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Paper Woman

(A Mystery of the American Revolution #1)

Suzanne Adair (Goodreads Author)

3.52 · Rating details · 181 ratings · 35 reviews

She expected the redcoats to solve her father's murder. The redcoats and her father had other plans.

In early June 1780, the village of Alton, Georgia, is rocked by the triple murder of the town printer and one of his associates, both outspoken patriots, and a Spanish assassin. Alton's redcoats are in no hurry to seek justice for the murdered men. The printer and his buddie ...more

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Paperback, 246 pages

Published March 31st 2012 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform (first published September 18th 2006)

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· 181 ratings · 35 reviews

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Apr 20, 2011 Grace Krispy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A first novel by Suzanne Adair, this book won the Patrick D. Smith Literature Award. Fluid and descriptive, with writing that seamlessly weaves plot and historical context, it was a well-deserved win. The writing carries you along in such a way that you can't help but become engrossed in the time and the context of the story. The gritty realities of life in this time are made clear, as are the challenges women faced. This is no romanticized vision of the past, this is truth down to the grueling A first novel by Suzanne Adair, this book won the Patrick D. Smith Literature Award. Fluid and descriptive, with writing that seamlessly weaves plot and historical context, it was a well-deserved win. The writing carries you along in such a way that you can't help but become engrossed in the time and the context of the story. The gritty realities of life in this time are made clear, as are the challenges women faced. This is no romanticized vision of the past, this is truth down to the grueling detail. The story was immediately engaging as we follow Sophie at a party, fending off unwanted advances and trying to keep track of her willful and outspoken father. Taking the reader across Florida and then across the ocean, this is a thrilling ride, full of adventure, duplicity and intrigue. With just enough twists in the story to maintain interest, it's easy to imagine yourself there, amidst the grime and fear, struggling to stay a step ahead of the game.

There are plenty of characters to keep track of, and the development of these characters is top-notch. Although it's sometimes tricky to remember a name here and there (and, for some reason, it threw me off that Sophie's father is referred to as "Will" in the story rather than "her father" or some such moniker to denote his relationship to Sophie), there is enough context given for each character that they really distinguish themselves along the way. Sophie is a kick-ass character. She is a woman in a man's world, but manages to hold her own against many powerful and determined men. She's strong, yet vulnerable; especially with regards to her love life. "Uncle" Jacques is colorful and engaging, and it's easy to imagine him as the fun guy at the party. Edward appears a simple character, but turns out to be more complex than we may have imagined, while Fairfax is so ruthless and clever it's easy to despise him. David is perhaps the least developed character, and it would have been nice to get a little more personality from him, but, really, "least developed" in this crew is still more developed than many stories I've read. He may just seem the least developed to me because the others are so tangible in my mind. Of all the characters, Mathias is my favorite. There's something about his own past and his conflicted feelings about love and happiness that pulls me right in. I rooted for him, but I wanted to smack sense into him at the same time.

Although a very well-written and engaging story, I did find myself lost a time or two along the way. There was so much going on, sometimes I had to backtrack to see what I'd missed on my first read. Some of the plot events almost seemed too much. I think I craved a touch more simplicity in the plot, since the characterization and setting were so rich and complex. Overall, however, a fantastic story that allowed me to fully immerse and enjoy!

4.5 /5 stars @ MotherLode blog ...more

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Apr 20, 2011 Jaidis Shaw rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Paper Woman by Suzanne Adair isn't your average, every day novel about the Revolutionary War. Instead, Ms. Adair has created a captivating world and characters that readers can easily visualize and relate too. The novel's title is derived from the heroine in the story, Sophie Barton, whose nickname is Paper Woman. She has gained this title after helping her father run his printing press. To make matters more intriguing, Sophie is being courted by a British Major who offers her the chance to leav ...more

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Apr 23, 2011 Ginny rated it did not like it · review of another edition

So silly I gave myself permission not to finish this!

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Feb 19, 2019 Eileen Lynx rated it did not like it

Actually I didn’t finish it. Just too dull. The huge list of everything that was brought with them for the trip was too much information.

