Hamilton's Choice

by Jack Casey

He never intended to send his son to his death.
That wasn't in his plans.
And his wife may never forgive him.

Tortured by a secret so shameful that it is beyond bearing, Hamilton is alone in his grief. His heir is dead; his daughter has gone insane with grief. His dear wife, Eliza, now shudders at his touch.

As Hamilton struggles to save his marriage and his family, his political opponent, Aaron Burr, threatens to topple the nation. The nation which Hamilton had risked everything to forge.

Burr, impoverished and embittered by a humiliating loss, blames Hamilton. Burr will stop at nothing to regain his lost power and restore his fortunes. If he can destroy and defame Hamilton in the process, he will have his ultimate triumph.

It is a time of honor, duels, political intrigues, and political violence.

Torn between his duty to his wife and family, and his allegiance to the country, Hamilton must make his choice.

You know his name, but this is the story that you haven't heard before! If you loved the score of Hamilton, the biographies of Chernow, and the novels of Stephanie Dray - you would love Hamilton's Choice!

Read it Today!

"Fans of American history will love this fictionalization of Alexander Hamilton’s political and family life in the years leading to his death. Great for fans of Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton, Joanne Freeman’s Affairs of Honor, Gore Vidal’s Burr"– Booklife Review

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Politics, Audiobook, American Revolution, American History

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2025

About the author

JACK CASEY is an attorney who has handled civil, criminal and constitutional matters for thirty years in his solo practice. In HAMILTON’S CHOICE, Casey dramatizes the last three years of Alexander Hamilton’s life, and plausibly explains why he went to his first and fatal duel. Casey’s newest release, INTO THE HEARTLAND, is a sweeping saga of adversity and triumph around the building of the Erie Canal (1810–1825). His other published historical novels are LILY OF THE MOHAWKS and THE TRIAL OF BAT SHEA. Casey graduated with honors from Yale University and Albany Law School, and has studied literature at Edinburgh and Cambridge Universities. He lives in Troy, NY and Raleigh, NC with his wife and editor, Victoria.

Reviews

[Rosa S · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I’m pretty sure Facebook spies on me because I’ve had a Hamilton obsession since Disney Plus streamed the Hamilton musical this summer. Since then, it’s like I can’t get enough Hamilton information. I recently read the 800 page Ron Chernow biography that inspired the musical and I still want more. Yes, I know I have a problem. Back to Facebook, I saw an ad for this book on Facebook, and at first, I ignored it, but then, it kept popping up, so I just went ahead and purchased the book for my kindle.
My expectations for this book were pretty low. Maybe it’s because I found it through a Facebook ad, Idk, but I can say that the writing exceeded my expectations. I read this book in a few days and haven’t been able to put it down. After just reading the Chernow biography, it was like these historical figures came to life in this story in a way that couldn’t really happen with a nonfiction book.
There are so many questions about the Hamilton/Burr duel, and this story potentially answers those questions. Of course, we’ll never know for certain exactly what was going through Hamilton’s head when he agreed to this affair of honor, especially after recently losing his son in the same way. I feel like the author gave readers a reason to believe why Hamilton made this fatal decision to face Bur on the dueling ground when otherwise, there seems to be no logical reason other than he was suicidal. After reading the Chernow biography, that reason has been investigated and Chernow doesn’t believe that was the case.
I wanted more from the ending. I know that yes, Hamilton dies in a terrible way. Burr, never really shows remorse for killing a man that was once a friend and colleague. However, this is still fiction, so I would’ve liked to get into Burr’s head a bit more. I wanted to see more remorse from him than what was in the story. In Chernow’s bio, Burr is quoted as saying later in life, "Had I read Sterne more and Voltaire less, I should have known the world was wide enough for Hamilton and me." Based on that quote alone, I believe, there was a lot of internal dialogue that Burr battled until the day he died with Hamilton’s death. I would’ve appreciated a little more of that side of Burr from this story.
Also, with the ending, I was disappointed that little things from the real story were not included. This could just be that I’m a nerd and I recently read the 800 page bio, but this is also in the musical. I would’ve appreciated the part where Hamilton puts his glasses on right before Burr shoots him. In the musical, Hamilton wearing his glasses is like a figurative trigger for Burr to pull the literal trigger. Chernow depicts this in the same way with his bio.
I wanted more from Eliza’s perspective at the end as well. I appreciated the way the author depicted her emotionally after Phillip’s death and her frustration with Hamilton. However, the way Eliza lives after losing her husband, there was no question about the way she loved him. She never remarried, and she lived the rest of her life making sure his legacy lives on. I believe Hamilton would’ve been forgotten if it wasn’t for Eliza. I would’ve appreciated if the author dug deeper with this at the end. There is an epilogue with her perspective, but it’s during the funeral, which based on historical records, she was so overcome with grief, she didn’t attend.
Even though I wanted so much more from the end, there were parts I did appreciate. I liked how Gouverneur Morris was present when he died, and historically that’s true. I wish the musical would’ve represented Morris because he and Hamilton were pretty close and was probably one of his closest companions at the time of his death. I also appreciated the mention of this quote, “Break this union, and you’ll break my heart.” Hamilton did say this on his deathbed, and the author did a great job tieing in the potential secession as part of the conflict between Burr and Hamilton, so that quote was worth mentioning.
I’m giving this 4 out of 5 stars and that’s just because I didn’t feel satisfied (see what I did there) with the ending. However, Hamilton obsessed fans like me will enjoy this book.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I found this used and of course I had to buy it. More Hamilton! So the back said this book would focus on the grief of losing Philip in the duel and his next eldest child, Angelica, mentally. Hamilton lost two children that night. I did not really feel that was the direction this book went though. The book starts with Philip's duel and ends with Alexander Hamilton's duel. We get what Hamilton is doing and what Burr is up to. I felt like the grief was just in the background. So, it is an Alexander Hamilton book with all the politics and what a horrible human being Aaron Burr was. So it will still satisfy those of us wanting more Hamilton books, but it just wasn't quite what I thought the book would be.

