Why read Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy?

Book cover of Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War

Book description

“Not for nothing has Abbott been called a ‘pioneer of sizzle history.’ Here she creates a gripping page-turner that moves at a breathtaking clip through the dramatic events of the Civil War.” — Los Angeles Times

Karen Abbott, the New York Times bestselling author of Sin in the Second City…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Cathy Hester Seckman

Author

This is more historical fiction than nonfiction, but the backmatter contains notes, a bibliography, and a decent index.

It details the work of four Civil War-era women who made significant contributions to the war effort on both sides. Flamboyant teenager Belle Boyd and scheming temptress Rose O’Neal Greenhow spied for the South; Emma Edmonds enlisted in the Union Army as Frank Thompson; and secret abolitionist Elizabeth Van Lew managed an espionage ring under the noses of her Richmond neighbors.

I cheered each one of them through the entire book, wondering if I could have been as strong and resolute as…

From Cathy's list on women being in charge in fiction and nonfiction.

Denise Kiernan

Author

As not only a reader but also as a writer I enjoy coming at significant moments in American history through distinct experiences and characters, with all of their talents and trials and shortcomings explored along the way. This look at the Civil War is intimate and engrossing, taking readers through tremendous conflict with four very unique women as their guides.

From Denise's list on on or by maverick women.