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Apr 20, 2011 Indie Books rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery-suspense, general-fiction

Review from Amazon:

"Paper Woman by Suzanne Adair isn't your average, every day novel about the Revolutionary War. Instead, Ms. Adair has created a captivating world and characters that readers can easily visualize and relate too. The novel's title is derived from the heroine in the story, Sophie Barton, whose nickname is Paper Woman. She has gained this title after helping her father run his printing press. To make matters more intriguing, Sophie is being courted by a British Major who offers he ...more

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Jul 17, 2011 ѦѺ™ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

"Let justice be done though the heavens should fall." - John Adams in a letter in 1777

June 1780. in the Georgia frontier town of Alston, Sophia Elizabeth Barton nee St. James helps her father Will run his printing business.the patriarch, though, is opposed to the British colonists and he uses his printing press to print broadsides featuring atrocities allegedly committed by the redcoats. Will and two others later turn up dead. Sophie resolves to learn the truth about his father's murder and who ...more

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Apr 21, 2011 Tracy Smith rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, historical-fiction, 18th-century, american-revolution

Paper Woman is a well-researched and well-paced historical mystery with sufficient twists and turns that will make you want to read it all in one sitting.

Taking place during the American Revolution, Paper Woman stands out partially because the setting is one mostly neglected by history books and novels alike: Georgia, Florida, and the Caribbean. The perspective is also a refreshing change in that it's not the typical Patriot vs Loyalist fare, but, rather, is told from the point of view of a main ...more

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Jan 01, 2016 Lisa Marie rated it liked it

This book wasn't my favorite. It was an interesting concept - a mystery of a missing father and some hidden emeralds. I guess if you're a huge fan of any type of mystery, you might like it. I did not. I love historical fiction, but this story felt like it was trying to beat me over the head with information. The historical information wasn't very embedded into the story either. I pick up a fiction book on purpose. I wanted a good story. The main character was lack-luster where I found myself bor ...more

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May 31, 2010 Janet rated it did not like it · review of another edition

I wanted to like this book, I really did. After all, I love historical mysteries. But, this may have been one of the most convoluted plots I have ever encountered, with a large cast that seemed larger because they were called by rank OR name OR nickname OR nationality. We had "Spaniards" and "pigs" and "frogs." The author spent too much time in bodily function-related descriptions-yes we know there are outhouses, yes we know that bathing and teeth washing were not daily functions, but to describ ...more

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Sep 28, 2017 Lexie Conyngham rated it it was amazing

This is a splendid book which I enjoyed very much. There is a real sense of time and place in the well-researched setting and the attention to detail is tremendous. The plot is complex and the writing rich, and the characters of Sophie and her fellow adventurers are well drawn. I have another by the same author which I am looking forward to reading, too.

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Jun 25, 2018 Eric Overkamp rated it liked it

Paper Woman by Suzanne Adair tells the story of a widowed woman who runs a printing press during the American Revolution. She is driven to solve the murder of a family member by an unknown assailant. Her quest begins in earnest, as she leaves her home for the dangers of the open road. Hunted by Redcoats, Spanish assassins, and possible rebels as well, her quest takes her to such exotic places as St. Augustine in Florida and Havana, Cuba.
Although the author does a good job portraying a woman's c ...more

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Nov 05, 2017 Dan Rogers rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Quite an enjoyable read with plenty to keep one going well into the night. Several times, when I wasn’t reading, I found my mind drifting from what I was doing to think ahead and wonder what may be coming next. I originally got this book thinking that it would be a good one for middle grade readers. Most definitely not as there was one place where I might be uncomfortable having my mother read it for it was quite racy, a bit more than may have been necessary. Overall an enjoyable selection. Enou ...more

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Mar 02, 2018 Rebecca Mulligan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Sophie's Choice?