-"Never let it get personal and you can have a long and happy life in politics."

-"We must support what's best for the country regardless of who takes the credit."

-"Evil prevails when good men do nothing."

"...the worst mistake in politics is underestimating one's opponent."

-"Hate is the most powerful motivator, second only to lust."

-"Go see your family, sir."
"Yes, I have neglected them."
"A small price to preserve the union."

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was suggested to me after having listened to Ron Cherow’s audiobook biography of Alexander Hamilton. I wasn’t sure how good it would be, since it was included on Kindle Unlimited and historical fiction. I have to say I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed it.

Hamilton’s Choice tries to give an idea of what was behind Alexander Hamilton’s decision to agree to duel Aaron Burr; a duel that led to Hamilton’s premature death. It attempts to answer the question of why Hamilton would agree to the duel, after having lost his eldest son to one. It also tries to show why he “threw away his shot” as the saying goes, believing that was the right way to go.

The book begins with Hamilton’s eldest son, Philip, hearing a speech by George Eacker in which his father’s reputation is denigrated and trashed. Philip reacts with anger, but Hamilton waves away his concerns. Hamilton believes Philip’s future will put him in line to be President of the United States and doesn’t care about these distractions. However, Philip has a young man’s temperament and soon ends up agreeing to a duel. He first turns to his Uncle, John Church, for help. Church keeps his confidence but has misgivings that eventually lead him to bring in Alexander. Alexander advises Philip but does not step in to stop the duel, believing it to be a step towards adulthood his son must make.

History tells us that Philip Hamilton died in that duel. With all of those hopes and dreams shattered by Philip Hamilton’s death, the once-close family is shattered. His wife, Eliza, is angry, believing that Hamilton knew what was going on and did nothing to stop it, although he denies this initially. His eldest daughter, Angelica, who is already so fragile, loses her mind over her brother’s loss and will never be the same.

To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Story

I thoroughly enjoyed this story that started and ended with moral decisions that cost lives and affected the lives of others. I greatly appreciated the author's research that allowed insight into the real personalities and characters of historical people we often learn about in history classes in the most shallow terms. Great read.

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this story of Hamilton’s life was very informative. It gave me some information before his rein to becoming the United States President. The drama, suspense and tragedy was written with good details. The writer did a good job with the book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating

I have been so intrigued with Hamilton since watching the musical. I have read the biography and a few fictional stories from the time, this was a quick read with information that was new to me but clearly researched thoroughly. I highly recommend this story for any fan of Hamilton.

