65 pages • 2 hours read
Karen AbbottLiar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2014A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.