The Turncoat's Widow - (A Revolutionary War Mystery) by Mally Becker (Paperback)

About the Book

"Recently widowed, Rebecca Parcell is too busy struggling to maintain her farm in Morristown to give a fig who wins the War for Independence. But rumors are spreading in the winter of 1780 that she's a Loyalist sympathizer who betrayed her husband to the British-quite a tidy way to end her disastrous?marriage, the village gossips whisper. Everyone knows that her husband was a Patriot, a hero who died aboard a British prison ship moored in New York Harbor. But "everyone" is wrong. Parcell was a British spy, and General Washington-who spent that winter in Morristown-can prove it. He swears he'll safeguard Becca's farm if she unravels her husband's secrets. With?a mob ready to exile her or worse, it's an offer she can't refuse. Escaped British prisoner of war Daniel Alloway was the last person to see Becca's husband alive, and Washington throws this unlikely couple together on an espionage mission to British-occupied New York City. Moving from glittering balls to an underworld of brothels and prisons, Becca and Daniel uncover a plot that threatens the new country's future. But will they move quickly enough to warn General Washington? And can Becca, who's lost almost everyone she loves, fight her growing attraction to Daniel, a man who always moves on?"--Publisher's description.

Book Synopsis

Recently widowed, Rebecca Parcell is too busy struggling to maintain her farm in Morristown to give a fig who wins the War for Independence. But rumors are spreading in the winter of 1780 that she's a Loyalist sympathizer who betrayed her husband to the British-quite a tidy way to end her disastrous marriage, the village gossips whisper.

Everyone knows that her husband was a Patriot, a hero who died aboard a British prison ship moored in New York Harbor. But "everyone" is wrong. Parcell was a British spy, and General Washington-who spent that winter in Morristown-can prove it. He swears he'll safeguard Becca's farm if she unravels her husband's secrets. With a mob ready to exile her or worse, it's an offer she can't refuse.

Escaped British prisoner of war Daniel Alloway was the last person to see Becca's husband alive, and Washington throws this unlikely couple together on an espionage mission to British-occupied New York City. Moving from glittering balls to an underworld of brothels and prisons, Becca and Daniel uncover a plot that threatens the new country's future. But will they move quickly enough to warn General Washington? And can Becca, who's lost almost everyone she loves, fight her growing attraction to Daniel, a man who always moves on?

Review Quotes

"A romance-tinged espionage adventure set during the American Revolutionary War. Becker's shining prose ... pairs well with historical details ... A compelling tale of revolutionary times with charming main characters. Becker's thrilling, romantic story will appeal to lovers of early American history." - Kirkus

"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