[Janet]

Ever since seeing Hamilton a few years ago, I am a true “Hamilfan”. I have ready many fictionalized accounts on Hamilton, most focusing on his relationship with his wife or his early career. I like that this book was so well researched and gave us insight from both Hamilton’s and Burr’s point of view.

[Diana Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

read just like the musical😆

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamilton’s Choice by Jack Casey is a story about the final years of Alexander Hamilton’s life. The book opens with Philip as he hears and reacts to George Eacker’s Fourth of July speech, in which Eacker trashes his father’s legacy and character. This leads to the duel which will end his life. His beloved son dead, his daughter, Angelica, has a breakdown due to the grief, and Eliza avoids him when he needs her the most. Tormented by a secret that he can’t bear to reveal, Hamilton is alone to shoulder his grief. Meanwhile, Aaron Burr, Hamilton's long time political opponent, begins a campaign that threatens to rip apart the nation that Hamilton and the other finding father so carefully crafted. Hamilton does what he can to ensure that power obsessed Burr does not win. When a mysterious note arrives, suggesting that Hamilton is behind his humiliating loss, Burr becomes determined to bring Hamilton to the same ruin. Torn between his duty and promise to his wife and children and his committed allegiance to the country he fought to build, Hamilton must make a life and death choice. In a time of honor, duel, and political games, we know how the story ends but how did it come to the duel that ends Hamilton’s life?
As a fan of Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical, Hamilton, and Ron Chernow’s biography which inspired it, I was intrigued and hesitant when I came across Hamilton’s Choice. Ultimately, I decided to give it a chance and I am so glad that I did. Jack Casey brings the interior struggle and emotion of Hamilton to life more than the musical and biography does. Hamilton was torn between two loves, two desires and ultimately couldn’t find a way to satisfy both. I enjoyed seeing the egomaniacal Burr desperately try to take his place in the political power machine of his day and ultimately his place in history. He finds himself without friends and more enemies. Although, he never counted on being remembered as the “villain of our history.” The story also brings to life the pieces that moved in this careful game that Burr and Hamilton played as they moved closer and closer to that fateful day in July 1804. I also enjoyed seeing Eliza’s observations and her own internal struggle with her grief and Hamilton’s unwillingness to settle into a comfortable and quiet life. It is an excellent and moving story that brings Hamilton’s final years to life. Even though I have the eBook of this book, I want a paperback for my permanent library. I highly recommend Hamilton’s Choice.

Hamilton’s Choice is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.

[Katrina G · Rating 1 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review

Gahh I hate to do this, but it's a DNF for me. The writing is stilted and it's more of a tell instead of show sort of deal. It's a choppy jump form scene to scene without the proper flow I expect from any story, and it's just not something I can force myself to read even though I love anything having to do with Hamilton's history

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is pretty close to the other Hamilton stories. It starts with Phillip’s duel and ends with Hamilton’s duel. I have to admit I kept hoping that one of the people who tried to talk him out of the duel would be successful! I so badly did not want him to go!

[Michael Totten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Casey has written a gem of an historical novel that is a treasure to savor. Alexander Hamilton’s extraordinary life rising from an impoverished orphan born on a remote West Indian island (or as Hamilton’s critical opponent John Adams called him, ‘the bastard son of a Creole camp girl’] to becoming one of America’s greatest orators, a military leader and General in the Revolutionary War, the eloquent main author of The Federalist Papers, ardent defender of the Constitution and the union of states, and the architect of the American financial system, has been recounted many times. Ron Chernow’s massive 800+ page Hamilton biography, and the New York theater musical, Hamilton, are two prominent examples.

In Hamilton’s Choice, Jack Casey delivers an emotionally engaging, profoundly moving, richly textured tale, NOT of Hamilton’s accomplishments over his first four+ decades, but rather, begins in medias res ( "into the middle of things"), with the novel opening with a dramatic action that is at a decisive inflection point driving the narrative forward faster and faster towards the tragic climax. Hence, the novel spans the final 32 months of Hamilton’s life, occurring between the death of his beloved 19-year old son, Philip, in a duel with one of Aaron Burr’s nefarious supporters, and his own death at 49 years of age in the fatal duel with 48-year old Aaron Burr.

