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The Jackal's Mistress
In this Civil War love story, inspired by a real-life friendship across enemy lines, the wife of a missing Confederate soldier discovers a wounded Yankee officer and must decide what she’s willing to risk for the life of a stranger, from the New York Times bestselling author of such acclaimed historical fiction as Hour of the Witch and The Sandcastle Girls.
Virginia, 1864—Libby Steadman’s husband has been away for so long that she can barely conjure his voice in her dreams. While she longs for him in the night, fearing him dead in a Union prison camp, her days are spent running a gristmill with her teenage niece, a hired hand, and his wife, all the grain they can produce requisitioned by the Confederate Army. It’s an uneasy life in the Shenandoah Valley, the territory frequently changing hands, control swinging back and forth like a pendulum between North and South, and Libby awakens every morning expecting to see her land a battlefield.
And then she finds a gravely injured Union officer left for dead in a neighbor’s house, the bones of his hand and leg shattered. Captain Jonathan Weybridge of the Vermont Brigade is her enemy – but he’s also a human being, and Libby must make a terrible decision: Does she leave him to die alone? Or does she risk treason and try to nurse him back to health? And if she succeeds, does she try to secretly bring him across Union lines, where she might negotiate a trade for news of her own husband?
A vivid and sweeping story of two people navigating the boundaries of love and humanity in a landscape of brutal violence, The Jackal’s Mistress is a heart-stopping new novel, based on a largely unknown piece of American history, from one of our greatest storytellers.
Virginia, 1864—Libby Steadman’s husband has been away for so long that she can barely conjure his voice in her dreams. While she longs for him in the night, fearing him dead in a Union prison camp, her days are spent running a gristmill with her teenage niece, a hired hand, and his wife, all the grain they can produce requisitioned by the Confederate Army. It’s an uneasy life in the Shenandoah Valley, the territory frequently changing hands, control swinging back and forth like a pendulum between North and South, and Libby awakens every morning expecting to see her land a battlefield.
And then she finds a gravely injured Union officer left for dead in a neighbor’s house, the bones of his hand and leg shattered. Captain Jonathan Weybridge of the Vermont Brigade is her enemy – but he’s also a human being, and Libby must make a terrible decision: Does she leave him to die alone? Or does she risk treason and try to nurse him back to health? And if she succeeds, does she try to secretly bring him across Union lines, where she might negotiate a trade for news of her own husband?
A vivid and sweeping story of two people navigating the boundaries of love and humanity in a landscape of brutal violence, The Jackal’s Mistress is a heart-stopping new novel, based on a largely unknown piece of American history, from one of our greatest storytellers.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 11, 2025
1650 people are currently reading
28648 people want to read
About the author
Chris Bohjalian
47 books13.1k followersChris Bohjalian is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 25 books. His 25th book, THE JACKAL’S MISTRESS, is now on sale. He writes literary fiction, historical fiction, thrillers, and (on occasion) ghost stories. His goal is never to write the same book twice. He has published somewhere in the neighborhood of 3.5 million words.
His work has been translated into 35 languages and become three movies (MIDWIVES, SECRETS OF EDEN, and PAST THE BLEACHERS) and an Emmy-winning TV series (THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT). He has two other novels in development for TV series as well.
He is also a playwright, including THE CLUB in 2024; MIDWIVES in 2020; and GROUNDED (now WINGSPAN) in 2018.
His books have been chosen as Best Books of the Year by the Washington Post, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Hartford Courant, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, and Salon.
His awards include the Walter Cerf Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts; the Sarah Josefa Hale Award; the ANCA Freedom Award for his work educating Americans about the Armenian Genocide; the ANCA Arts and Letters Award for THE SANDCASTLE GIRLS, as well as the Saint Mesrob Mashdots Medal; the New England Society Book Award for THE NIGHT STRANGERS; the New England Book Award; Russia’s Soglasie (Concord) Award for THE SANDCASTLE GIRLS; a Boston Public Library Literary Light; a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for TRANS-SISTER RADIO; a Best Lifestyle Column for “Idyll Banter” from the Vermont Press Association; and the Anahid Literary Award. His short story, SLOT MACHINE FEVER DREAMS was a finalist for Best Short Story from the International Thriller Writers Association and the audio production was an Audie Finalist. His novel, MIDWVES was a selection of Oprah’s Book Club, and his novel, HOUR OF THE WITCH, was a Barnes & Noble Book Club pick. He is a Fellow of the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences.
He has written for a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Reader’s Digest, and The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. He was a weekly columnist in Vermont for The Burlington Free Press from 1992 through 2015.
Chris graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from Amherst College. He has been awarded Honorary Degrees as well from Amherst, Champlain College, and Castleton University.
He lives in Vermont with his wife, the photographer Victoria Blewer.
His work has been translated into 35 languages and become three movies (MIDWIVES, SECRETS OF EDEN, and PAST THE BLEACHERS) and an Emmy-winning TV series (THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT). He has two other novels in development for TV series as well.
He is also a playwright, including THE CLUB in 2024; MIDWIVES in 2020; and GROUNDED (now WINGSPAN) in 2018.
His books have been chosen as Best Books of the Year by the Washington Post, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Hartford Courant, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, and Salon.
His awards include the Walter Cerf Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts; the Sarah Josefa Hale Award; the ANCA Freedom Award for his work educating Americans about the Armenian Genocide; the ANCA Arts and Letters Award for THE SANDCASTLE GIRLS, as well as the Saint Mesrob Mashdots Medal; the New England Society Book Award for THE NIGHT STRANGERS; the New England Book Award; Russia’s Soglasie (Concord) Award for THE SANDCASTLE GIRLS; a Boston Public Library Literary Light; a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for TRANS-SISTER RADIO; a Best Lifestyle Column for “Idyll Banter” from the Vermont Press Association; and the Anahid Literary Award. His short story, SLOT MACHINE FEVER DREAMS was a finalist for Best Short Story from the International Thriller Writers Association and the audio production was an Audie Finalist. His novel, MIDWVES was a selection of Oprah’s Book Club, and his novel, HOUR OF THE WITCH, was a Barnes & Noble Book Club pick. He is a Fellow of the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences.
He has written for a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Reader’s Digest, and The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. He was a weekly columnist in Vermont for The Burlington Free Press from 1992 through 2015.
Chris graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from Amherst College. He has been awarded Honorary Degrees as well from Amherst, Champlain College, and Castleton University.
He lives in Vermont with his wife, the photographer Victoria Blewer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,847 reviews
April 21, 2025
I have to be honest I wasn’t going to read this. Bohjalian and I don’t get along that well-At least from the only other story I have read by him.
It’s 1864. The civil war is raging in the south. Libby has been managing the grist mill, along with her 2 freed slaves and niece, since her husband left to fight. She comes across an almost dead union officer and realizes she can’t just let him die. They take him home to nurse him. An act of treason if they are discovered.
