change in just seconds. With the blend of historical fiction and crime, I think it'll be an awesome book. Thanks for the review

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 07 Sep 2018, 19:11

kdstrack wrote: ↑07 Sep 2018, 16:24 I think your writing style reflects the book. You do an excellent job of portraying the characteristics of the book. This sounds like an interesting historical fiction book. Thanks for the positive review!

Thank you for your kind words.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 07 Sep 2018, 19:12

Social Butterfly wrote: ↑07 Sep 2018, 18:59 I think this story really captures how one's life can change in just seconds. With the blend of historical fiction and crime, I think it'll be an awesome book. Thanks for the review

Thank you for your comment.

Sahar Majid · Post by **Sahar Majid** » 08 Sep 2018, 05:35

I've always liked historical fiction but I haven't really had the time to delve into it so this book will be another way to do that. The book really does sound quite captivating with different historical events and friends who have their own separate and intriguing individual lives but are a part of something bigger due to which their stories intertwine. At least that's what it sounds like to me. Your review really shows that you enjoyed it. Great work!

Sakilunamermaid · Post by **Sakilunamermaid** » 08 Sep 2018, 14:15

I love crime thrillers and it is awesome to get a taste of different decades. I love different perspectives and the 1920s mobster and cop feel is iconic. Thanks for bringing my attention to this book.