Jack Casey hails from New York, has written historical novels and articles about the region’s rich history, is an accomplished civil, criminal and constitutional lawyer, and spent years serving as counsel and Parliamentarian in the New York State legislature. These unique skills and experiences come together in the making of Hamilton’s Choice, weaving an imaginative narrative recounting a quintessential American tragedy. It reads like a great Greek or Shakespearean tragedy, with Hamilton’s supreme strengths and brilliant skills – his commanding military leadership and unfailing Constitutional statesmanship – inexorably driving him to defend his honor, tragically cutting short his singularly exceptional life.

Vice-president Aaron Burr is vividly and capaciously portrayed, not only as the dark, diabolical force who propels the suspenseful action to its tragic consequences, but also as a political force capable of rallying large numbers of supporters through his savvy smarts, roguish waggery, quick-witted craftiness, and rascality. Burr, however, is beyond being an American Machiavelli, which some accused Hamilton of being; Burr is profoundly corrupt and sinister, and ultimately evokes a devilish figure like Milton’s Satan, or Shakespeare’s Richard III or Iago, fueled by unchecked ambition.

Moreover, what truly breathes life into this historical fiction is the fleshed-out presence of Hamilton’s remarkable wife, Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, daughter of the wealthy Continental Army General Philip Schuyler. The story covers the period in their lives when family is beginning to take precedence over politics for Hamilton, and he and Eliza, and the couple’s eight children, are living at their newly built homestead, the Grange. The dramatic action unfolding between the pull of family and the call to re-engaging in politics is gripping, eliciting a myriad of emotions from the fierce tug-of-warring conflicts confounding Hamilton’s mind. Casey’s passages steep the reader in the daily life of Mrs. Hamilton and her family, and one comes away desiring to know so much more about this complex woman who so deeply loved Hamilton, cherished and adored his genius and exceptional intelligence, and lived a very full life another half century after Hamilton’s death.

This is a book for our times, not simply a historical tale. As Jack Casey cogently sums up in the Acknowledgements: “Ambition, greed and ungovernable passions rage in our public debates as always, but through the genius of Hamilton and our Constitution, the envies are largely balanced, the rule of law often prevails and our revolutions are usually bloodless. As Hamilton teaches us, freedom is not self-actuating, but must be vigilantly defended in the Courts and on battlefields. May we all draw lessons from his life about when we should fight, for what, and how, so we can achieve the greatest good for all.” A truly wonderful read, indeed.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am going to see Hamilton to musical in a few weeks so my mom got me this book for Christmas. Not really sure that this is the best book to read to get familiar with Hamilton since it only covers the last few years of his life and focuses solely on the duels, first his son's and then his own, both of which were deadly. Eldest son, Phillip, died at only 20 when he decided to fight in a duel to defend his father's honor without his father's knowledge. When Hamilton did find out, it was the morning of and he told his son to throw his shot away, which was bad advice as Phillip was then killed. Hamilton's wife, Eliza, never forgave him and Hamilton himself had to live with the guilt. The book then goes on to cover some of the politics at the time, the unrest in the Union and the desire of some states to secede, the fight for the New York Governor's race between Aaron Burr and Hamilton's candidate who ultimately won, and Jefferson's distrust of Burr who was his vice president. It also goes on and on about Eliza's wish for Hamilton to give up politics and the tension that this demand brings to their marriage. It felt like the same argument was repeated several times in several chapters, which got old quickly. As we all know, Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel due to some comments attributed to Hamilton in an Albany paper. Burr was trying to save face after his loss in the Governor's race but instead he cost himself any hope of a career in politics again once he shot and killed Hamilton. Hamilton, for his part, does much hand wringing that went on for chapters about whether to agree to the duel or not but in the end he knows that he must since Phillip was willing to do so. Not the worst book but in no way is it a comprehensive view of Hamilton's personal or political lives.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Historical fiction based on facts is one of my favorite genres. When I saw Hamilton’s Choice, it intrigued me, and I had to read it! I was not disappointed.

Everyone knows that Alexander Hamilton was killed by Aaron Burr in a duel, but there’s so much more to the story. Hamilton’s son, Philip, was killed in a duel just two years before that by a Burr supporter. The incident that caused Philip’s duel is where Hamilton’s Choice begins.

When I hear the word “duel,” I think of two men facing off and one possibly being killed. Jack Casey brings that to life, though, with the thoughts of both men during the duel, and then the heartbreaking aftermath. In fact, I had to stop reading several times after the duel between Hamilton and Burr because I was crying.