Bohjalian captures the time period well. The fear of being caught; the long war that has families missing members; what happens to people during war and the changes they make to compensate; to survive. A woman forced to protect her family and the measures she will go to do it.
A solid story and well researched.
4⭐️
It’s 1864. The civil war is raging in the south. Libby has been managing the grist mill, along with her 2 freed slaves and niece, since her husband left to fight. She comes across an almost dead union officer and realizes she can’t just let him die. They take him home to nurse him. An act of treason if they are discovered.
Bohjalian captures the time period well. The fear of being caught; the long war that has families missing members; what happens to people during war and the changes they make to compensate; to survive. A woman forced to protect her family and the measures she will go to do it.
A solid story and well researched.
4⭐️
November 23, 2024
Chris Bohjalian is a prolific and versatile writer. My favorites are his historical fiction titles and this novel is now one of those favorites . It’s an intense story depicting the Civil War with the death, violence , grief, hatred, as well as love that came with it. All of this and more is reflected through the life a young Virginia woman, the wife of a Confederate soldier gone to war, her freed slaves, her niece, and the Yankee soldier whose life she saves.
Libby Steadman is courageous and bold, surprising herself and the reader at what she is capable of to protect her loved ones and stand by her convictions, hoping that some Yankee woman would do the same for her missing husband. An edge of my seat read in so many places, a heartbreaking and moving story with complicated characters in complicated circumstances, characters to root for and remember, and hope the best for .
Don’t miss the author’s notes and acknowledgments to discover that
this was inspired by true events . It’s meticulously researched, so well written and jolting or maybe not, to see the relevance with today’s world.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Libby Steadman is courageous and bold, surprising herself and the reader at what she is capable of to protect her loved ones and stand by her convictions, hoping that some Yankee woman would do the same for her missing husband. An edge of my seat read in so many places, a heartbreaking and moving story with complicated characters in complicated circumstances, characters to root for and remember, and hope the best for .
Don’t miss the author’s notes and acknowledgments to discover that
this was inspired by true events . It’s meticulously researched, so well written and jolting or maybe not, to see the relevance with today’s world.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
March 9, 2025
Gripping, wonderfully written, well thought out, and hard to put down, Chris Bohjalian delivered a powerful and moving book with The Jackal's Mistress. I loved the writing, the vivid descriptions, the characters, the tension, and the dread. This book is set during the later stages of the Civil War and shows both the good and bad sides of humanity.
Virginia, 1864
Libby Steadman is barely holding things together while her husband is off fighting for the Confederate Army. She fears her husband dead but carries on with the help of Jubilee, her niece, two freed slaves, Joseph and Sally. They work the land to provide for not only themselves but for the confederate army. Then one day, she finds Captain Jonathan Weybridge of the Union army, badly injured and clinging to death. She is left with a HUGE decision to make. What a choice to have to make. To make a decision/choice about the life of someone she has never met or had an issue with. But a decision is what she must make, and it will have long lasting consequences.
This was such a wonderful book about choices, humanity, friendship, love, family, found-family, trust, survival, and resiliency. I found this book to be moving, riveting, and hard to put down. With Chris Bohjalian's wonderful writing and research, I was transported to the Shenandoah Valley, in a time and place ravaged by war. I became a silent observer, feeling for all the characters. I felt for their despair, not knowing if a loved one was alive or dead, not knowing who to trust, not knowing if this would be your last day, and not knowing how your choices would affect not only your life but the lives of others.
Beautifully written, moving, atmospheric, and hard to put down!
*The Jackal's Mistress was inspired by a real life friendship. Be sure to read the Author's note at the end of the book.
Thank you to Doubleday Books | Doubleday NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Virginia, 1864
Libby Steadman is barely holding things together while her husband is off fighting for the Confederate Army. She fears her husband dead but carries on with the help of Jubilee, her niece, two freed slaves, Joseph and Sally. They work the land to provide for not only themselves but for the confederate army. Then one day, she finds Captain Jonathan Weybridge of the Union army, badly injured and clinging to death. She is left with a HUGE decision to make. What a choice to have to make. To make a decision/choice about the life of someone she has never met or had an issue with. But a decision is what she must make, and it will have long lasting consequences.
This was such a wonderful book about choices, humanity, friendship, love, family, found-family, trust, survival, and resiliency. I found this book to be moving, riveting, and hard to put down. With Chris Bohjalian's wonderful writing and research, I was transported to the Shenandoah Valley, in a time and place ravaged by war. I became a silent observer, feeling for all the characters. I felt for their despair, not knowing if a loved one was alive or dead, not knowing who to trust, not knowing if this would be your last day, and not knowing how your choices would affect not only your life but the lives of others.
Beautifully written, moving, atmospheric, and hard to put down!
*The Jackal's Mistress was inspired by a real life friendship. Be sure to read the Author's note at the end of the book.
Thank you to Doubleday Books | Doubleday NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
April 12, 2025
1864 Virginia - When a Union captain is abandoned after being gravely injured, the wife of a missing Confederate soldier discovers him near death. After bringing him into her home, she and those closest to her work to save his life, in hopes that he can be used as a trade for her husband.
Chris Bohjalian is an author whose books I’ve been collecting for years, but for some reason, have been too intimidated to read. And then this one arrived on my doorstep, and I was determined that this would be my first. Fast forward several months, and I picked this one up early one morning only to devour it within a few hours. My first thought? Boy have I been missing out.
While I do not always gravitate towards Civil War era historical fiction stories, this one felt quite different. The complexities of the relationships, and the length taken to survive, stood out from the synopsis alone. Add in a striking cover and a powerful female MC, and I was completely sold.
The emotional, atmospheric writing was masterful in nature; however, the characters of this heart-wrenching story are the true shining stars. A woman who works alongside freed slaves at the family gristmill, but who is on the side of the Confederates as a Virginian, Libby is an endlessly fascinating character. Her more “northern” viewpoints created this really interesting dichotomy between her thoughts and actions and those who fought on the side of the Confederates.
This in turn sets up a unique dynamic between her and the Union Captain she rescues, a man who by all counts should be her enemy. Jonathan, a professor by trade, is a terrific counterpart not only to Libby, but to her niece Jubilee, a spitfire in her own right, and a character who stole every scene she was in.
The changing dynamic of all involved, from strangers-to-enemies to friends, kept me turning the pages as I experienced the constant fear of life during these times - the possibility that at any point Jonathan would be found or that Joseph or Sally would be taken and lynched. And by the time I reached the penultimate conclusion, my heart was in my throat.
A day later, and I find myself in the midst of a brutal book hangover, continuously thinking about this remarkable (and mostly true) story about love, loss and the sacrifices we make for others. Please trust me and read it. Meanwhile, don’t mind me as I make my way through Bohjalian’s entire backlist, unencumbered by my original intimidation.
🎧 I read this story in the most immersive way possible. By listening to the incredible audio narrated by Marni Penning, while following alongside it with the physical book, I felt as though I was living the story myself. I am very happy I chose this combination and would suggest doing the same if you are able to.
