Heart of Lies

By M L Malcolm

        Leo Hoffman was born to a Hungarian family, but was raised and educated by a wealthy Jewish family. He had a rare gift for languages. When his adopted family was killed because they were Jewish and alleged Communists, he fled from Budapest to Paris to avoid the same fate. He got a job as a hotel concierge, met and fell in love with Martha Levy and became involved with a group of men who claim to be raising money to support a group fighting for his native Hungary. When, as a favor to one of the group, he tries to buy a diamond necklace he finds the money is counterfeit. He confronts the man and, in the ensuing argument, kills him. He again flees, this time to Shanghai, where he sets himself in business using the necklace. He sends for Martha and becomes a father, but his life is threatened by Shanghai gangsters. The invasion of Shanghai by the Japanese results in Martha's death and Leo's struggle to save himself and his daughter.

This is a well researched work which spans several continents and decades. There are details of time and place in Shanghai and Europe during World War I and World War II, which make the story real. This is a story full of intrigue, adventure and romance.