"Meticulously researched and excellently written, The Turncoat's Widow is exactly the book that any enthusiast of historical fiction would want to have in their hands immediately. A deeply rewarding slice of American history, mingled with romance and adventure." - Lyndsay Faye, International bestselling author of JANE STEELE and THE GODS OF GOTHAM
"An exciting Revolutionary-era thriller with a twisty mystery, great characters, and historical accuracy to boot." - Eleanor Kuhns, author of the Will Rees mysteries
"With immaculate research and a deft historical touch, Mally Becker paints the compelling story of two reluctant spies for General George Washington as they face deadly stakes and endeavor to solve a mystery that could topple the American Revolution." - Michelle Cameron, author of Beyond the Ghetto Gates and The Fruit of Her Hands
"The Turncoat's Widow reminds readers that treachery from within and without to our republic was real, and those early days for American independence from the British were fragile, the patriot cause, unpopular. This is a rousing debut novel with insights into the hardships of colonial life, the precarious place of women in society, while giving fans of historical fiction a tale with suspense, surprises, and an outspoken and admirable heroine in Becca Parcell. Mally Becker is an author to watch." - Gabriel Valjan, Agatha and Anthony-nominated author of The Naming Game
"The Turncoat's Widow has it all. A sizzling romance, meticulous research, and an exhilarating adventure. Becca Parcell is too independent for both 18th-century Morristown and her feckless English husband....Becker balances the ruthlessness of George Washington and the underhanded charm of Alexander Hamilton with the excesses of the British, as part of a detailed picture of how the colonies were governed during a war that was far from a simple fight between two opposing nations. But historical exactitude is balanced by dashing romance between Becca and Daniel Alloway, the escaped prisoner charged with protecting her, and plot full of bold escapes and twists. A great series debut. I can't wait for the next installment." - Erica Obey, Author of Dazzle Paint and The Horseman's Word
2021-09-22
A romance-tinged espionage adventure set during the American Revolutionary War.
Philip Parcell was spying for England before he realized that he could make more money selling the names of his fellow spies to Gen. George Washington of the colonial army. Caught by British soldiers in the middle of this endeavor, Philip dies aboard the British ship Jersey, but not before he beseeches fellow prisoner Daniel Alloway to locate Philip’s wife, Becca, and the list of spies’ names. Daniel cleverly escapes the Jerseyand heads to Morristown, New Jersey, in search of Becca—more out of a desire for money than any moral obligation. Becca, meanwhile, is living with her mother-in-law, Lady Augusta, when rumors that she ratted out her husband begin to spread through town. This, in turn, leads Washington to ask her to spy for him in New York in exchange for protection. Soon, Daniel agrees to help under the condition that he receive free passage to make “a fresh start somewhere far from here.” Becca and Daniel travel to New York City, where they resume their search for the list—and maybe find some romance along the way; they’re accompanied by Lady Augusta and Annie, the Parcells’ servant. In her debut novel, Becker’s shining prose (“The skulls of the ship’s dead lined the beaches as thick as pumpkins in an autumn field”) pairs well with historical details, such as how New York City became an epicenter for Loyalists due to its British occupation. Familiar figures, such as Washington and Alexander Hamilton, appear alongside fictional players. The relationship between Daniel and Becca has plenty of charm; Becca is shown to be a fierce, smart, and often brave woman who never fit into the society into which she married, while Daniel is painted as clever and humorous even as he grapples with a traumatic past. Becker’s secondary characters are also distinctively portrayed, such as gang leader John Mason, who has ears “shaped like pitcher handles.” Overall, Becker’s thrilling, romantic story will appeal to lovers of early American history.
A compelling tale of revolutionary times with charming main characters.