Read if you like:
▪️Civil War era history
▪️books based on true stories
▪️angsty and emotional reads
▪️strong and resilient MCs
▪️book hangovers
▪️epic writing
✨ 2025 favorite reads
Thank you Doubleday and PRH Audio for the advanced copies.
Chris Bohjalian is an author whose books I’ve been collecting for years, but for some reason, have been too intimidated to read. And then this one arrived on my doorstep, and I was determined that this would be my first. Fast forward several months, and I picked this one up early one morning only to devour it within a few hours. My first thought? Boy have I been missing out.
While I do not always gravitate towards Civil War era historical fiction stories, this one felt quite different. The complexities of the relationships, and the length taken to survive, stood out from the synopsis alone. Add in a striking cover and a powerful female MC, and I was completely sold.
The emotional, atmospheric writing was masterful in nature; however, the characters of this heart-wrenching story are the true shining stars. A woman who works alongside freed slaves at the family gristmill, but who is on the side of the Confederates as a Virginian, Libby is an endlessly fascinating character. Her more “northern” viewpoints created this really interesting dichotomy between her thoughts and actions and those who fought on the side of the Confederates.
This in turn sets up a unique dynamic between her and the Union Captain she rescues, a man who by all counts should be her enemy. Jonathan, a professor by trade, is a terrific counterpart not only to Libby, but to her niece Jubilee, a spitfire in her own right, and a character who stole every scene she was in.
The changing dynamic of all involved, from strangers-to-enemies to friends, kept me turning the pages as I experienced the constant fear of life during these times - the possibility that at any point Jonathan would be found or that Joseph or Sally would be taken and lynched. And by the time I reached the penultimate conclusion, my heart was in my throat.
A day later, and I find myself in the midst of a brutal book hangover, continuously thinking about this remarkable (and mostly true) story about love, loss and the sacrifices we make for others. Please trust me and read it. Meanwhile, don’t mind me as I make my way through Bohjalian’s entire backlist, unencumbered by my original intimidation.
🎧 I read this story in the most immersive way possible. By listening to the incredible audio narrated by Marni Penning, while following alongside it with the physical book, I felt as though I was living the story myself. I am very happy I chose this combination and would suggest doing the same if you are able to.
Read if you like:
▪️Civil War era history
▪️books based on true stories
▪️angsty and emotional reads
▪️strong and resilient MCs
▪️book hangovers
▪️epic writing
✨ 2025 favorite reads
Thank you Doubleday and PRH Audio for the advanced copies.
May 9, 2025
Union Captain Jonathan Weybridge was seriously injured during an 1864 Civil War battle. After surgery he was left in a vacant house in Confederate Virginia when the Union troops had to retreat quickly.
Libby Steadman was running the family farm with her young niece and two freed slaves, Sally and Joseph, while her husband languished in a Northern Union prison. Their gristmill provided food for the Southern Confederate soldiers. Jonathan was found in her neighbor's house, and he was taken to the Steadman homestead at great personal risk to Libby, Sally, and Joseph. Libby hoped that a Union woman would take in her Confederate soldier husband if the situation was reversed. She also hoped for a prisoner exchange when Jonathan was healed. The situation was dangerous since they could be tried for treason if Jonathan was found in the Steadman home.
This was an exciting book filled with tension as the Southern soldiers patrolled the area. The book showed people trying to do the right thing by seeing the humanity in the slaves and the soldiers of the opposing army, but their actions carried enormous personal risk. This would be a good book discussion read since the subject of a divided country is so topical. "The Jackal's Mistress" was a compelling story that kept me turning the pages. 4.5 stars, rounded up.
Libby Steadman was running the family farm with her young niece and two freed slaves, Sally and Joseph, while her husband languished in a Northern Union prison. Their gristmill provided food for the Southern Confederate soldiers. Jonathan was found in her neighbor's house, and he was taken to the Steadman homestead at great personal risk to Libby, Sally, and Joseph. Libby hoped that a Union woman would take in her Confederate soldier husband if the situation was reversed. She also hoped for a prisoner exchange when Jonathan was healed. The situation was dangerous since they could be tried for treason if Jonathan was found in the Steadman home.
This was an exciting book filled with tension as the Southern soldiers patrolled the area. The book showed people trying to do the right thing by seeing the humanity in the slaves and the soldiers of the opposing army, but their actions carried enormous personal risk. This would be a good book discussion read since the subject of a divided country is so topical. "The Jackal's Mistress" was a compelling story that kept me turning the pages. 4.5 stars, rounded up.
March 10, 2025
I believe this is Chris Bohjalian's best work so far--an unputdownable story of a Virginian woman who nurses a badly-wounded Yankee captain from Vermont back to health in the later years of the American Civil War, risking everything to help this one man survive. Inspired by a true story, Bohjalian brings all the fear, courage and desperation of that era back to life in the pages of his novel. His characters are so magnificently wrought and real, the setting so beautifully depicted, and the dangers they faced so immediate and intense that for a few hours, this reader was totally immersed in their story. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel of historical fiction via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel of historical fiction via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
April 19, 2025
Great story based upon a true story. Deducted one star for profanity. Outstanding narration.
April 21, 2025
As a foreigner, learning about the civil war history is always eye opening and fascinating to me. This story a little predictable but nonetheless still interesting.
A woman waiting on her POW husband to return home, saves a soldier on the brink of death and fends off her sides ambush when they come for his head. In the process also maybe developing some feelings as she cares for him
Solid 3 Stars!!!
A woman waiting on her POW husband to return home, saves a soldier on the brink of death and fends off her sides ambush when they come for his head. In the process also maybe developing some feelings as she cares for him
Solid 3 Stars!!!
March 18, 2025
The Jackal's Mistress is a gripping and beautifully written historical novel that captures the harsh realities of the Civil War. Inspired by a true story, it centers on Libby Steadman, her niece and two freed slaves managing her family's gristmill in her husband's absence. In the aftermath of a nearby battle, they discover and decide to nurse a wounded Union officer back to health—a decision in the South that brings with it danger and challenges. The author's meticulous research and vivid prose captures both the brutality of war while immersing the reader in the tension and moral complexity of the time. He really brings to life the characters, showing their emotional struggles, as well as their resilience, compassion, and courage. I absolutely loved this— it was hard to put down and will stay with me for a while!
August 30, 2025
I have a 50/50 chance with Bohjalian. I have really liked a few of his novels and really disliked a few of them, and this one falls close to the middle, but leans toward the second group.
I have done a lot of reading about the Civil War, novels and histories. It has had a kind of grip on me since I was very young. This novel just defies reality. No possibility of it being remotely true, so immediately it has a strike against it. I could cite endless examples. I kept comparing it to books like Cold Mountain and finding it sadly lacking, and images of Shelby Foote shaking his head peopled my brain.
