May 23, 2013

On Secret Service

~ May's theme is historical fiction.~
Author: John Jakes
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Group, 2001
Pages: 480
Rating: Recommend

Synopsis: John Jakes, the acclaimed author of the #1 New York Times bestselling North and South Trilogy, returns to the Civil War with On Secret Service—the story of two couples, divided by war and allegiance, who discover that love doesn’t take sides. A Rebel sympathizer’s affection for a former Pinkerton detective turned Union agent cannot save him from the horrors of a Richmond prison. A Confederate officer sacrifices his rank to save an actress taken captive while posing as a Union soldier. Overshadowing them all is an actor’s outspoken hatred of Abraham Lincoln—and a date with destiny that would shock a nation and change the course of history…

Review: The storyline is predictable, and in some ways trite, but the weaving of the story and tying events together is what makes this a great read; oh, and John Jakes supreme knowledge of the Civil War. He's a go-to writer when it comes to fantastic Civil War fiction.