In Revolutionary War New Jersey, Rebecca “Becca” Parcell, is a feisty widow who does not quite fit into Morristown society. After her husband dies aboard a prison ship, a rumour circulates around town that she was the one who turned him into the British. It is not long before she becomes unpopular, facing the censure and malice of others.

When it is confirmed that her husband was a spy for the British, none other than the famous general and spymaster, George Washington charges Becca with a dangerous task. At first she balks at the idea but eventually agrees to help Washington uncover her late husband’s past transgressions in exchange for maintaining control of her farm. Thereafter she travels to New York city with Daniel Alloway, a man who knew her husband, and they discover that the mystery is far more twisted than anyone could have ever anticipated.

"The Turncoat's Widow" is a delightful, fast-paced mystery that keeps a reader engaged every step of the way. To say that I adored this book is an understatement. I devoured it over the course of two days, scarcely putting it down. I was always excited for what would happen next. Through the many twists and turns, I found myself on the edge of my seat. That being said, the plot was steady and consistent.

This book was rich in narrative, characters, and dialogue. The characters were well-written, interesting, and came across as believable. Becca was a relatable and worthwhile heroine who was anything but conventional. She is a brave woman who has to face insurmountable odds in an uncertain and dangerous environment. While the overall characterisation was impressive, some of the historical figures depicted in the book came across as awkward. This is the only criticism I can think of.

Ms Becker did an excellent job bringing the conflict-ridden world of Revolutionary War New Jersey and New York to life. When reading the book, the threats that Becca and Daniel faced felt very real. One of my favourite aspects of this book was the Author's Note at the end which was a treasury of fascinating information. The author's dedication to historical research and accuracy was something that came across as readily apparent. This added a lot to the book overall. If you want a great fast-paced historical mystery, give "The Turncoat's Widow" a try. ( )

After the death of her husband at the hands of the British, Rebecca Parcell becomes the target of her neighbors. Some hated her husband, who was a spy for Britain only to switch allegiances. Many doubt Rebecca's loyalty. To save her farm, she agrees to act as a spy for General Washington. She has to keep ahead of other traitors to find a list of spies and unravel a plot that threatens the future of the new nation.

This was a strange read. It was fast-paced with some interesting characters. The problem was there were so many characters and the fast pace meant few of them were fleshed out. Even the two characters we mainly follow don't feel developed. A romance is hinted at, but it felt undeserved and without a solid foundation.

That said, it was interesting to have a heroine who questioned both sides of the war. She just wanted to be left alone. But this changes by the end when she allies herself with General Washington.

Opposite Rebecca, we had a hero who was forgettable. I wasn't interested in Daniel Alloway's story, his past or his motivation. And the times when the story follows him were dull. Almost as dull as the parts where we see things from the villain's point of view. I think the villain's parts were included to build tension and suspense, but I just wasn't interested.

It would appear this is meant to set up at least another book, if not a series. I'm sure there are readers who would enjoy it and there's nothing really wrong with this book. It just wasn't for me.

I received a free copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. ( )

The Turncoat's Widow: A Revolutionary War Mystery by Mally Becker is Historical Thriller Fiction with a British, American or double spy. An exciting story from the beginning with a preacher's accusations and congregational gossip in a small town. There are traitors, treasonous acts, spy’s, mysteries, danger and romance. Who are the traitors in the War of Independence and why?
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars ( )