From the widely praised author of the FBI Special Agent Ana Grey series and A Star for Mrs. Blake, this riveting epic drama follows the Kusek family from New York City to America's heartland, where they are caught up in the panic of McCarthyism, a smear campaign, a sensational trial, and, ultimately, murder. Calvin Kusek, a WWII pilot and attorney, and his wife, Betsy, escape the 1950s conformity of New York City to relocate to a close-knit town in South Dakota. They settle on a ranch and Betsy becomes a visiting nurse, befriending a quirky assortment of rural characters. Their children, Jo and her brother Lance, grow up caring for animals and riding rodeo. Life isn't easy, but it is full and rewarding. When a seat in the State Assembly becomes available, Cal jumps at the chance to repay the community and serves three popular terms. Things change when Cal runs for the U.S. Senate. The FBI investigates Betsy, and a youthful dalliance with the Communist Party surfaces to haunt the Kuseks. Mass hysteria takes over, inflamed by Cal's political enemies. Driven by fear and hate, their neighbors turn, condemning them as enemies and spies. The American Dream falls apart overnight as the Kuseks try to protect their children from the nightmare that follows. The family is vindicated in a successful libel lawsuit, but the story doesn't end there: years later, Lance Kusek and his wife and son are brutally attacked, and the mystery then unfolds as to who committed this coldblooded murder, and are they related to the stunning events of decades earlier?
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“With an upbeat narration, Cady McClain sets the tone for this timely look at a shameful episode in American history, the McCarthy era…McClain delivers credible characters and manages to set the fear-filled tone of the Midwest in the ‘50s. The combination of political ignorance and religious bigotry, delivered intelligently by McClain, makes for un-put-down-able listening. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile
“Smith…perceptively brings this dark period in US history to light in her dramatic family saga.”
— Booklist (starred review)“[Smith] illuminates the force of McCarthyism-generated fear in the Midwest and effectively personalizes it through the persecution the Kusak family endures for their liberal beliefs. The author also skillfully ties together the two time periods, avoiding melodrama.”
— Publishers Weekly“Smith’s novel weaves smoothly between Jo in the hospital nervously waiting for answers and her family’s epic backstory. It is a moving tale of the Kuseks’ trials and triumphs…[in] this dramatic saga with a hint of mystery.”
— Library JournalBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
April Smith is the author of several novels, including her first best seller, North of Montana. She is also an Emmy-nominated television writer and producer.
Cady McClain is a voice talent and AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator.