Agent 355

by Marie Benedict

A novella

A fictional portrayal of a real-life Revolutionary spy and her daring deeds, from the New York Times–bestselling author of The Only Woman in the Room.

Agent 355 is a result of author Marie Benedict’s quest to bring history’s most fascinating and courageous women to life for contemporary readers. Known to history only by her alias, this mysterious female spy, able to move freely and unobtrusively in loyalist circles, became a member of George Washington’s New York–based Culper Ring. This thrilling novella depicts who Marie Benedict thinks Agent 355 could have been, though her true identity remains unknown. During the sweltering summer of 1779, eighteen-year-old Elizabeth Morris attends the social events of the British-occupied city, but the forced merriment holds no charm for her.

She finds herself in the company of enemy soldiers, who think nothing of discussing matters of government and war in front of mere women. This invisibility becomes Elizabeth’s greatest asset as she offers her services to Robert Townsend, a Continental sympathizer. Her bravery will bring down one of the most notorious traitors in American history and ultimately seal her fate as a woman willing to sacrifice everything for love and country.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Historical, Novella, Short Stories, Romance

84 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2020

About the author

Marie Benedict is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Queens of Crime, The Mitford Affair, Her Hidden Genius, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, The Only Woman in the Room, Lady Clementine, Carnegie's Maid, The Other Einstein, and the novella, Agent 355. With Victoria Christopher Murray, she co-wrote the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian and the Target Book of the Year The First Ladies. With Courtney Sheinmel, she co-wrote the first in a middle grade historical adventure series, called The Secrets of the Lovelace Academy.

Her books have been translated into thirty languages, and selected for the Barnes & Noble Book Club, Target Book Club, Costco Book Club, Indie Next List, and LibraryReads List.

Up next is the March 24, 2026 release, DAUGHTER OF EGYPT, the sweeping tale of a young aristocratic archaeologist — Lady Evelyn of Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey — who unearths the truth about a forgotten female Pharaoh, rewriting both of their legacies forever.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐
Great idea to shine a light on extraordinary women in history. But her spy efforts are overshadowed by romance. I'm intrigued by this real woman who is a spy during the Revolutionary War. Instead, readers get a lot of telling how she's a woman and how strong and smart, and different she is. Feels very forced, no showing.

2h 7m Audible

[s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like an American Girl Doll novella for adults, Marie Benedict breathes life into the legend of George Washington’s enigmatic Revolutionary War spy, the titular Agent 355, in this brief yet explosive tale. Drawing from the history of Agent 355, the code name bestowed on this operative of the infamous Culper Ring, Benedict sends the reader through historical intrigue full of thrills and treason as Agent 355 is tasked with identifying the mole in the Continental army plotting with British Major John André to surrender the American fort at West Point to the British. It feels perhaps written less for an audience of readers and more for an audience that can green-light blockbuster films, but it is still a quick, fun read giving Benedict space to create a fictional revealing of Agent 355’s identity, And 18 year old Elizabeth Morris is a delight, young woman who’s charm as a socialite grants her access to high ranking soldiers in British occupied regions where she can use men’s dismissal of women as mere social trifles as a sort of invisibility to infiltrate them. While Morris is an exciting character as an excellent historical role model of tough, intelligent women achieving in times of great stress and danger and the historical context adds educational depth, the supporting cast feels rather two dimensional like puppets shuffled in front of a flat backdrop of copyright free “Revolutionary War New England” imagery. This was a fun read you can crush in a certainly worthwhile sitting or two.

‘I have always loathed the way men have dismissed me in matters of government and intellect, but now I wonder whether it might be an asset. What else might an invisible woman be able to learn?’

