The Diamond Eye

In 1942, Lyudmila “Mila” Pavilchenko, aka “Lady Death,” arrived in Washington, DC, as part of the Soviet Union delegation seeking U.S. support in fighting Hitler on the Russian front. But Mila’s journey began in 1937, when she used her natural skill, and practice, to become an outstanding marksman after her estranged husband mocked their five-year-old son for not being “manly” around guns. Leaving her doctoral studies in history to enlist as a sharpshooter changed Mila’s path and left her fighting ruthless enemies, on and off the battlefield. There’s so much packed into this book, from subtle, complex characters who grow and change throughout to lessons about this the real history behind the boo. The relationships build an emotionally engaging foundation as tension builds on battlefields and danger tracks Mila in Washington. Quinn (The Rose Code) specializes in centering strong women; each of her books exceeds expectations set by the previous title.