Conspiracy of Knaves

by Dee Brown

A fictionalized account of undercover activities during the Civil War, Conspiracy of Knaves is the love story of Belle Rutledge, an actress turned double agent, and Charley Heywood, a dashing Confederate major working to support the Copperheads (northerners who sympathized with the south). The story is loosely based upon actual events later referred to as the ``Chicago Conspiracy,'' an attempt to free Rebel soldiers held captive in Chicago and ultimately to force the Northwest Territories out of the Union. Belle is an independent, amoral young woman seeking to survive the war in style. The constant about-faces required of her as a double agent (assigned the responsibility of spying upon a man she loves) give the story a dramatic tension that even indifferent readers will have difficulty resisting. Belle's story is bound to interest young adults who love suspense and have romance in their souls.

Genres: Civil War, History, American History

393 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

AKA: Dee Alexander Brown

Dorris Alexander “Dee” Brown (1908–2002) was a celebrated author of both fiction and nonfiction, whose classic study Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee is widely credited with exposing the systematic destruction of American Indian tribes to a world audience.

Brown was born in Louisiana and grew up in Arkansas. He worked as a reporter and a printer before enrolling at Arkansas State Teachers College, where he met his future wife, Sally Stroud. He later earned two degrees in library science, and worked as a librarian while beginning his career as a writer. He went on to research and write more than thirty books, often centered on frontier history or overlooked moments of the Civil War. Brown continued writing until his death in 2002.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the plot does become very jumpy and complicated, it is certain to hold the attention of anyone that likes romance and the Civil War. I am giving this novel three stars because this book was not a turn pager. To be frank, it was sometimes difficult to keep reading this book. Even though this book was not for me, I would still recommend it to anyone that enjoys to read Civil War novels with a kick of romance.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I put this book down a long time ago for some reason and never got back to finishing it. After reading "Killing Licoln" I am in the mood for a fictional Civil War story about conspiracies and plots. Also, I now feel so much more informed about the era and the actual assassination.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot was a little bit too jumpy for me. The author's use of different perspectives was not very effective. I probably could have kept up with it better if I had cared more about it.

[Karen Klink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and well-written novel about Civil War espionage, mainly a former actress becoming a spy for the Union. She is challenged in her espionage endeavors by her feelings for another spy, this one for the South. Many twists and turns, and the reader has little idea where the plot will go next. Excellent research applied well.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not thrilled with the use of perspective, I don't think it added anything more to the story. The plot was a little all over the place, not my favorite but no a bad read either

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story felt slow and I had to force myself to finish it. Some interesting moments but ending was not worth it and dissatisfying.

[William Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly ordinary and a tad tedious.