I have to admit I’m really not that into the whole glorification of US history, but people ask for Marie Benedict books ALL THE TIME at work (both the library and bookstore) so I wanted to give her a shot. And I do quite appreciate what she refers to as her “mission” in the afterword here: ‘to excavate from the past the most important, complex and fascinating women of history and bring their stories into the light of the present day.’ This has been quite the successful mission and Benedict has certainly justly earned a reputation for highlighting the badass women of history. While there is no certainty if Agent 355 was real or simply a figure of American mythology, she is definitely an intriguing figure and the stories about the Culper Ring are fascinating. Here Benedict invents a backstory for this mysterious woman spy and plugs her right into the heart of a well-known moment in US revolutionary history: the tale of the treason of Benedict Arnold. We follow the young Morris as she has a political awakening, both to the misogyny of men that make her invisible and to a stirring of rebellion against the colonial government and it makes for a fun story despite its brevity never really allowing it to take on much dimension beyond flat characterization and caricature.

‘After experiencing the British mistreatment firsthand tonight, I can be complacent no more.’

Still, this is a fun story and one that is easy to recommend to patrons because it does hit some cool historical fiction and is a fast paced little read. There are a lot of great social criticism and commentary on patriarchy and women’s invisibility in society which is cool, although there's a lot more of the “telling” over “showing” and it can feel a bit cookie-cutter at times. Yet Benedict also hits some great little notes nonetheless.

‘I know it may be inconceivable to you—you who don’t think less of women’s intellect—but almost every other man believes he can tell anything to a woman without repercussions, assuming our inherent inability to understand. And such men don’t need special encouragement to reveal their secrets—even a spy master.’

The use of a young woman infiltrating British forces through the socially coached invisibility of women is clever and the rather well known historical contexts allows Benedict to paint with pretty broad strokes that feel more dimensional and grounded than they are.

A short read but one that was worth the short time it took, Agent 355 is an exciting little piece of American lore given a backstory and a face though it could have been more on character and less on what felt like a shoehorned romance for the sake of romance. Having wanted to read a Marie Benedict in order to know a bit of the style of a popular author often requested at work, I was glad I gave this a go and it is certainly an easy one to recommend. While I had a pretty lukewarm reception to it, I’d be willing to try one of her novels where she has more space to let it breathe.

2.5/5

‘How I long for true invisibility now, I think. WIth it, I would not need to rely on my work for the Revolution and on my child to liberate me from this hell by establishing a legacy for me after I am gone. Instead I could pass specter-like through the walls of the Jersey directly into freedom—and only then, into history’

[Katia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite liked this. It was an interesting, quick listen. I had meant to listen to it whenever I happened to have free time but I wound up making time to hear the whole story, which is actually a big deal since often, historical fiction doesn't interest me. But while I enjoyed it, I didn't feel like there was something missing. The description says it's a story about romance, adventure and espionage. In order for all of three to be in this two-hour audiobook, there was very little of each.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, historical fiction novella. It is based on the activities of a woman who might have been the female spy in the Culper Spy Ring, and has a likable and brave female protagonist, a touch of romance, and a satisfying conclusion. The author's note is interesting and informative, and is truly appreciated. Many thanks to the woman whom I met at Raynham Hall Museum, Robert Townsend's house, in Oyster Bay, NY, who recommended this novella to me.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible Original performance by Emily Rankin. 2hrs 7 minutes

Marie Bendict has introduced me to some fascinating women in her novels ( Carnegie's Maid, The Other Einstein, and Lady Clementine) and her fictional character, Elizabeth Morris may just be one of my favorites. Agent 355 explores how a woman long forgotten by history helped provide essential information to the continental army during the revolutionary war. As the author notes, the woman's identity has been long debated and whether or not Benedict is correct, I absolutely adored the story.

The performance of Emily Rankin makes for an enjoyable listening experience and I hope my fellow Audiobook listeners who enjoy a historical time frame will give this one a listen.


Goodreads review published 07/08/20

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Agent 355” by Marie Benedict and narrated by Emily Rankin is an audible original production about a female spy in the late 1700’s. Benedict is known for her historical fiction stories of women who changed history. Agent 355 is an unknown woman who worked as a spy who is thought to have a major role in exposing Benedict Arnold. Because this agent is, to this day, still unknown, Marie Benedict used her imagination to create her protagonist and the situations under which she lived.

