Ruta Sepetys is a must-buy author for many people. Any readers who think that historical fiction is not a compelling genre absolutely should read I Must Betray You because the writing will instantly transport one to Romania during the frightening Communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu. As one of the teenage boys says, Ceausescu is "a vampire to the necks of millions." Everything a person says and does is being watched; children are waiting to report parents; neighbors watch to report supposed friends. It is dangerous to be an intellectual, to have any desire to know about the world outside of fighting for Romania. Interspersed with the story line are reports for recruitment. After reading this book, it is impossible not to feel some fear any time you see a country's leader applauding himself. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys thrillers.