The character development is its strongest suit. You cannot help liking Captain Weybridge, or Joseph and Sally, the freed black couple; but then Libby, our heroine, is just a little too feisty and unafraid and Jubilee, the niece, just a bit too sassy and precocious. I do not like historical novels in which women behave like 21st Century girls. Some things just didn’t happen and some things women just didn’t say.
The Southern boys are all bad, and Libby, who cannot bear to see a strange Yankee officer die so risks everything for him, doesn’t care how many of the boys on her side of the conflict are either killed by him or for him. Every Southern soldier, except of course her missing husband, is a renegade murdering rapist. On the other hand, the sentries on the Northern side are downright perfect and polite. Not enough nuance for my tastes.
There is a scene toward the end of the book that I found totally unnecessary and said to myself, “another essential checked off of the formula checklist.”
Sorry to everyone who enjoyed this. I don’t believe I will be tempted to Bohjalian again. Sometimes it just isn’t your cup of coffee, in fact sometimes it is just chicory in the cup and you can’t fool yourself that it is anything else.
I have done a lot of reading about the Civil War, novels and histories. It has had a kind of grip on me since I was very young. This novel just defies reality. No possibility of it being remotely true, so immediately it has a strike against it. I could cite endless examples. I kept comparing it to books like Cold Mountain and finding it sadly lacking, and images of Shelby Foote shaking his head peopled my brain.
The character development is its strongest suit. You cannot help liking Captain Weybridge, or Joseph and Sally, the freed black couple; but then Libby, our heroine, is just a little too feisty and unafraid and Jubilee, the niece, just a bit too sassy and precocious. I do not like historical novels in which women behave like 21st Century girls. Some things just didn’t happen and some things women just didn’t say.
The Southern boys are all bad, and Libby, who cannot bear to see a strange Yankee officer die so risks everything for him, doesn’t care how many of the boys on her side of the conflict are either killed by him or for him. Every Southern soldier, except of course her missing husband, is a renegade murdering rapist. On the other hand, the sentries on the Northern side are downright perfect and polite. Not enough nuance for my tastes.
There is a scene toward the end of the book that I found totally unnecessary and said to myself, “another essential checked off of the formula checklist.”
Sorry to everyone who enjoyed this. I don’t believe I will be tempted to Bohjalian again. Sometimes it just isn’t your cup of coffee, in fact sometimes it is just chicory in the cup and you can’t fool yourself that it is anything else.
March 10, 2025
Once again, Chris Bohjalian has written a gripping and compassionate novel that will keep readers glued to their seats. Having read sixteen of this author's books, I think that this is one of his best.
Inspired by the story of real people in history the author beautifully paints with his words the scenery of life during the Civil War. A time when men and boys went off to war and women were left at home to keep their farms and businesses running. For the main character, Libby, it was a time when her neighbors became her enemy, and her enemy became her ally. This is a tense and suspenseful book with unforgettable characters. Historical fiction lovers who are searching for a compelling Civil War story will definitely enjoy this book. I sure did.
My sincere thanks to Book Browse, NetGalley, and the publisher for sending me a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Inspired by the story of real people in history the author beautifully paints with his words the scenery of life during the Civil War. A time when men and boys went off to war and women were left at home to keep their farms and businesses running. For the main character, Libby, it was a time when her neighbors became her enemy, and her enemy became her ally. This is a tense and suspenseful book with unforgettable characters. Historical fiction lovers who are searching for a compelling Civil War story will definitely enjoy this book. I sure did.
My sincere thanks to Book Browse, NetGalley, and the publisher for sending me a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2025
It is 1864 in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Twenty-four-year-old Libby Steadman's husband, Peter, is a Confederate soldier who was captured and sent to a Union prison. Once his letters stopped coming, Libby accepted the strong possibility that Peter had died. Before the war began, Peter freed all his family's slaves, and while all those newly freed left, an older couple, Joseph and Sally, chose to remain on the property and work for wages. Once the war began, Peter's 12-year-old niece Jubilee came to live with Libby. During a nearby battle, Union Captain Jonathan Weybridge loses a leg and is left by his troops when he nears death. When Weybridge is discovered, Libby refuses to let him die and brings him to her home, putting everyone in great danger. Weymouth, a college professor from Vermont, proves to be more than the "jackal" Jubilee has started calling him. With Mosby’s Rangers, a group of Confederate renegades, first threatening Libby and then searching for the Union Captain, the lines between who is truly the enemy become blurred.
The book explains the term "mistress bullet," which was the bullet soldiers saved for themselves to use when all hope was lost, providing a dignified death.
Chris Bohjalian wrote The Jackal's Mistress after being inspired by the true story of a Virginia woman who saved a Union officer. Although Libby and Jonathan are fictional, the novel captures the bravery and humanity involved. All the characters in this book are exceptionally well crafted. I strongly recommend reading this captivating story, especially if you are interested in books about the Civil War.
4.5 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
The book explains the term "mistress bullet," which was the bullet soldiers saved for themselves to use when all hope was lost, providing a dignified death.
Chris Bohjalian wrote The Jackal's Mistress after being inspired by the true story of a Virginia woman who saved a Union officer. Although Libby and Jonathan are fictional, the novel captures the bravery and humanity involved. All the characters in this book are exceptionally well crafted. I strongly recommend reading this captivating story, especially if you are interested in books about the Civil War.
4.5 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
February 19, 2025
Thank you Doubleday Books for sending me a free advance reader’s copy!
I’ve read 3 books by Chris Bohjalian and he is such a versatile writer. The Jackal’s Mistress is an interesting historical fiction novel that takes place during the Civil War. The wife of a missing Confederate soldier is faced with a tough choice when she comes across a wounded Yankee soldier. She can leave him for dead or risk her life and the safety of others by trying to save him.
Not giving anything away as it’s mentioned in the publisher synopsis, the story was inspired by a real life friendship across enemy lines. So that’s the basis and the author uses some creative license which is perfectly fine in the historical fiction genre. It allows him to explore the complexities and cruelties of war while showing humanity can exist in troubled times.
There’s a teeny, tiny part in the final chapters that could have been eliminated as it was drama for drama’s sake. Other than that though it was a novel I was fully engrossed in and one I’d recommend to any historical fiction fans.
I’ve read 3 books by Chris Bohjalian and he is such a versatile writer. The Jackal’s Mistress is an interesting historical fiction novel that takes place during the Civil War. The wife of a missing Confederate soldier is faced with a tough choice when she comes across a wounded Yankee soldier. She can leave him for dead or risk her life and the safety of others by trying to save him.
Not giving anything away as it’s mentioned in the publisher synopsis, the story was inspired by a real life friendship across enemy lines. So that’s the basis and the author uses some creative license which is perfectly fine in the historical fiction genre. It allows him to explore the complexities and cruelties of war while showing humanity can exist in troubled times.