I’ve become a fan of Audible Originals. The sound production and the attention to production details make these short stories a pleasure to listen to.

I recommend this because it’s an interesting piece of history that is brought to life with a fantastic imagination.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marie Benedict brings to light another woman of historical significance that time has forgotten in the Audible Original, Agent 355. No one knows the actual identity of Agent 355, but America owes her a debt of gratitude for her incredible bravery and courage. Agent 355 worked in George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring during the Revolutionary War. Her real historical contributions are no small matter. (I won’t list them in case you aren’t familiar. No spoilers) She was involved in subterfuge, espionage, and general badassery in a time when women were expected to do needlework, giggle, and appear unassuming.

Benedict’s version of Agent 355, is of course fictional, but she did an excellent job capturing the rebellious spirit of this character. I can’t wrap my brain around how difficult it must’ve been for a woman of this time period to accomplish the tasks that she did.

The afterword was so interesting, I listened to it twice. Then I played it for my son, who loves all things historical.

The overall production and narration of this audiobook is excellent.

I hope Benedict continues to tell the stories of these fascinating unsung women of history. 👏🏻

*Used for 52 Book Club 2024 Challenge Prompt “Features the Ocean”

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short audio (2 hours 7 minutes) authored by Marie Benedict, who is my author of the year. Meaning that I am reading every book/work of hers I hadn't, and I am delighted to hear she has just come out with the Mitford Files. What a wonderful author to pick! I absolutely went Wow over the Personal Librarian, The Other Einstein, and Hidden Genius. I also really liked the Mystery of Mrs. Christie, and Smoke Signals. Still left to go is Carnegie's Maid, and the Only Woman in the Room.

Like many of my beloved authors, Marie Benedict seeks to explore and elevate the stories of hidden and obscured, but very powerful women in history, who perhaps before now, never got their "due." This audio story centers on Agent 355, a woman at the center of the Culper Ring, during the Revolutionary War. Her character is fictional, but aligns with her supposition of whom it might have been and how it may have went. The story was great, and I really enjoyed it.

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

A fictional interpretation of real events depicting a young woman who risks her life to help the American Revolution.

This offers high stakes drama that was compelling and a romance that was heartbreaking in the sacrifices made.

[Lisa Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, powerful Audible Original about Agent 355, the mysterious spy who provided key intelligence that helped Washington's army win the Revolutionary War. In this audiobook, author Marie Benedict creates a fictional tale about a young New York woman who might possibly have been Agent 355. Through this first person narrative, we learn what drove her to her activism and to put her own life at risk for the greater good. It's a lovely story, well worth listening to.

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you remember the American Girl dolls? Anyone else ever read those little book series when you were younger? For some reason, I think I went into this expecting a more teeny-bopper version of those books. Something along the vein of the Felicity series...probably because of the horse in the picture. I don't know why! But my brain started filling in a lot of gaps, apparently.

Well, imagine my brain taking a couple startled steps back, wide-eyed, with a stunned hand over my heart about 90% of the way through because...dang. This is no American Doll book. I was literally taken aback at how serious of a turn this story took so quickly, and then sucked back in with suspense.

Even better, the author note at the end tells the reader, although there's ample creative liberty involved, Agent 355 existed as did many of the elements of this story.

Dang. I was not prepared for this. Short in length-- I listened to it in one evening working around the house, but I'm still thinking about it.

The narrator did a nice job as well and had a pleasant voice.

Great for Hamilton fans, history buffs, and spy novel junkies.

I'd rate this a PG, although a heavy one, for young children.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

British soldiers are quartered in the New York City home of Elizabeth Morris and her Tory parents. During various parties at the house, British Officers think nothing of talking about the war in front of Elizabeth and her friends. After all, what woman could understand what they are talking about? Elizabeth sees this as her chance to help the colonists win the war. She approaches Robert Townsend, a shop owner who sympathizes with the colonists. Elizabeth becomes part of General Washington's Culper Spy Ring. Her codename is "Agent 355". She passes on important tidbits of information that changes the tide of the war.

