Eagle & Crane by Suzanne Rindell

Originally published in Library Journal, June 2018.

Historical fiction fans will delight in this romantic mystery set in World War II California. Louis Thorn and Haruto “Harry” Yamada have grown up as neighbors being civil to one another, despite the Thorn family’s claim that the Yamada’s stole part of their land. The pair of daredevils become unlikely comrades after joining the Earl Shaw Flying Circus as wingwalkers Eagle and Crane, where they share a love of flying and of Ava, Earl’s spunky, independent step-daughter.  Though both business partners need the money from their aerial stunts, the young men’s relationship is complicated by race, family, and love. In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, Harry’s family is interned at Tule Lake simply for being Japanese. Then, a mysterious plane crash brings determined FBI Agent Bonner to the Yamada home to investigate. Bonner’s past experience with a Japanese family and connection to the Thorn family compels him to uncover the truth at all costs. VERDICT: Rindell joins the ranks with Kristin Hannah and Kate Quinn with this fast-paced, gripping novel as it charmingly explores a tumultuous era of history.