The Crescent Spy by Michael Wallace (4 stars)

About The Crescent Spy 

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (November 10, 2015) 

Writing under a man’s name, Josephine Breaux is the finest reporter at Washington’s Morning Clarion. Using her wit and charm, she never fails to get the scoop on the latest Union and Confederate activities. But when a rival paper reveals her true identity, accusations of treason fly. Despite her claims of loyalty to the Union, she is arrested as a spy and traitor. 

To Josephine’s surprise, she’s whisked away to the White House, where she learns that President Lincoln himself wishes to use her cunning and skill for a secret mission in New Orleans that could hasten the end of the war. For Josephine, though, this mission threatens to open old wounds and expose dangerous secrets. In the middle of the most violent conflict the country has ever seen, can one woman overcome the treacherous secrets of her past in order to secure her nation’s future?
 

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Review

For fans of the Civil War and female empowerment, this is a must-read. How often do we get to see a strong female presence in a war situation, particularly the Civil War? Josephine is tenacious as a female reporter in the midst of a torn nation. Nothing will stop her. I am drawn to these types of characters and couldn't wait to see her fate.

Seeing the men scramble around her brought a little joy to my heart... I won't lie. 

Why then a 4-star rating? 

I wanted more for her than just her strength. So much of her soft side seemed missing. In my humble opinion, what makes women special is their ability to embrace strength and vulnerability. 

Also, the tension in the story never seemed to ebb and flow, instead barreling forward at a constant and intriguing pace. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it attributed to my feeling of a missing softness.

But, overall, this is an empowering and captivating read. One well-worth your time.

Rating: 4 stars

About Michael Wallace 

Michael Wallace was born in California and raised in a small religious community in Utah, eventually heading east to live in Rhode Island and Vermont. In addition to working as a literary agent and innkeeper, he has been a software engineer for a Department of Defense contractor programming simulators for nuclear submarines. 

He is the author of more than twenty novels, including the Wall Street Journal bestselling Righteous series, set in a polygamist enclave in the desert.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own. 

Please visit other stops on The Crescent Spy blog tour page.