This Audible Original is a short story about a female spy referred to as "Agent 355" in Washington's papers. No one knows the identity of the real woman. Author Marie Benedict has given her an identity and told a story featuring many real historical figures. I found this young adult story to be entertaining. It makes me want to research the Culper Ring and the Revolutionary War. My rating: 4 Stars.

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

UH HELLO IMPORTANT SPY WOMEN!

Please refer to yourself as Agent 355 or get out.

Agent 355 was so much fun to listen to! How could you not enjoy some rebels going against the British? Sign me up for this historical ride! From the very beginning, you just knew that Elizabeth didn't fit in. Even if she tried to do so.. it just felt odd. Yet, her mother was all like.. you need to marry to a fancy schmancy guy already or may your vagina be covered in cobwebs forever.

Yada yada yada.

I absolutely loved Elizabeth! She was so badass sneaking in and out of her house to help people throughout this revolution. She'd be like oh shit, this is new.. but wait.. we have soldiers out. Then someone wakes up and she's like.. oh I'm hungry. THEN she gets judged because it's 3am..

Uh, excuse me sirs and madams.. 3am cheese calls are EXTREMELY normal. Just ask my dogs.

Other than that, I loved this book. It was so much fun to listen to that I really wished that it was a lot longer than it was. Ugh, maybe it can be like a show or a movie? I just need something more from all of this.

[Erin Arkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick dive into the role Agent 355 played in the revolution and while it was only around 2 hours long, it was a great read. I definitely recommend checking it out! The narrator does a fantastic job too!

[Lindsay Luke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short Audible freebie. Agent 355 was the code for a female member or members of the Culper spy ring in the American Revolution. No one knows who this person specifically was, but she played a role in the discovery that Benedict Arnold was planning to turn West Point over to the British and arrest and hanging of British spy John Andre.
The author wrote this novella based on her theory of who agent 355 might have been. In this book, she is the patriot daughter of New York loyalists. She reads patriot pamphlets and newspapers, eavesdrops on conversations at loyalist gatherings, and half-heartedly befriends British soldiers quartered nearby.
She meets real spy Robert Townsend and falls in love with him. After overhearing the fateful information about West Point, she and Townsend secretly marry. Shortly afterward, she is captured and imprisoned on the notorious prison ship HMS Jersey. It turns out she's pregnant and someone smuggles the baby off the ship to be raised by Townsend. No one ever finds out what happens to 355.
I listened to this as a patriotic diversion on July 4 weekend. It wasn't terrible, but it could have been a lot better. There was too much silly romance, and I doubt the Brits would have put a woman on the Jersey.

[Kacy❁ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't usually care for history but this type of historical fiction wasn't too bad. Most either loved this or hated it and I'm kind of in the middle. The narration was decent, she was almost always seeming "breathless" and she whispered a lot but it actually kind of fit the story so I didn't mind it. I felt the plot was predictable and not really exciting (lots of eye rolls) but I still wanted to find out what happened. I'd say if it wasn't included in my membership I would've been upset but it was a quick read so hard to say if it'll be your cup of tea or not. (I'm sure this is SO helpful hahahaha)

One big disappointment though:

Why was there no big horse chasing scene? The cover is honestly what made me want to read this book. Big bummer.

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could have been better, but it also could have been worse. I suppose that means I must give it three stars. My struggle is that I’ve seen the story of Agent 355 done a lot better in Veronica Rossi’s Rebel Spy, which dampened my enjoyment of this novella. If this is your first taste of this part of the American Revolution, you will likely enjoy it a lot more than I did. I will still be checking out Marie Benedict’s other works.