There’s a teeny, tiny part in the final chapters that could have been eliminated as it was drama for drama’s sake. Other than that though it was a novel I was fully engrossed in and one I’d recommend to any historical fiction fans.
July 30, 2025
Bohjalian usually writes a good book, and this ran true to form. A good story, in this case based upon a true incident where a Rebel woman in Virginia nursed and cared for a Yankee soldier from Vermont, hiding him in her home until she could get him to Union lines in Harper's Ferry, 20 miles from her home. Her own husband was a prisoner of war in the north. She was aided by a black married couple who stayed with her after her husband had freed them before he enlisted, and a niece who lived with her.
The author took these facts and embellished them of course, fleshing out these characters and giving them histories and emotions. My favorite was Jubilee, the 12 year old niece who was sassy and disrespectful and funny and independent. She gave Captain Weymouth the nickname "Jackal" because she didn't like Yankees in general and was suspicious of this one in particular.
"And if so many of you were goin' to die and kill so many of us, you might have thought that through. What's the point of all this killin' if you still won't let them eat or sleep wherever they want?"
This was carefully researched as to accuracy by the author, but it only rates 4 stars because there were a couple of discrepancies that glared. At one point Libby is sure her own husband is dead and is burning his clothes, stacks and stacks of pants and shirts and hats and gloves. No one in those days had "stacks and stacks" of clothing, more like just 2 or 3 outfits. And it made no sense to me that while you're hiding a man, he's allowed to roam outside to help with chores when at any time someone could ride up and see him. There was one other instance where I felt a little betrayed, but that involves a spoiler so I won't include that.
In any case, I did enjoy this book and felt it was a good depiction of that time and place.
The author took these facts and embellished them of course, fleshing out these characters and giving them histories and emotions. My favorite was Jubilee, the 12 year old niece who was sassy and disrespectful and funny and independent. She gave Captain Weymouth the nickname "Jackal" because she didn't like Yankees in general and was suspicious of this one in particular.
"And if so many of you were goin' to die and kill so many of us, you might have thought that through. What's the point of all this killin' if you still won't let them eat or sleep wherever they want?"
This was carefully researched as to accuracy by the author, but it only rates 4 stars because there were a couple of discrepancies that glared. At one point Libby is sure her own husband is dead and is burning his clothes, stacks and stacks of pants and shirts and hats and gloves. No one in those days had "stacks and stacks" of clothing, more like just 2 or 3 outfits. And it made no sense to me that while you're hiding a man, he's allowed to roam outside to help with chores when at any time someone could ride up and see him. There was one other instance where I felt a little betrayed, but that involves a spoiler so I won't include that.
In any case, I did enjoy this book and felt it was a good depiction of that time and place.
March 22, 2025
Libby lives in the South during the Civil War and provides meals to the army with her only help her teenage niece and two freed slaves. Her husband is fighting and has been captured by the North and is presumed dead. One day, Libby comes across a badly injured Union soldier. She takes him into her home, which is very dangerous for her given the political climate. There, he is nursed back to health.
What transpires is a very compelling story that immediately pulled me in with it close parallels to the story of the Good Samaritan in the New Testament. I loved how Bohjalian shows so much goodness in so many people during a time of war. Those who are supposed to be enemies helping each other out of human kindness and decency. He is an extraordinary storyteller, adding a level of suspense, and there are several moral dilemmas presented throughout. This is engaging historical fiction and a must-read for those who enjoy reading about the Civil War.
What transpires is a very compelling story that immediately pulled me in with it close parallels to the story of the Good Samaritan in the New Testament. I loved how Bohjalian shows so much goodness in so many people during a time of war. Those who are supposed to be enemies helping each other out of human kindness and decency. He is an extraordinary storyteller, adding a level of suspense, and there are several moral dilemmas presented throughout. This is engaging historical fiction and a must-read for those who enjoy reading about the Civil War.
February 2, 2025
A favorite author, historical fiction & civil war- hit some spots!
This book takes place in the latter stages of the Civil War in Virginia. Libby, her niece & her 2 freed slaves run a grist mill & supply flour to the Confederacy. Her husband is away fighting & she knows he has been captured but no updates for a very long time. There are parts of this that I will not share in the review as people should find out as they read it.
I loved the research that the author has done for this book & he shares background information at the end of the book.
I found it to move along quickly, love a strong female main character & a tie in with Vermont!
This book takes place in the latter stages of the Civil War in Virginia. Libby, her niece & her 2 freed slaves run a grist mill & supply flour to the Confederacy. Her husband is away fighting & she knows he has been captured but no updates for a very long time. There are parts of this that I will not share in the review as people should find out as they read it.
I loved the research that the author has done for this book & he shares background information at the end of the book.
I found it to move along quickly, love a strong female main character & a tie in with Vermont!
June 22, 2025
This book reminds me of how disruptive and painful war is for all involved, and how it brings out the best and the worst in humanity. Set during the Civil War, which feels closer than it should in today's world, you get a realistic view of what day to day life could be like for those left to tend a homestead while men were miles away fighting.
Based on a true story (although embellished for dramatic effect), a southern woman decides to help a wounded northern soldier, despite it putting her and those living with her in peril. This kind of selfless decision is something that draws me in when everything around is suggesting you do the opposite. I wanted to meet this brave, independent thinking woman.
The cast of characters allowed for delving into what brought the states to this war, the inconsistencies still present even when half the states were trying to abolish slavery, and the societal lines that can begin to waver and blur when the unthinkable is happening around you and survival and loneliness take a front seat in your life.
Extra kudos to the author for creating female characters who were tough, intelligent, brave, and resourceful, instead of relying on men to "rescue" them.
Based on a true story (although embellished for dramatic effect), a southern woman decides to help a wounded northern soldier, despite it putting her and those living with her in peril. This kind of selfless decision is something that draws me in when everything around is suggesting you do the opposite. I wanted to meet this brave, independent thinking woman.
The cast of characters allowed for delving into what brought the states to this war, the inconsistencies still present even when half the states were trying to abolish slavery, and the societal lines that can begin to waver and blur when the unthinkable is happening around you and survival and loneliness take a front seat in your life.
Extra kudos to the author for creating female characters who were tough, intelligent, brave, and resourceful, instead of relying on men to "rescue" them.
March 31, 2025
There were times in there that I thought this would be a 4 star read, then 3 stars. But by the end, I found too much flaws to rate it higher than two.
- firstly, I’m not a fan of books by men and I now believe the rumors that female characters written by men are done poorly. Libby was an inconsistent woman without emotional depth. The writer could write emotions in weybridge just fine, but when it came to Libby it was more telling than showing, and inconsistently done. Libby killed two men and by how it was written, I thought she didn’t care—which could be understandable since they were terrible people. But pages later we got these misfitting lines thrown in of how she felt bad for killing. This might have made sense it we were SHOWN the emotion, and if she’d felt this emotion from the main scene. Very soon I began to disconnect from her character, and ultimately ended up disliking her.
