Remarkable…Kate Quinn is a master at crafting an intoxicating, well-balanced blend of immersive period details and deft character work. …The Diamond Eye is a remarkable combination of immersive wartime storytelling, rich detailing and wonderful pacing. What really makes The Diamond Eye land, though, goes beyond Quinn’s mastery of her chosen genre. This is, first and foremost, an exceptional character piece, a study of a woman who is a killer, a mother, a lover and, above all else, a survivor.” — BookPage (starred review)
“Quinn (The Rose Code) specializes in centering strong women; each of her books exceeds expectations set by the previous title… Readers looking for a new and unique viewpoint of World War II with a mystery to solve and a light touch of romance will dive deep into this story.” — Library Journal (starred review)
"Kate Quinn amazes me. With each new book she reaches new heights in her craft as a writer of page-turning plots and prose. The Diamond Eye is a remarkable story filled with heart, intrigue, breathtaking drama and, perhaps best of all, meticulously researched details that prove that history provides the absolute best raw material for storytelling. Like her sniper subject Lyudmila Pavlichenko, Kate Quinn has brilliantly hit her mark—this is a stunning novel about a singular historical heroine." — Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post
“Kate Quinn has excelled in previous novels at transforming real-life historical biography into page-turning fiction. The Diamond Eye—combat novel, wartime love story, assassination thriller—in prose that shifts from lyrical to melodramatic as events demand, sets up and pulls off a double-barreled surprise-ending worthy of its larger-than-life inspiration.” — Wall Street Journal
“[A] thrilling novel. WWII heroines are having a moment, and this is a stellar example. Recommend it to all lovers of smart historical fiction [and] her inspiration for the hero of this powerful WWII tale, a librarian-turned-military-sniper, will appeal to an even greater audience.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Exciting…Historical fiction fans will be riveted.” — Publishers Weekly
“Kate Quinn is an excellent storyteller, and she perfectly captures Mila’s spirit and personality both on and off the battlefield… Don’t miss this timely story about the immense power, strength and resilience of a Ukranian woman!” — BookReporter.com
"The Diamond Eye is sharply observed, multi-faceted and brilliantly alive—historical fiction at its best!" — Christine Wells, author of Sisters of the Resistance
"A riveting, authentic story of a Soviet woman who becomes a sniper during WWII. In page-turning prose, Kate Quinn illuminates the tale of Mila Pavlichenko, who, after killing more than 300 of Hitler's most formidable officers, comes to the U.S. to promote America's entry into the war. With vivid characters, unforgettable battle scenes, and moments of intense humanity and love, The Diamond Eye is a master class in historical fiction. It will leave you breathless, choking on tears." — Elena Gorokhova, author of A Train to Moscow
"Readers can all but smell the gunsmoke in The Diamond Eye, so thoroughly does Kate Quinn immerse you in the grim and grey world of the Russian Front — and in the psyche of her remarkable real-life heroine, Mila Pavlichenko. Quinn’s page-turning account of Mila’s transformation from student to sniper measures the unimaginable toll of pulling the trigger, portraying with power and compassion Mila’s urge not to kill, but to protect. Unputdownable!" — Bryn Turnbull, author of The Last Grand Duchess
“A sparkling gem of a story about a fabulous and fascinating woman. Lyudmila Pavlichenko’s journey from history student and mother to sniper and national hero is beautifully rendered by Kate Quinn in this utterly absorbing novel.” — Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Riviera House
“The brilliant Kate Quinn is at the top of her game with an unexpected historical heroine to root for. The young Russian mother and war hero will steal your heart by stealth—just as she stole the heart of Eleanor Roosevelt, America's most celebrated First Lady. You'll be wowed by this unlikely tale of love and lasting friendship that transcends ideology. It kept me reading late into the night!” — Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of The Women of Chateau Lafayette
“From blood-soaked Russian battlefields to the White House Rose Garden, Kate Quinn takes expert aim at one of history’s forgotten heroines to bring us a story that will pull you in from the very first sentence. The Diamond Eye is her best yet!” — Alix Rickloff, author of The Way to London