[Missy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh dear, where do I start. I listened to this with my 18 year old daughter while doing a puzzle together.
We were intrigued by the premise of this book - a strong willed young lady assisting the rebels during the American Revolution. Problem was, she reminded us regularly during the book that she is a strong young woman and that one thing or another was "because she is a woman". I get it. I know that's the case, which is a big part of why I was interested in the story. I just wanted it to be part of the story rather than her spelling it out regularly. It felt less authentic to the day and super forced. Also, the reader was terribly dramatic. We laughed out loud several times at the over-acting. All-in-all, I won't waste my time listening again and wouldn't recommend.

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟
Audiobook (narrated by Emily Rankin)
An interesting novella, based on a mysterious woman from history.

Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Enjoyed/loved it. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.

[Fabi · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book was so basic.

We have Elizabeth who isn't like other girls because she doest flirt with other men, she doesn't want to marry or do housework.

Then there's Robert who's the mysterious stranger and conveniently handsome.

the plot was so thin. so so so thin.

the ending was... ok.

the writing was ok but honestly so simply.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fictional take on the real-life female spy codenamed "Agent 355" who uncovered vital information during the American Revolution but whose true identity remains unknown. Short but entertaining, though I would've liked the story to focus more on the espionage part and less on romance.

[Alice4170 🌙 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️
A woman spy durring the revolution working against the Brittish? Hell yeah! Girl power!

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you are looking for a fast read without much development but reflects back on historical events you might enjoy this. The main character Elizabeth is a silly young woman and there are a number of plot holes. The author had good intentions to give women in history a voice, but this book only provides a silly little love story which masquerades as historical fiction.

[Judith von Kirchbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, entertaining, well researched free audible original, I highly recommend this audiobook !

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 5 out of 5]

fast paced and engaging.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting historical fiction novella.

[Ellen Forstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense

It ends too soon! I want to know more about what happens!!!!! Is there a sequel? We are left in suspense.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the coolest things as a author is seeing the historical details in the story you wrote come to life the way you imagined it and wanted to portray it in another piece of published work 🤩

[Laura Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a female centered historical fiction

[Mark Pedigo · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Audible Originals, Written Marie Benedict, Narrated by Emily Rankin, 2 hrs, 7 minutes)

Ratings
5 - Significant to me in some deeply personal way.
4 - That rocked!
3 - Nothing wrong with it; it's just not my thing. Or put another way, I'm not the target audience.
2 - Bad. Either the writing, or the plot, or some other crucial element, or some combination of these components just doesn't work.
1 - I felt insulted.

A fictional account of Agent-355, who helped uncover the identity of Benedict Arnold during the revolutionary war. The premise is interesting: a woman spy during the American Revolutionary War who, by virtue of being a woman, is overlooked and can therefore use her socialite status to overhear conversations useful to the rebel cause.

Unfortunately, despite the excellent setup, there are many flaws in the execution. 1) It's more a historical romance set against the backdrop of a spy story than an actual spy story. Which is fine, I suppose, but it was billed in the description as historical fiction. That's not necessarily the author's fault, but it felt like a bait and switch. 2) A more serious flaw is that despite being supposedly a feminist take on history, it's really not. The plot is thin and predictable and our heroine is more often than not a damsel in distress. First, she is rescued from the unwanted advances of a dastardly British villain by a handsome young man, who she of course falls in love with. She then convinces him to let her into his spy ring, which he reluctantly does. (OK, points for that one.) Then they uncover the identity of Benedict Arnold! When things get dark, she runs to him and bursts into tears (yes, really), after which he proposes (because of course he does) and they secretly get married. Then she is caught as a rebel, thrown aboard a British prison ship, and we find out that... wait for it... she's pregnant. The baby is smuggled off the ship to be reunited with his father, but she is martyred. Ugh. 3) The third flaw is the stilted writing. I suppose it was supposed to evoke the times, but instead it was just cringey. 4) The breathless narration just didn't do it for me.

So... good setup, good intentions, bad execution. Skip it.