She felt callous and selfish, and not in an admirable way. In the end she appeared out of nowhere to sleep with Weybridge—mere hours after hearing his beloved wife was dead? And she barely even sympathized over his loss. (Meanwhile his reactions to his wife’s death was terribly written, with almost no real emotion at all) She even confessed to wanting to abandon her young niece with him—an all but stranger—just before learning his wife died. She didn’t seem to care about anyone really, not even her husband.
The hint of romance was so weak and clearly not written by someone who’s comfortable with romance. Basically, it was only because of the sense that there’d be a romance here that I waited to see the two mc together. For over 60% of the book they had no sign of chemistry. Sure, there were both supposedly married but there could’ve been moments of awareness and not that all of a sudden they had interest in each other all along. Even their few moments of banter annoyed me because it was full of Libby taking offense at basically nothing and Weybrige being called rude names, while he apologized continuously.
No to men writing women, at least for this book.
One main thing that irked me: you can’t call people soldiers in a book, and not have them act with the skill of one. There were so many poorly thought out scenes. Worst of all was when the confederate soldiers kept coming to Libby’s house to search for a union soldier, and yet Libby and co left all of Weybridg’s belongings strew across the house, from kitchen to top floor, with his union uniform lying in a closet. And there was meant to be this tension when the confederates showed up AGAIN as Joseph and Sally scrambled to hide his things. Weybridge should’ve had the sense to warn them to hide his things, even if others strangely didn’t think of it. It just made the characters look dumb and took me out of the story that I felt no tension or sympathy for them.
There were more times like this. Weybridge didn’t act with a soldier’s wisdom at all. He was basically a Yes-man to everyone in the book, taking control of nothing.
My last dislike was that I don’t even know what the plot was. At some point I wasn’t sure what I was reading. They found Weybridge, nursed him and hid him from the confederate forces, and then he decided he was ready to go back to union lines. It sounds like the base for a strong story, but what we got was directionless and vacant. I guess by the end, it seemed like an autobiography of Libby’s life, but it still didn’t hit it.
What I liked:
- Jubilee added lots of spark to the story with her sass but ultimately good heart. She sadly outshone Libby.
- Joseph was likable.
- I considered DNFing a few times, but the plot was actually readable that I could finish.
- the beginning held some promise that this would be a good read.
The author hits me as someone who shies away from emotional aspects, but surprisingly isn’t good at the action/technical scenes either.
- firstly, I’m not a fan of books by men and I now believe the rumors that female characters written by men are done poorly. Libby was an inconsistent woman without emotional depth. The writer could write emotions in weybridge just fine, but when it came to Libby it was more telling than showing, and inconsistently done. Libby killed two men and by how it was written, I thought she didn’t care—which could be understandable since they were terrible people. But pages later we got these misfitting lines thrown in of how she felt bad for killing. This might have made sense it we were SHOWN the emotion, and if she’d felt this emotion from the main scene. Very soon I began to disconnect from her character, and ultimately ended up disliking her.
She felt callous and selfish, and not in an admirable way. In the end she appeared out of nowhere to sleep with Weybridge—mere hours after hearing his beloved wife was dead? And she barely even sympathized over his loss. (Meanwhile his reactions to his wife’s death was terribly written, with almost no real emotion at all) She even confessed to wanting to abandon her young niece with him—an all but stranger—just before learning his wife died. She didn’t seem to care about anyone really, not even her husband.
The hint of romance was so weak and clearly not written by someone who’s comfortable with romance. Basically, it was only because of the sense that there’d be a romance here that I waited to see the two mc together. For over 60% of the book they had no sign of chemistry. Sure, there were both supposedly married but there could’ve been moments of awareness and not that all of a sudden they had interest in each other all along. Even their few moments of banter annoyed me because it was full of Libby taking offense at basically nothing and Weybrige being called rude names, while he apologized continuously.
No to men writing women, at least for this book.
One main thing that irked me: you can’t call people soldiers in a book, and not have them act with the skill of one. There were so many poorly thought out scenes. Worst of all was when the confederate soldiers kept coming to Libby’s house to search for a union soldier, and yet Libby and co left all of Weybridg’s belongings strew across the house, from kitchen to top floor, with his union uniform lying in a closet. And there was meant to be this tension when the confederates showed up AGAIN as Joseph and Sally scrambled to hide his things. Weybridge should’ve had the sense to warn them to hide his things, even if others strangely didn’t think of it. It just made the characters look dumb and took me out of the story that I felt no tension or sympathy for them.
There were more times like this. Weybridge didn’t act with a soldier’s wisdom at all. He was basically a Yes-man to everyone in the book, taking control of nothing.
My last dislike was that I don’t even know what the plot was. At some point I wasn’t sure what I was reading. They found Weybridge, nursed him and hid him from the confederate forces, and then he decided he was ready to go back to union lines. It sounds like the base for a strong story, but what we got was directionless and vacant. I guess by the end, it seemed like an autobiography of Libby’s life, but it still didn’t hit it.
What I liked:
- Jubilee added lots of spark to the story with her sass but ultimately good heart. She sadly outshone Libby.
- Joseph was likable.
- I considered DNFing a few times, but the plot was actually readable that I could finish.
- the beginning held some promise that this would be a good read.
The author hits me as someone who shies away from emotional aspects, but surprisingly isn’t good at the action/technical scenes either.
August 28, 2024
4-1/2 stars, rounded up. Chris Bohjalian has long been one of my favorite authors, and his latest novel does not disappoint. Set in Virginia during the Civil War, it centers on Libby Steadman, a young woman managing her family's mill while her husband is off fighting for the Confederacy. An unusual southerner, he had released all of his family's slaves when he inherited the small plantation upon his father's death; only one elderly couple remained, no longer enslaved, but choosing to remain and work for the family for a wage.
The other main character is Captain Jonathan Weybridge, an officer in the Union Army who is badly injured and believed to be near death when his comrades leave him behind in a vacant house near the Steadman property. Learning of his presence, Libby is determined to try to save him despite the danger this poses for herself and those around her, knowing that if her husband were injured, she would hope someone would do the same for him.
Based on true events and similar characters, The Jackal's Mistress is a compelling story, beautifully written, and filled with well-drawn characters in dangerous circumstances, at a time when good and evil were defined quite differently by the two sides in America's deadliest war.
Thank you to #Doubleday publishing and #NetGalley for providing a free advance copy in exchange for an objective review.
The other main character is Captain Jonathan Weybridge, an officer in the Union Army who is badly injured and believed to be near death when his comrades leave him behind in a vacant house near the Steadman property. Learning of his presence, Libby is determined to try to save him despite the danger this poses for herself and those around her, knowing that if her husband were injured, she would hope someone would do the same for him.
Based on true events and similar characters, The Jackal's Mistress is a compelling story, beautifully written, and filled with well-drawn characters in dangerous circumstances, at a time when good and evil were defined quite differently by the two sides in America's deadliest war.