The sections between the two duels are about Hamilton’s family life, Burr’s antics and his many failures, and politics. Politics usually bore me but I was fascinated how different some things were, yet how similar politicians were to today. I didn’t know that only real estate owners could vote for New York governor.

I liked the descriptions in this book. They were done so that I could visualize, but they weren’t so long that I tired of them.

The characters are brought back to life in Hamilton’s Choice. They’re well-defined and their struggles are related well. Hamilton’s turmoil while waiting for the duel, trying to figure a way out of it while still keeping his honor, was recounted effectively. He and his son were both so stubborn!

I definitely recommend Hamilton’s Choice. I’m going to have to check out more of Jack Casey’s books.

[Robert Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular Story of One of America's Greatest Founders

Jack Casey is an exceptional historical author.

He makes all his stories come alive, with fascinating detail and unique insight, that offers his readers a window into the people and events of the past.

His best work since the widely acclaimed "Trial of Bat Shea", Hamilton's Choice offers a new perspective on what can only be described as the Assassination of this Genius of Early America. Weaving personal relationships and intricate knowledge of New York History, this book draws its reader in to the visionary mind of one of America's greatest men.

Whereas the enjoyable Broadway play depicts Hamilton and his Schuyler relatives in a light and somewhat fanciful demeanor, Jack Casey shows them as real people, with hopes, dreams, aspirations, concerns and pride.

The illustration of Aaron Burr as the truly despicable person he was, lacking accomplishment, but reaching for glory on the backs of others, only demonstrates, through its juxtaposition, what an enormous loss Hamilton's death was to the ages and all Americans. What further remarkable accomplishments could this man have achieved had he lived?

In Hamilton's Choice the first unique perspective is drawn between Alexander Hamilton and his son. How a father's love and devotion, guilt and pain, caused him to accept a duel he knew was both foolish and contrived. As Hamilton's life force slipped away, surrounded by his loving family, Jack Casey captures the true tragedy of these events.

A page turner that cannot be put down, this is without question a wonderful work of history.

I should receive ten stars not just a mere five.

[Rosemary Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamilton's Choice by Jack Casey is a book that I devoured in only a couple of days. Compelling characters with their own stories woven by threads of grit and gold that only a skilled writer can weave. You KNOW them by chapter's end. You can feel their hearts and sense their brows and frowns as you run the gamut of human emotions elicited by their triumphs and tribulations. Hamilton's many accomplishments are clearly presented and celebrated as are his defeats. Eliza and Hamilton's children were part of his life source, but politics and his public life was his oxygen. Living a life of success in both takes many sacrifices that are not left to the imagination, but brought to mind when reading the family's intimate interactions. The rich details of both characters and setting are a hallmark of a Casey book. But the development of characters could not be so intelligently and realistically conveyed if the author had little or no experience with the law. Here, Casey's experience as a lawyer has served him, and the readers very well. Also, the nuances Casey adds to these characters like Burr when describing his penchant for belladonna, or Hamilton's eldest daughter -left despondent after her brother's death are felt viscerally by the reader. Vivid descriptions of the locations and homestead (down to the construction ) was very interesting to me. Hamilton's family , famed political father-in-law Philip Schuyler, and his connections with the New York Capital Region was admittedly a draw for me as I'm a New York resident. This was my fifth Jack Casey novel, and it won't be my last. Excellent portrait of a popular yet many faceted man of history. It will not disappoint!

[John Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly enjoyable read. At once entertaining and informative, Hamilton's Choice is a triumphant combination of historical accuracy and narrative skill.

Bookended by violence and tragedy, the bulk of the story covers Hamilton's internal conflict between his domestic/familial duties and his political responsibilities. The drama that ensues focuses on how this private-public struggle plays out in his personal life and in the story of our young nation.

The ending is impossible to spoil; however, the purpose of the novel is not to surprise you (at the end, at least), nor is it to bore you with a dry historical account. Rather, the value of the novel lies in its investigation into why Hamilton met Burr on the dueling ground in the first place. No one can say for sure what his motivations were, but the novel's thesis is a compelling one.

