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267th out of 308 books
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On Secret Service
by
John Jakes
A "New York Times" bestselling author presents the story of the origins of the Secret Service, and of two couples, divided by war and allegiance, who discover that love doesn't take sides. Overshadowing all of this is an actor's hatred of Abraham Lincoln--and a date with destiny that will shock the nation and change the course of history.
Mass Market Paperbound, 480 pages
Published
April 10th 2001
by Signet Book
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Spies, espionage and treason Civil War style; this novel depicts the beginnings of spying in America. Having accomplished a great deal of research on this exact issue, I feel that the depiction Jakes has given to the idea of spying during the Civil War and to the rise of Pinkerton Security as accurate a portrayal as possible. This novel gives the reader an overall view of life in America during the Civil War era. I suggest that anyone interested in history, especially the American Civil War shou...more
I loved Jake's Kent Chronicles and North and South trilogy so I already knew the format and style I was about to encounter. No surprises there. I was pleased he used little known facts about the Civil War like Lincoln's high voice, the balloon observatories, the NY riots, how train tracks were destroyed, and the story of Rose. I was disappointed with the lame attempt to tie Charles Main from the trilogy into the book. I also thought he could have given better context for the plot by referencing ...more
On Secret Service has been in my home library on the Civil War historical fiction shelf for nearly eleven years. I bought it because I like historical fiction and because I respect the work John Jakes did with his Kent Family Chronicles and the North and South Trilogy.
Remembering these series as I did probably kept this book on the shelf this long. I remember a weakness of Mr. Jakes was the similarity of the plot on which he built his story that is supported by historical facts. Too oft...more
Remembering these series as I did probably kept this book on the shelf this long. I remember a weakness of Mr. Jakes was the similarity of the plot on which he built his story that is supported by historical facts. Too oft...more
This book, about the Union Spy network during the American Civil war sends mixed messages to the reader. Are reading a histirical account of the war? Are we reading about the proverbable Spy vs Spy? Or are we reading about how low one can become to his fellow man during these times. What happens when men "dehumanize" their advesary and just look at them as the aninal call the enemy.
I will not tell you the answer, read it and find out yourself. I, myself, will probably now r...more
I will not tell you the answer, read it and find out yourself. I, myself, will probably now r...more
A historical novel concerning espionage during the Civil War.
Similar to William Safire's Freedom. Good story.
Similar to William Safire's Freedom. Good story.
Story of the FBI's origins in the Civil War -- compelling characters and story line.
Did not enjoy this book as much as the other John Jakes books.
Historical fiction about spies during the Civil War. A choppy script that really didn't capture the moment or the essense of war for me.
Jakes describes some of his research in the last few pages of the novel. You could skip this one.
Jakes describes some of his research in the last few pages of the novel. You could skip this one.
john jakes doesnt change much
Enjoyed this very much
I'm about halfway through this book and still waiting for something to happen... I read John Jakes many years ago and a visitor left this one behind for me. I'm going to keep trying, but I'm slowly losing enthusiasm.
Update: I gave up on this book, which I almost never do. Ended up giving it to a friend who was visiting. Definitely did not live up to my fond memories of John Jakes.
Update: I gave up on this book, which I almost never do. Ended up giving it to a friend who was visiting. Definitely did not live up to my fond memories of John Jakes.
Best book I have read for while. Gritty, historical, realistic, good characters. Personal view from a handful of characters of the Civil War. Pinkerton detective agency is now working with President Lincoln's new government to obtain secret information about movements of the Southern armies in order to preserve the Union and prevent the southern states from seceding. Told from the viewpoint of a handful of diverse characters.
I liked Jakes' book The Bastard about the American revolution, but this book is generic. The characters seem types not individuals, and the novel is filled with cliche, genre descriptions. Yes, he can plot rather well, but the characters are not particularly vivid or complex.
I love most of John Jakes' books and am totally hooked on Civil War period novels. This was disappointing though because it read more like a history book and I never really felt connected to the characters or really cared what happened to them. It seemed promising though, about a spy from the north crossing enemy lines and of course falling in love with the beautiful southern bell but it was actually pretty boring.
Jakes again uses the Civil War as his subject matter. This time the beginnings of the Secret service and spying between the North and South in Washington. Good detail, but not his best novel.
I just couldn't get into this like I did with North & South, which is surprising given my fascination with the Pinkertons. But I just didn't care all that much about the characters.
Great look at the possible intrigue during the civil war. Reminds me of the current climate in this country.
Interesting reading. Diffeent story line. Another John Jakes "goodie".
Interesting historical fiction about times during the Civil War.
American Civil War,historical fiction,Secret Service
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AKA Jay Scotland, Alan Payne, Rachel Ann Payne & J.X. Williams
John Jakes is the acknowledged contemporary master of the family saga. He is the creator of the legendary eight-volume Kent Family Chronicles, the Main and Hazard families of The North and South Trilogy, and the Crowns of Chicago, German-Americans whose stories interweave the history of the twentieth century in Homeland and its se...more
More about John Jakes...
John Jakes is the acknowledged contemporary master of the family saga. He is the creator of the legendary eight-volume Kent Family Chronicles, the Main and Hazard families of The North and South Trilogy, and the Crowns of Chicago, German-Americans whose stories interweave the history of the twentieth century in Homeland and its se...more
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