Thank you to #Doubleday publishing and #NetGalley for providing a free advance copy in exchange for an objective review.
August 4, 2025
This historical novel is based on a true story of a woman living in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War who secretly helped a Union officer recover from battle injuries and managed to transport him from behind Confederate lines to the Union Army Arsenal at Harper's Ferry.
This is fictionalize version of the story that is filled with more excitement, close calls, and romance than the original nonfiction version, but of course that's the way we readers want it to be. There is an Author's Note at the end of the book that describes the original historical story for which I'm always thankful when an author provides that information about their historical novel.
I was attracted to this story because of the story's time and place, Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley, because I have previously read the Scruples On The Line trilogy which had some of its characters living in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War. I was curious to see how another novelist portrayed that era of American history.
Overall I found The Jackal's Mistress to be a well written novel and was leaning toward giving it four stars, but it had too much gun play and sex for my taste (I'm an old fogey).
This is fictionalize version of the story that is filled with more excitement, close calls, and romance than the original nonfiction version, but of course that's the way we readers want it to be. There is an Author's Note at the end of the book that describes the original historical story for which I'm always thankful when an author provides that information about their historical novel.
I was attracted to this story because of the story's time and place, Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley, because I have previously read the Scruples On The Line trilogy which had some of its characters living in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War. I was curious to see how another novelist portrayed that era of American history.
Overall I found The Jackal's Mistress to be a well written novel and was leaning toward giving it four stars, but it had too much gun play and sex for my taste (I'm an old fogey).
February 26, 2025
I’m actually tempted to rate it a little lower. There was just something throughout the entire read that would say to me, “this isn’t the time for this story or, more precisely, the right perspective.”
That being said, there are some shining moments for this very straightforward tale (loosely based on a real event) mostly the interactions and conversations between Weybridge and Jubilee. The serious observations set in between the snark and banter of a 12 y/o gave much needed life to the slower pacing and a heart to the story that I think struggled to really take off in other areas.
Elsewhere, there are some interesting and tense segments but also idealistic even while depicting harsh realities. I was never fully sucked in or consumed by the story. The characters never felt entirely real, for me there was an odd disconnect.
What firmly irked me though was the ending. There was a romantic turn that felt unnecessary and like a switch in tone and genre.
It was one of my most anticipated books of the year but unfortunately just didn’t really work for me.
* I received a free early copy from the publisher.
That being said, there are some shining moments for this very straightforward tale (loosely based on a real event) mostly the interactions and conversations between Weybridge and Jubilee. The serious observations set in between the snark and banter of a 12 y/o gave much needed life to the slower pacing and a heart to the story that I think struggled to really take off in other areas.
Elsewhere, there are some interesting and tense segments but also idealistic even while depicting harsh realities. I was never fully sucked in or consumed by the story. The characters never felt entirely real, for me there was an odd disconnect.
What firmly irked me though was the ending. There was a romantic turn that felt unnecessary and like a switch in tone and genre.
It was one of my most anticipated books of the year but unfortunately just didn’t really work for me.
* I received a free early copy from the publisher.
September 30, 2024
Based on true events, THE JACKAL’S MISTRESS is a compelling and utterly captivating story. Bohjalian has an ability to put emotions into words, which brings this story alive. The Civil War was America’s deadliest war, and this story takes place in Virginia during these agonizing years.
When Captain Jonathan Weybridge is gravely injured during a deadly skirmish, he is left for dead by his troop. By the time Libby Steadman finds him, he is missing a leg and part of a hand. She vows to care for him even though he fights with the enemy. She is an innately kind person and will not let another person suffer. Having him in her home can bring danger to her loved ones, but she must help him heal.
Beautifully written and perfectly executed, this is one of Chris Bohjalian’s best novels to date. I cannot recommend this highly enough. Thank you, NetGalley and Doubleday Books for an advanced copy of this amazing book.
When Captain Jonathan Weybridge is gravely injured during a deadly skirmish, he is left for dead by his troop. By the time Libby Steadman finds him, he is missing a leg and part of a hand. She vows to care for him even though he fights with the enemy. She is an innately kind person and will not let another person suffer. Having him in her home can bring danger to her loved ones, but she must help him heal.
Beautifully written and perfectly executed, this is one of Chris Bohjalian’s best novels to date. I cannot recommend this highly enough. Thank you, NetGalley and Doubleday Books for an advanced copy of this amazing book.
May 15, 2025
I was so lucky to get the new Chris Bohjalian's novel and I could not wait to read it.
I was not disappointed; I like that every new book is a completely different story and something I can learn about; in this case I had the opportunity to learn a little more about Civil War (I am Italian, and I studied more about European history in High School than United States one).
The story is captivating, the characters well rounded and the complexity of the circumstances is well described. I would recommend the book to historical fiction lover who loves well researched stories.
I want to thank NetGalley, Doubleday Books and Chris Bohjalian for this ARC.
I was not disappointed; I like that every new book is a completely different story and something I can learn about; in this case I had the opportunity to learn a little more about Civil War (I am Italian, and I studied more about European history in High School than United States one).
The story is captivating, the characters well rounded and the complexity of the circumstances is well described. I would recommend the book to historical fiction lover who loves well researched stories.
I want to thank NetGalley, Doubleday Books and Chris Bohjalian for this ARC.
July 23, 2025
I adore Chris Bohjahlin, but this was not one of my favorites of his. I have had many many hits with him, but more than a few misses as well. It was well written, but I just was not grabbed. Perhaps I was just not in the mood for the civil war.
March 28, 2025
4.5 stars ⭐️
Jackal’s Mistress - is the last bullet you save in case you need it for yourself, for a dignified death.
Very strong historical fiction, that is loosely based on a true story. This book highlights the USA Civil War, setting Virginia 1864.
The premise of the story is a young captain who is found gravely injured in battle. Libby decides to nurse the Yankee Union captain back to health. The captain is an enemy. For Libby, she is waiting for her own husband, a Confederate, to return home from the war and the thought of leaving a soldier to die on his own is something she cannot fathom. The cost in harbouring this captain is “a price she cannot afford.”
Thrown into this book is a love story, racism and the power of the human spirit. I did know have much knowledge about this piece of American history so while reading, I did have to do some research to completely understand the context. This however, did not take away how heart wrenching and emotional this story is.
Any fan of historical fiction should have this on their TBR!
“They were slaves. My husband set free his family’s slaves.”
“Them’s just words.”
“Yes, And words have meanings.”
Jackal’s Mistress - is the last bullet you save in case you need it for yourself, for a dignified death.
Very strong historical fiction, that is loosely based on a true story. This book highlights the USA Civil War, setting Virginia 1864.
The premise of the story is a young captain who is found gravely injured in battle. Libby decides to nurse the Yankee Union captain back to health. The captain is an enemy. For Libby, she is waiting for her own husband, a Confederate, to return home from the war and the thought of leaving a soldier to die on his own is something she cannot fathom. The cost in harbouring this captain is “a price she cannot afford.”