This is a most interesting and exciting mystery set during the American Revolution. Romance, espionage, traitorous behavior and natural justice are interwoven to produce a series worth reading. I strongly recommend it. ...more

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Apr 25, 2011 Helena rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Paper Woman by Suzanne Adair is a gripping story and refreshing portrait of the American Revolution in a genre woefully depleted of anything connected to the founding of our country.
The first in a trilogy, Paper Woman is a historical suspense novel that captures the essence of the American Revolution in the southern theater from a woman’s perspective. This well-paced novel is filled with intrigue, adventure, treachery, deception and enough twists and turns wrapped into the drama of the War for Paper Woman by Suzanne Adair is a gripping story and refreshing portrait of the American Revolution in a genre woefully depleted of anything connected to the founding of our country.
The first in a trilogy, Paper Woman is a historical suspense novel that captures the essence of the American Revolution in the southern theater from a woman’s perspective. This well-paced novel is filled with intrigue, adventure, treachery, deception and enough twists and turns wrapped into the drama of the War for Independence to keep readers turning pages eagerly anticipating the pinnacle while looking forward to her follow-up books, The Blacksmith’s Daughter and Camp Follower.
In 1780, Sophie Barton is a young widow running the printing press of her father - an outspoken patriot - in Alton, Georgia. Determined to remain autonomous, the worlds of the British, rebels and Indians collide for Sophie when the British search her father’s business inquiring after him. But when Sophie learns of her father’s murder, then receives a threatening visit from Spaniards, she’s determined to discover the truth about her father’s slaying. Further misgivings are raised when she intercepts a secret message intended for him and sets off on a harrowing journey from Georgia to Florida and ultimately Cuba intent on keeping the meeting her father was to have. With only her brother David and friend Matthias as her protectors during an arduous and perilous trek south to Florida, the three begin a journey into treachery that even the reader can’t anticipate.
Sophie is faced with impossible prospects as a strong, single woman struggling to endure while remaining neutral but loyal to her family and friends in a war that pits countrymen against countrymen. Readers will experience a truly different side of the Revolution – from a woman interacting with the British, Americans, Creek Indians and French. Sophie Barton, the heroic (Matthias and Edward Hunt) and treacherous characters (Lieutenant Fairfax and El Serpiente) populating the book and the ambience of the American Revolution (rural Georgia and St. Augustine, FL) come alive thanks to Adair’s adept writing.
We feel Sophie’s struggle as she questions her father’s demise circling back to his political beliefs, we understand the toil of being a woman alone without protection as the British ransack her place of business and interrogate her, and we empathize with her facing extreme conditions and circumstances at home and across rugged terrain. We are taken into and experience the world of the Creek Indians and Spanish. But mostly, we cheer Sophie’s unrelenting spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds whether fighting off enemies, suspicions or her conscience.
What makes this story distinct is the enormous task Adair has undertaken to skillfully weave so many elements, sides and personalities into a complete story that takes us across two states, political divides and the Caribbean.
As a devoted follower of the American Revolutionary period, I was utterly captivated by this tale that is rich in substance, realistic in detail and does not romanticize the era. Adair is uniquely qualified to capture this aspect of history thanks to her hands-on research as a Revolutionary War reenactor. She translates the senses, experiences and environments (of cooking, cleaning, foraging and fighting) so well through her characters and settings; I had to look away from the book more than a few times to remember I was in the 21st century!
So it’s not surprising that Paper Woman won Adair the acclaimed Patrick D. Smith Literature Award. Paper Woman is a treat for the senses and historically hungry reader – especially the American Revolutionary War fan – the multi-faceted characters, geographical and political scope and complex plot make this a must-read with two more books in the trilogy to look forward to.
...more

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Mar 16, 2014 Regina O. rated it it was amazing

Paper Woman follows Sophie – a 33 year old widow living in Georgia during the American Revolution – as she faces redcoats, rebels, Native Americans, and dangerous Spaniards on an exciting journey from Georgia to St. Augustine, where she hopes to find the man who murdered her father. Sophie comes face-to-face with fear, love, and her true self, all while keeping herself, and her companions, alive.

What a great novel! Not only is it exceptionally well-written and a real page turner (I had a hard ti Paper Woman follows Sophie – a 33 year old widow living in Georgia during the American Revolution – as she faces redcoats, rebels, Native Americans, and dangerous Spaniards on an exciting journey from Georgia to St. Augustine, where she hopes to find the man who murdered her father. Sophie comes face-to-face with fear, love, and her true self, all while keeping herself, and her companions, alive.

