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Karen Abbott

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

Karen AbbottNonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Karen Abbott

Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

544

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

USA • 1860s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy by Karen Abbott follows four women—Belle Boyd, Emma Edmondson, Rose Greenhow, and Elizabeth Van Lew—who engage in espionage and covert activities during the American Civil War, navigating complex identities and loyalties to influence the course of the war on both Union and Confederate sides. The book includes descriptions of wartime violence, sexual assault, and racism.

Informative

Adventurous

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.0

18,709 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Karen Abbott's Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy is praised for its gripping narrative and meticulous research, offering a vivid account of four women who changed the course of the Civil War. Some critics note occasional pacing issues and a dense amount of detail, but overall, the book is celebrated for bringing lesser-known historical figures to life with rich storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy?

Readers who relish historical narratives infused with daring espionage, specifically within the American Civil War era, will be captivated by Karen Abbott's Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy. Enthusiasts of works like Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City or Candice Millard's Destiny of the Republic will find this book particularly engaging.

4.0

18,709 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

544

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

USA • 1860s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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