"The Diamond Eye is another winner from Kate Quinn. A historian-turned-sniper who falls in love in wartorn Russia and then befriends Eleanor Roosevelt – what’s not to love? The thrilling showdown at the end is not to be missed!" — Kaia Alderson, author of Sisters in Arms
"An epic journey with history's deadliest female sniper from the trenches of the Russian front to the halls of American power, The Diamond Eye is an enthralling page-turner brimming with emotion and excitement. Kate Quinn writes with a diamond eye for detail." — Taylor Adams, author of No Exit and Hairpin Bridge
“In The Diamond Eye, Kate Quinn introduces us to her fiercest heroine yet, Mila Pavlichenko, a celebrated female sniper for the Red Army who displays death-defying courage, skill, and wisdom. As readers follow her into the trenches of WWII, they will feel the adrenaline rush each time she pulls the trigger. Be forewarned: once you start reading, you’ll not be able to stop turning the pages. Exquisitely told, this is what makes Kate Quinn such a powerhouse in historical fiction.” — Renee Rosen, author of Park Avenue Summer
"Few authors are able to craft stories as immersive and compulsively readable as Kate Quinn, and her latest is not exception. The Diamond Eye is a sparkling new gem in Quinn’s already impressive bibliography. Quinn recaptures the Russian intrigue—the utter magic—of The Huntress in Mila’s story. The characters and setting are vibrant and compelling, and the reader can’t help but root for Quinn’s heroine from start to finish. A brilliant tale by a master storyteller." — Aimie K. Runyan, bestselling author of The School for German Brides
“Crack-shot novelist Kate Quinn’s aim is dead on in The Diamond Eye. Based on the true story of a Soviet female sniper who killed more than three hundred German soldiers and then befriended Eleanor Roosevelt, Quinn’s suspenseful narrative rings with deep understanding of long-range riflery, U.S. politics early in WWII, and the heartache of a woman on the front lines of combat.” — Mark Sullivan, bestselling author of The Last Green Valley and Beneath a Scarlet Sky
"A stunning, immersive tour de force by one of the best historical fiction writers working today. Meticulously researched, deftly plotted, and executed with a thrilling blend of action and heart, The Diamond Eye is a masterpiece." — Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Forest of Vanishing Stars
“Based on an amazing true story, The Diamond Eye is an explosive novel whose unforgettable librarian-sniper heroine and pulse-pounding plot will have readers staring down the barrel of a gun until the final page. Kate Quinn has hit the mark once again!” — Stephanie Marie Thornton, USA Today bestselling author of A Most Clever Girl
“[A] gripping historical thriller.” — The Big Thrill
01/17/2022
Quinn (The Rose Code) draws on a historical female sharpshooter from WWII in her exciting latest. In 1937, Mila Pavlichenko studies history at Kiev University and raises her five-year-old son, Slavka. She’s estranged from her husband, Alexei, a surgeon whom she met when she was 15. When the Germans invade Russia, Mila, who’s already trained at a marksmanship school, enlists in the army, is assigned sniper duty, and earns the nickname “Lady Death” for her high number of kills. In battle, Mila is steadfast about completing her missions with her partner, Kostia, and also finds time to write letters to Slavka. In 1942, Soviet leaders send Mila with a delegation to Washington, D.C., to meet with President Roosevelt in a bid to seek American support. The trip has its highs and lows, as Mila unexpectedly develops a friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt, but faces a threat from a misogynistic male marksman who sends her threatening notes. Quinn humanizes Mila by showing how she and Kostia use humor—along with a healthy amount of vodka—to cope with their risk-taking, and she convinces with her description of Eleanor’s political savvy and influence on the president. Historical fiction fans will be riveted. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Mar.)
From blood-soaked Russian battlefields to the White House Rose Garden, Kate Quinn takes expert aim at one of history’s forgotten heroines to bring us a story that will pull you in from the very first sentence. The Diamond Eye is her best yet!”
"An epic journey with history's deadliest female sniper from the trenches of the Russian front to the halls of American power, The Diamond Eye is an enthralling page-turner brimming with emotion and excitement. Kate Quinn writes with a diamond eye for detail."