If you've already seen Hamilton on Broadway or read Chernow's historical tome, don't worry. You won't be retreading your steps. This is a unique perspective on one of our nation's most fascinating and influential figures, one that dives into the deepest places of Hamilton's complicated mind--the dark parts and the light. Mr. Casey has artfully combined his dual skills of researching and storytelling to create an engaging, historically accurate portrayal. You won't be disappointed.

[Jerald Vinikoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two men went to their destinies in Weehawken, N.J. and destroyed themselves. They were prisoners of their fate. Casey exhumes the past and shows us how and why.

In keeping with great works of tragedy, this is a profound, psychologically insightful work — yet there is no psychobabble. Casey gives lucid expositions of the way the events unfolded. He sees into the minds of the characters and reconstructs, as well anyone possibly could, their thoughts and words. Having picked it apart, Casey puts it together for us. These are the missing pieces that can’t be found in any archives.

Having read two of this author’s previous books and sharing his interests in history and politics, I was eager to read his latest. I think it’s his best yet. It rings true.

This story is Greek tragedy. Casey is able to pick it apart and lay out the details and the context. He knows the minds of politicians from the inside out. He recognizes the overweening hubris and ambition of protagonist and antagonist. He sees only too well the struggle, suffering, and resignation of Hamilton’s family and friends.

The author of this book has spent decades researching the history of the people involved and their times and milieu. He has also spent decades immersed in the world of politics. Not only is he a student of these things, he also a scholar of literature and an accomplished author.

[caffeinated reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duelling is this strange, archaic practice where men "honourably" try to kill each other to avenge perceived slights. This nasty practice is a gazillion times worse than kindergarteners having a brawl at the playground. Jack Casey manages to build a story that totally envelopes readers and somehow they warm up to the idea of this deadly joust. When the pistol goes off, readers feel that they've been woken up from a stupor.

Hamilton was on top and had a bright future ahead of him at the time he took the fatal shot. He was a superb strategist, he was an indefatigable pursuer of what he believed was right, an eloquent writer and speaker, he loved his brand new country, he had a growing family to live for and leave a legacy, he lost his eldest son to a duel.. and he allowed himself to be baited by the taunts of Aaron Burr, a pathetic loser who everyone has already written off. It takes a writer like Casey to make us somehow believe that Hamilton had very good reasons to cross the Hudson River and face-off with outgoing Vice President Burr.

[Theodene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Step back into the time when Jefferson is President and Burr is Vice President. Yes, this was back in the horse and carriage days, before even Louisiana became a state. Imagine for a moment that dueling is legal, as long as it follows specific rules. And imagine news is spread by newspaper or notes passed by horse riding courier.

Hamilton is the father of several children and married to Eliza. He has a successful career as an attorney and involved in politics. In fact, he helped write the Constitution and Bill of Rights. He was a General in the Army when America fought the British for independence. His eldest son Philip is eager to follow his fathers footsteps. At least, until he hears a rival politician speaking poorly of his father.

Philip was a young man with a potential political career in his future. At least until he and his friend Price were challenged to a duel. Pride will lead men to a duel, like it or not. Duels can be life or death. It did not go well for Philip. The result affected his family much more than he probably expected it to.

A couple years later Burr is up for an election and seemed the support of Hamilton. But Hamilton refused to based on prior experience with Burt. Hamilton attempts to avoid it, albeit not very hard, but ends up attempting to defend his honor like Philip did. Do these fuels ever end well?

Although it has a good storyline, I do find it hard to follow at times and the idea that toddlers speak in complete sentences bugged me way more than necessary. I give this book 4 out of 5 tiaras because of these reasons. Thank you to NetGalley and Diamonds Big as Radishes LLC for access to this title.

[William Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the climax of Hamilton's death is well known, Jack Casey tells a story of place and time in Hamilton's life in such a way that it is so much fun to read. You enjoy each page and are excited to begin the following chapter. The locations are vivid and the characters come to life. It is a critical period of Hamilton's life that everyone should know about. Alexander Hamilton is legendary as a Founding Father, born out of wedlock on the Caribbean Island of Nevis, brought to the Virgin Islands, followed by an education in New York City and then an officer in the Revolutionay War and a confideant of George Washington. However, very little is written about his last few years and the reason why he agreed to a duel with Aaron Burr. It is a compelling story and a must read by a talented writer, Jack Casey. I loved the book. W.P. Shannon

[Pgeraldino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally, I am not inclined to write an opinion about a book. But I am prompted to do this by an exceptional historical novel. Jack Casey’s Hamilton’s Choice is such a book.

