(2000)Historical novel about spying during the Civil War. Follows humble characters as they become involved with historical figures during the war. Shows the gritty and dirty work of the spy during the war. (PW) ...retells the story of the Civil War, and also examines specific aspects of espionage, the development of the Secret Service and the controversies surrounding the Lincoln presidency and assassination. The chaos and drama of romantic love, also figure in the saga, centering on two young couples: Lon Price, a fledgling member of the newly founded Pinkerton agency, encounters beautiful actress Margaret Miller while investigating the secessionist movement, and Confederate lieutenant Frederick Dasher suffers a largely unrequited love for Miller's friend Hanna Siegel, also an actress and a secessionist. The Price/Miller pairing is by far the more interesting of the two, especially as Jakes explores the evolution of Pinkerton's secret service and how it linked with and diverged from the government's efforts to infiltrate the Confederate Army. Most of the scenes take place in and around Washington, and Jakes spreads himself a bit thin by covering the entire war rather than focusing exclusively on a smaller number of clandestine campaigns. The author saves the best for last in dealing with Lincoln's assassination, bringing the drama to life by giving each of his protagonists a crucial role as the conspiracy unfolds with expert pacing and suspense. Jakes uncovers the little-known history of espionage and counterespionage during the War Between the States with his signature combination of meticulous research and epic narrative.

I enjoy historical fiction immensely. This book had a lot of great info regarding the civil war that I enjoyed learning about. Have always enjoyed John Jakes Writing. ( )

I enjoy historical fiction immensely. This book had a lot of great info regarding the civil war that I enjoyed learning about. Have always enjoyed John Jakes Writing. ( )

A regular potboiler, despite having some real historical characters woven into the stilted and unlikely action. Almost without exception the two-dimensional, fictional characters behave in an imprudent and unlikely manner, held together only by a set of coincidental events and happenings that defy reasonable probability. If this were to be the yardstick, I'd be very unlikely to consider reading more by this author. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. It takes you right into the events leading up President Lincoln's assassination. I got sucked into the events and found myself hoping that the book's protagonist would be able to thwart the assassination, though I knew it couldn't happen. ( )