In The Diamond Eye, Kate Quinn introduces us to her fiercest heroine yet, Mila Pavlichenko, a celebrated female sniper for the Red Army who displays death-defying courage, skill, and wisdom. As readers follow her into the trenches of WWII, they will feel the adrenaline rush each time she pulls the trigger. Be forewarned: once you start reading, you’ll not be able to stop turning the pages. Exquisitely told, this is what makes Kate Quinn such a powerhouse in historical fiction.
"The Diamond Eye is another winner from Kate Quinn. A historian-turned-sniper who falls in love in wartorn Russia and then befriends Eleanor Roosevelt – what’s not to love? The thrilling showdown at the end is not to be missed!"
"Readers can all but smell the gunsmoke in The Diamond Eye, so thoroughly does Kate Quinn immerse you in the grim and grey world of the Russian Front — and in the psyche of her remarkable real-life heroine, Mila Pavlichenko. Quinn’s page-turning account of Mila’s transformation from student to sniper measures the unimaginable toll of pulling the trigger, portraying with power and compassion Mila’s urge not to kill, but to protect. Unputdownable!"
The brilliant Kate Quinn is at the top of her game with an unexpected historical heroine to root for. The young Russian mother and war hero will steal your heart by stealth—just as she stole the heart of Eleanor Roosevelt, America's most celebrated First Lady. You'll be wowed by this unlikely tale of love and lasting friendship that transcends ideology. It kept me reading late into the night!”
"The Diamond Eye is sharply observed, multi-faceted and brilliantly alive—historical fiction at its best!"
A sparkling gem of a story about a fabulous and fascinating woman. Lyudmila Pavlichenko’s journey from history student and mother to sniper and national hero is beautifully rendered by Kate Quinn in this utterly absorbing novel.”
"Kate Quinn amazes me. With each new book she reaches new heights in her craft as a writer of page-turning plots and prose. The Diamond Eye is a remarkable story filled with heart, intrigue, breathtaking drama and, perhaps best of all, meticulously researched details that prove that history provides the absolute best raw material for storytelling. Like her sniper subject Lyudmila Pavlichenko, Kate Quinn has brilliantly hit her mark—this is a stunning novel about a singular historical heroine."
"A riveting, authentic story of a Soviet woman who becomes a sniper during WWII. In page-turning prose, Kate Quinn illuminates the tale of Mila Pavlichenko, who, after killing more than 300 of Hitler's most formidable officers, comes to the U.S. to promote America's entry into the war. With vivid characters, unforgettable battle scenes, and moments of intense humanity and love, The Diamond Eye is a master class in historical fiction. It will leave you breathless, choking on tears."
"The Diamond Eye is another winner from Kate Quinn. A historian-turned-sniper who falls in love in wartorn Russia and then befriends Eleanor Roosevelt – what’s not to love? The thrilling showdown at the end is not to be missed!"
"Readers: Prepare to be swept away by The Rose Code. A richly deserved tribute to the WWII codebreakers of Bletchley Park, Kate Quinn’s latest novel is a tour de force. Exhaustive research, vibrant characters, and pulse-pounding suspense combine in a riveting tale destined to be a book-club favorite. I absolutely loved it."
A knockout of a story, written by the reigning queen of historical fiction. Quinn’s trio of heroines practically leap off the page in this stunning novel, which melds spy-hunting with love stories that will stir your soul. A book for the ages.
"Kate Quinn follows her word-of-mouth bestseller, The Alice Network, with another compulsively readable historical novel ...[a] powerful novel about unusual women facing sometimes insurmountable odds with grace, grit, love and tenacity.
"Kate Quinn follows her word-of-mouth bestseller, The Alice Network, with another compulsively readable historical novel ...[a] powerful novel about unusual women facing sometimes insurmountable odds with grace, grit, love and tenacity.
★ 03/01/2022
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. VERDICT Readers looking for a new and unique viewpoint of World War II with a mystery to solve and a light touch of romance will dive deep into this story.—Stacey Hayman