It is a terrific combination of political intrigue, human tragedy and murder mystery, although you already know what the outcome will be (spoiler alert). The crisp and spirited dialogue makes it delightful to read about historical figures and their much too human foibles. It is also the mental dialogue inside Hamilton that carries the full weight of his vacillations and the painful tragedy that envelopes him and his wife.

Add Hamilton’s Choice to your summer reading list.

BTW, Jack and I resided as Yale undergraduates in the same residential college, Davenport.

[Edward Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Casey's "Hamilton's Choice" briskly recounts the overlapping tragedies of Alexander Hamilton and that of his son, Phillip.
We meet not the Hamilton of the lively Broadway play nor the austere and distant founder of America's financial system but rather a dashing war hero, with a caring wife and seven beautiful children, a man with everything to live for yet burdened - even cursed - by a sense of honor that became his Achilles heel.
It seems inconceivable that the perceived slights that led to the duels and deaths of both son and father were so negligible yet the consequences so tragic.
Casey has delivered a novel that is both insightful and thought-provoking.

[Mark Kriss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamilton’s Choice, by Jack Casey, brings together a rich portrayal of the tensions between Hamilton’s family life and political world.
The forces, both good and bad, driving his unbelievably consequential life are richly explored. The psychological underpinnings of both Hamilton and Burr leading to a fateful morning in Weehawken, and it’s devastating aftermath, are examined in depth. The portrayal of Hamilton’s final hours, as husband and father, is heart-wrenching. This work richly adds to the tapestry of other notable authors focused on this extraordinary man.

by Mark C. Kriss, Esq.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading “the Secret Wife of Aaron Burr” I wanted to stay within the era, and read “Hamilton Choice”. I have to say both books gave me a lot of insight into Aaron Burr. In Hamiltons Choice the look at what Alexander Hamilton went through in the time leading up to the duel, would have been a “will he or won’t he” if you were unfamiliar with the history of the outcome of the duel. If you’re interested in Alexander Hamilton I would advise this book , and “My Dear Hamilton” (story of Eliza Hamilton). If you are interested in Aaron Burr and his affect upon history, then don’t stop at The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr, and add Hamiltons Choice to your selection.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a galley on NetGalley. (Thanks!) Most of what I know about Alexander Hamilton came from Lin Manuel Miranda's musical and high school history class. I enjoyed learning more, though I'm always really curious about which parts of the book are fact and which are fiction. I have other Hamilton reading material, so I will sort through that on my own. I liked the setup of this book- with sections about Philip Hamilton, Aaron Burr, The Governor's Race and The Duel. I'm definitely more curious about learning more about all of these people.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written. I want to read more by the author. It is crushing. What happened to this poor family is devastating. I never dreamed that I'd feel so drained by this book. Not the first book I have read about Hamilton, but this one ripped my heart out. Read at your own risk. I learned a whole lot. The writing style flowed very well, but so, so sad and such a waste of lives. If I have known, I had forgotten that Burr was the grandson of Jonathan Edwards, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical drama centers on the fateful period leading up to Alexander Hamilton's duel with Aaron Burr. Hamilton is portrayed as a family man with a devoted wife, while Burr is a lascivious rascal. As the novel gains momentum, his decision to fight the duel shows his tragic consequences of his pride, including the betrayal of all he holds dear. Terrific historical details, a narrative filled with the spirit of a young nation, and a bang-up finale. Highly recommended.

[Heidi Klinowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and that surprised me. I’m not a fan of political stories but Hamilton’s is a familiar one. Jack Casey does an excellent job of taking us “behind the scenes” into the personal lives of both Hamilton and Burr. He expertly reveals their flawed personalities as the story progresses. It’s a challenge to grab a reader when they already know the outcome of the plot. Using Eliza’s emotions, Casey had me right from the start… her fears, her love, her grief. Well done.

[Shows Leary]

12/11/23 I just enjoyed “Hamilton’s Choice” by Jack Casey. I did not like the play but now I am glad I took the time to read his story. The dichotomy between the love of his family versus his attachment to politics and fame was thoroughly thought out and brought to light in a thoughtful and exciting manner.

This is the second historical book I have read by the author. He has a wonderful grasp on how to bring history to life.