The First Conspiracy

Author: Brad Melter and Josh Mensch
Genre: Non-fiction
Publisher: Flatiron Books, 2019
Pages: 432, 10 discs
Rating: Do Not Recommend

Synopsis: In 1776, an elite group of soldiers were handpicked to service as George Washington's bodyguards. Washington trust them; relied on them. But unbeknownst to Washington, some of them were part of a treasonous plan. In the months leading up to the Revolutionary War, these traitorous solders, along with the Governor of New York, William Tryon, and Mayor David Matthews, launched a deadly plot against the most important member of the military: George Washington himself.

This is the story of a secret plot and how it was revealed. It is a story of leaders, liars, counterfeiters, and jailhouse confessors. It also shows just how hard the battle was for George Washington and how close America came to losing the Revolutionary War.

In this historical page-turner, New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer teams up with American history writer and documentary television producer, Josh Mensch to unravel the shocking true story behind what has previously been a footnote in the pages of history. Drawing on extensive research, Meltzer and Mensch capture in riveting detail how George Washington not only defeated the most powerful military force in the world, but also uncovered the secret plot against him in the tumultuous days leading up to July 4, 1776.

Review: I love reading and learning about the Revolutionary War. I'm fascinated by espionage. I even know a little about the spy ring based in the New York City area. However, this novel didn't work for me.

Was it that Meltzer tried to create a novel from a nearly "unresearchable" topic, and included a lot of filler information and conjecture? Was it the writing style, at time it felt almost chatty and informal? Probably a mix of both.

Also by Brad Meltzer:
The Inner Circle