What a great novel! Not only is it exceptionally well-written and a real page turner (I had a hard time putting it down), but Sophie is, quite possibly, my new favorite female heroine in a newer book. Contemporary authors have this desire to make their female characters either wilting flowers, or infallible, rough, tough women, and I always have a hard time relating to one or the other. Sophie is a wonderfully balanced combination of both. She is strong, determined, stubborn, and smart, but also sensitive and full of faults – characteristics I feel that any real woman can relate to. The supporting cast of mostly male characters are richly described and just as realistic, contributing to Paper Woman being one of those historical fiction novels that you can picture being based on real people and real events. They seem to come out of a journal entry, rather than a work of fiction.

Adair surely does her research. The historical backdrop is so acutely tuned and deeply developed – you feel like you have been there – seen the sights, smelled the smells, experienced the action first hand. The characterization of Sophie and her comrades, coupled with Adair’s well-defined setting makes this novel a joy to read. I may be a little partial to this novel – it has a great female lead, is about one of the most fascinating (in my opinion) periods in American history, and is historical fiction (my favorite genre) – but I think this one is a must read for sure. There’s enough romance for the romance readers, loads of history for the historian, and a female character that will make you either fall in love or feel empowered. The book is exciting to no end, and a wonderful way to learn facts about American history you didn’t know before (for example: I had no idea the Spanish were involved in the American Revolution – shame on me)! The best part, however, is that this book is the first in a series. You can count on seeing another of Adair’s Mysteries of the American Revolution Trilogy. ...more

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Sep 22, 2016 Gabi rated it really liked it · review of another edition

What an interesting novel.

Set against the backdrop of the crazy and hectic American Revolution, "Paper Woman" tells the story of Sophie Barton and her comrades go on a quest across the Southern Colonies of Colonial America. There are so many elements in this book that made it a good read.

1. The amount of detail was astounding. As the reader, I could truly tell how much the author knew about life during this time period. She seemed extremely knowledgeable, and that came off in the detail and flui What an interesting novel.

Set against the backdrop of the crazy and hectic American Revolution, "Paper Woman" tells the story of Sophie Barton and her comrades go on a quest across the Southern Colonies of Colonial America. There are so many elements in this book that made it a good read.

1. The amount of detail was astounding. As the reader, I could truly tell how much the author knew about life during this time period. She seemed extremely knowledgeable, and that came off in the detail and fluidity of the writing. At some points though, she seems to forget that some of her readers do not have the same amount of knowledge about this particular topic as she does, so certain things got a bit confusing at times, or just went straight over my head.

2. This book brought attention to aspects of the Revolutionary War that are never really considered by most of the modern population. This story was entirely set in the Southern Colonies, and then even further down towards the equator. And it was told from a woman's point of view who was neutral in the war. At the end of the book, there is actually a historical note that explains these aspects a bit more in-depth and about why the author chose to include them.

3. The characters are vibrant, and come from all sides of the story. The cast of characters are very diverse, including patriots, neutrals, Spaniards, French, British, Indian, slaves, etc; offering various viewpoints on the time period and the story itself. However, there were quite a lot of characters, some with very similar names as well, so it was very difficult at times to keep up with who was who.

4. So much happened! It was just a complete adventure story, filled with a good amount of suspense, mystery, and a little romance. At the end of the book, I suddenly realized how much had happened within the course of the novel and I could even recall how each character developed throughout the story.

This book may have taken me a little while to read, but I definitely finished it feeling satisfied. ...more

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Sep 07, 2011 M. Louisa Locke rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I thoroughly enjoyed Paper Woman, the first of Suzanne Adair’s trilogy of historical novels that follow the adventures of brave, independent women involved in the intrigues and conflicting loyalties of the American Revolution. Paper Woman tells the story of Sophie Baron, a widow who helps her father run a local press in Alton, Georgia, in 1780, and who is drawn reluctantly into trying to solve the mystery surrounding her father’s death.

