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.

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.

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.

Informative / Adventurous / Mysterious / Suspenseful

- Karen Abbott is known for her ability to bring historical figures to life, and in Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy, she focuses on the extraordinary roles of four women during the American Civil War.
- The book delves into the daring and cunning actions of these women, emphasizing how their contributions were crucial yet often overlooked in historical accounts.
- Abbott's writing in Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy is celebrated for its vivid narrative style that blends thorough research with compelling storytelling, making history accessible and engaging.

**Karen Abbott**  
A New York Times best-selling author known for her narrative nonfiction that spotlights overlooked historical figures and moments in American history. Her works include books that explore the lives of women left off the historical record.

**Elizabeth Van Lew**  
A key figure in Civil War history, who established the Richmond Underground to aid Union soldiers. She was a wealthy spinster from Richmond with Northern roots and abolitionist beliefs.

**Emma Edmonson**  
Lived disguised as a man under the name Frank Thompson, enlisting in the Union Army and serving as a nurse and later as a spy. She ran away from home in Canada to escape an arranged marriage and carved out a significant role within the military during the Civil War.

**Rose Greenhow**  
A widowed socialite in Washington, DC, who became a Confederate spy using her influential social connections. She gathered intelligence through her relationships with high-ranking officials in the Lincoln administration.

Karen Abbott

Adult

Biography

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Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy Summary

Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “1861”

Part 1 Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy Part 1  Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “1862”

Part 2 Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “1863”

Part 3 Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “1864”

Part 4 Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “1865”

Part 5-Epilogue

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

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