—Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post “An absorbing, exhilarating thrill ride of a novel that explores an extraordinary real-life woman—plucked from the shadows of history—who went to unimaginable lengths to protect her homeland and her family, and in doing so, learned who she really was. At the beginning, The Diamond Eye burns slowly, drawing you meticulously and inescapably into the world of a humble university student who will, against all odds, become a world-class sniper. By the time you hit the middle of the book you’ll be fully immersed in Lyudmila’s dark, complicated world of duty, sacrifice, motherhood, and love against the odds. This is a book that reminds us, in the most beautiful and heart-wrenching fashion, that beneath our differences, all of us—across culture, nationality, and time period—have at our core the same basic desires: to live, to love, and to protect that which we hold dear. 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 “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 “Readers can all but smell the gun smoke in The Diamond Eye, so thoroughly does Kate Quinn immerse you in the grim and gray 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 Woman Before Wallis “A riveting, authentic story of a Soviet woman who becomes a sniper during World War II. In page-turning prose, Kate Quinn illuminates the tale of Mila Pavlichenko, who, after killing more than three hundred of Hitler’s most formidable officers, comes to the United States 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 “The Diamond Eye is another winner from Kate Quinn. A historian-turned-sniper who falls in love in war-torn 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 “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 World War II, 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.”
—Renée Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces “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.”