As an historian, I was very impressed by the way Adair portr ...more

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Jan 31, 2008 Christy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Widow Sophie Barton helps her father run his printing press and tries to stay out of politics in the small town of Alton, GA, which remains peaceful while redcoats and colonists clash in other parts of the colonies. Sophie's father, however, has been acting mysterious and Sophie suspects he has aligned himself against King George. Although Sophie is being courted by the major of the British garrison, she isn't so sure she wants to become his mistress and move to England with him. When her father ...more

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May 12, 2011 Denise rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I was reading a different book that frankly was a bit dark and I wanted something different, so I am taking a break. I started Paper Woman, which is a historical taking place during the American Revolution. I have to say, I have read many historicals, which is the genre that first got me reading again as an adult and has since ventured into many other genres for a change of pace, as so many of the historicals seemed to fall into the cookie cutter repetitiousness that often occurs with a popular ...more

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May 14, 2011 Kellie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

From the very first sentence of Suzanne Adair's historical mystery Paper Woman, I was hooked. Paper Woman takes place during the American Revolution where we meet Sophie Barton, aka Paper Woman, a 33 year old widow, who sets out to solve her father's murder while facing the harsh realities of war. Paper Woman is not only a learning experience, but an enjoyable, suspense-filled read that has the right mixture and perfect balance of history, romance, adventure and page-turning mystery.
FTC Full Di ...more

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Jul 08, 2013 Keilani Ludlow rated it liked it

Hmmmm... I didn't love love the plot and story, but I did enjoy the historical content. So, while I won't run to read another, I would read another if it crossed my path.

Main character is an older (by the standards of the time and most novels these days) woman, 33, twice widowed. When her father is murdered, she sets out to find out what happened.

Honestly, the plot didn't do a ton for me. But, the relationships between the redcoats, the people they controlled, the native americans, the patriots ...more

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Jan 14, 2009 Jan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Great historical fiction for Revolutionary War in the south. The book carefully and correctly used the history. Can be confusing with all the competing factions, religions, countries and political groups, however, that's the way war is. . .confusing and frightening for most civilians. The heroine was a bit unlikely; the hero(es) likewise; but worth the read. Gritty descriptions of travel by land and sea for the day. ...more

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Mar 04, 2012 Nicole rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I agree with another reviewer that the plot was convoluted and difficult to follow. I couldn't keep characters straight & still don't know how they ended up where they did. Seemed long and drawn out as well, though that could have been a function of my inability to follow the plot line. Towards the end I was skipping whole sections. ...more

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Apr 23, 2013 Suzanne rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, 1700s, war

I must confess I had a bit of trouble following who was double-crossing who and who was a triple-agent! The mystery was very good and I liked the main characters. The afterward / author's note was particularly interesting in discussing the Revolutionary War from the setting of the Southern US Colonies. I had no idea the Spanish were "players" in the war. ...more

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Jul 12, 2011 Norma Huss rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: mysteries, favorites, historic

This novel of the Revolution follows Sophie, the paper woman of the title, on a trip through perilous trails and dangerous waters to find her father's killer. With Redcoats and rebels and slave catchers, it's kill or be killed. A thriller for sure, with historic authenticity. ...more

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Jun 09, 2012 Patricia O'Sullivan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was a different kind of Revolutionary War story. I enjoyed how it took place in Florida and how it explored the role of Spain in the war. I also liked how the author chose to make the protagonist a 'middle-aged' woman of 33 rather than a young woman. A very enjoyable read! ...more

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Jun 30, 2013 Brenda rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction

Very interesting look at the American Revolution as fought in the South....Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.....the influence of the Spanish and the Native Americans is well developed. Good historical fiction with an emphasis on the realities of the war.

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Jan 29, 2014 Deb rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, historical-mystery

This book started off with me trying to figure out characters relationships. But once into it I really liked it. Sophie is a strong character who also questions herself and the chooses she's made. The adventure to Cuba is hair-raising! I will be ordering Suzanne Adair's next book within the week. ...more

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Oct 22, 2014 marvin shults rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Mystery

very enjoyable reading. It had many angles ando lots of twists and turns but in the end most of the characters survived. It left the way open to write a second book about the characters, but don't know if that has happened. ...more

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Mar 16, 2009 Becky rated it liked it · review of another edition

The adventures of a newspaper woman in Georgia during the American Revolution.

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About Suzanne Adair

Suzanne Adair

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Award-winning novelist Suzanne Adair is a Florida native who lives in North Carolina. Her mysteries transport readers to the Southern theater of the American Revolution, where she brings historic towns, battles, and people to life. She fuels her creativity with Revolutionary War reenacting and visits to historic sites. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, dancing, and hiking. In 2018, she w ...more