Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it.
One of the long-hidden secrets of the American Revolutionary War is the Culper Ring, George Washington’s spy network in New York City. Randy Overbeck brings it to life in his colorful historical thriller Abigail Trench: A Novel of Washington’s Spy Ring.
Abigail and her father left England for New York after her mother died. They were driven to move to New York City from Long Island after British soldiers took their livestock, assaulted the young woman, and forced away all the neighbors whose children she taught in her school. Abigail gets—and loses—a tutoring job in New York City when the family moves away to escape the war. Her father, despite his age, finds work as a common laborer loading and unloading ships on the docks. Abigail wanders the finer parts of the city, looking for a teaching position, but her shabby clothing does not inspire confidence or job offers.
 |
| Image Source Diversion Books |
Overbeck fills his book with little moments of history—not as matter-of-fact information, but as part and parcel of life in that time. Loyalist Tories and rebel Patriots, plots against leaders, hangings of criminals and spies, a fire that destroyed much of New York City under British control, betrayals and revenge, defeats and victories in battles for both sides of the war, newspaper reports and historic documents like Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence, all are transformed from dry research into scenes of action.
If you have read some of the recent books or seen the documentaries about American Revolution espionage, you will enjoy how Overbeck fleshes out the stories, even adding some romance. If the subject is new to you, you’ll enjoy a ripping yarn that might encourage you to learn more.
To enter to win a copy of Abigail Trench (print copy for US readers or ebook outside the US), simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "Abigail,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 25, 2026. US residents only for the print copy and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors!
You can click here to purchase this book.
Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.Terrance V. Mc Arthur is newly retired as a Librarian in Fresno County, California. He is also a storyteller, puppeteer, magician, and maker of pine needle baskets. On top of that he writes stories that range from rhymed children's tales to splatterpunk horror. He's an odd bird, but he's nice to have around.
Comments
Post a Comment