Thrown into this book is a love story, racism and the power of the human spirit. I did know have much knowledge about this piece of American history so while reading, I did have to do some research to completely understand the context. This however, did not take away how heart wrenching and emotional this story is.
Any fan of historical fiction should have this on their TBR!
“They were slaves. My husband set free his family’s slaves.”
“Them’s just words.”
“Yes, And words have meanings.”
September 14, 2024
A story set in Virginia - about 30 miles from Harper’s Ferry - during the Civil War in 1864. Captain Westbridge of the Vermont Brigade is badly injured during a scrimmage with the Army of the Confederacy. Left to die - after losing a leg and 2 fingers - he is found by Sally, a free woman who lives with Lily Steadman, whose husband has been captured and imprisoned by the Union Army. Lily decides to take the Captain to her home to care for him - as she hopes some Yankee woman would do for her husband - but doing so puts Lily, her young niece, and Sally and her husband Joseph in danger. If they are found out, the Confederate army won’t hesitate to hang them all. Based on a true story of an amazing friendship, this story shows both the best and the worst of humanity and what we will do to each other to protect our way of life.
September 14, 2024
The thing about Chris Bohjalian is that, even if you've read every single one of his books, he can still surprise you and can make you view humanity in a whole new light with each book he writes. He even makes you want to give humanity another chance, which is tough to do in today's day and age.
This is a civil war story - classic North meets South - with drama, love, family, fear and a whole lot of humanity. This isn't a topic I would normally read about BUT the author is a favorite of mine and he never lets me down. I don't want to give any spoilers so I'll just say this: if you need some hope, read this book. It'll help you get through the coming days.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a civil war story - classic North meets South - with drama, love, family, fear and a whole lot of humanity. This isn't a topic I would normally read about BUT the author is a favorite of mine and he never lets me down. I don't want to give any spoilers so I'll just say this: if you need some hope, read this book. It'll help you get through the coming days.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2025
I don’t normally gravitate to stories like this, but I kept seeing such great reviews, I gave it a shot. But, it’s been a busy few weeks for my family as we’ve prepared for and welcomed my 3rd grandchild into the world. I’m on cloud nine, but my mind is tired, scattered, and all I can say is this was a really good story.
May 21, 2025
4+ stars.
Inspired by a real-life friendship across enemy lines during the Civil War.
The title makes it sound more romancey than it is.
What I liked:
The characters are stellar. Libby Steadman, fierce and classy.
Johnathan Weybridge, who answers to many names - Captain, Jackal, Professor.
Joseph and Sally. Young Jubilee's sass came on a little strong for my liking, but she grew on me. I became solidly invested in these five characters.
The story illustrates how people on opposing sides of the Civil War were impacted, but especially those living along the Shenandoah Valley, a landscape ravaged by battle and scorched-earth policy.
I liked the undercurrents that challenge portrayals of good and evil during war, showing that compassion and violence sometimes coexist, and friends and enemies can come from either side.
I can't find the exact quotes, but I recall it being said a couple of times that
'There's more than one way to look at it.'
I loved the subtle, not preached, moral depths and complexities.
What I liked less:
The pacing. It was a tad slow to grip me in the early pages, but it did, and the majority of it was hard for me to put down. But things transpired too abruptly for me at Harper's Ferry in the end. It's not how it concluded, but how quickly it happened that left me wanting.
Overall, I liked it a lot. It's well researched - the Author's Note and Acknowledgements made me appreciate it even more. I recommend for fans of historical fiction and those who like a strong female character. Libby is no damsel.
PS: The Jackal's Mistress is Chris Bohjalian's 25th book, but only the second I've read. The other was Midwives, which I thought was excellent. In both, he voiced an adolescent girl and women characters impressively. I should read more from him.
Inspired by a real-life friendship across enemy lines during the Civil War.
The title makes it sound more romancey than it is.
What I liked:
The characters are stellar. Libby Steadman, fierce and classy.
Johnathan Weybridge, who answers to many names - Captain, Jackal, Professor.
Joseph and Sally. Young Jubilee's sass came on a little strong for my liking, but she grew on me. I became solidly invested in these five characters.
The story illustrates how people on opposing sides of the Civil War were impacted, but especially those living along the Shenandoah Valley, a landscape ravaged by battle and scorched-earth policy.
I liked the undercurrents that challenge portrayals of good and evil during war, showing that compassion and violence sometimes coexist, and friends and enemies can come from either side.
I can't find the exact quotes, but I recall it being said a couple of times that
'There's more than one way to look at it.'
I loved the subtle, not preached, moral depths and complexities.
What I liked less:
The pacing. It was a tad slow to grip me in the early pages, but it did, and the majority of it was hard for me to put down. But things transpired too abruptly for me at Harper's Ferry in the end. It's not how it concluded, but how quickly it happened that left me wanting.
Overall, I liked it a lot. It's well researched - the Author's Note and Acknowledgements made me appreciate it even more. I recommend for fans of historical fiction and those who like a strong female character. Libby is no damsel.
PS: The Jackal's Mistress is Chris Bohjalian's 25th book, but only the second I've read. The other was Midwives, which I thought was excellent. In both, he voiced an adolescent girl and women characters impressively. I should read more from him.
March 14, 2025
Chris Bohjalian is back with a completely fascinating, beautiful and unique story inspired by a real-life friendship across enemy lines during the Civil War.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
This story is so much more than the North verses the South and all the hatred and violence that took place. Instead, It is a story about compassion, kindness, and doing the right thing for those in need.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
Marni Penning brings the characters to life in a such a memorable way and enhancing the emotional high stakes of the story. Plus, I loved how Penning brought Jubilee’s sassy, brave attitude and character to life. Just loved that girl!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Based on a true story
Civil War setting
Tension
Suspense
Compassion
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
This is a fast paced book that is easy to binge!
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
Overall, I loved every minute of of this story, and did not want it to end. I was drawn into the atmosphere and tension while wondering how everything was going to play out all the way to the end, and those are my favorite types of books! Those who love Bohjalian will be enthralled yet again by his masterful storytelling.
Thank you Doubleday Books and PRH Audiofor this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
This story is so much more than the North verses the South and all the hatred and violence that took place. Instead, It is a story about compassion, kindness, and doing the right thing for those in need.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
Marni Penning brings the characters to life in a such a memorable way and enhancing the emotional high stakes of the story. Plus, I loved how Penning brought Jubilee’s sassy, brave attitude and character to life. Just loved that girl!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Based on a true story
Civil War setting
Tension
Suspense
Compassion
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
This is a fast paced book that is easy to binge!
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
Overall, I loved every minute of of this story, and did not want it to end. I was drawn into the atmosphere and tension while wondering how everything was going to play out all the way to the end, and those are my favorite types of books! Those who love Bohjalian will be enthralled yet again by his masterful storytelling.
Thank you Doubleday Books and PRH Audiofor this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
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