Lincoln's Spymaster

by Samantha Seiple, Danny Campbell (Reader)

"From Samantha Seiple, the award winning author of Ghosts in the Fog , comes the first book for young adults to tell the story of Allan Pinkerton, America's first private eye. Lincoln's Spymaster tells the dangerous and action-packed adventures of Allan Pinkerton, America's first private eye and Lincoln's most trusted spymaster. Pinkerton was just a poor immigrant barrel-maker in Illinois when he stumbled across his first case just miles from his home. His reputation grew and people began approaching Pinkerton with their cases, leading him to open the first-of-its-kind private detective agency. Pinkerton assembled a team of undercover agents, and together they caught train robbers, counterfeiters, and other outlaws. Soon these outlaws, including Jesse James, became their nemeses. Danger didn't stop the agency! The team even uncovered and stopped an assassination plot against president-elect Abraham Lincoln! Seeing firsthand the value of Pinkerton's service, Lincoln funded Pinkerton's spy network, a precursor to the Secret Service. Allan Pinkerton is known as the father of modern day espionage, and this is the first book for young adults to tell his story!

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Middle Grade, Historical, American History, Childrens

MP3 CD

First published September 29, 2015

About the author

Samantha Seiple’s latest book is Louisa on the Front Lines: Louisa May Alcott in the Civil War (Seal Press), the first narrative nonfiction book focusing on the least-known aspect of Louisa May Alcott's career – her time spent as a nurse during the Civil War. Though her service was brief, the dramatic experience was one that she considered pivotal in helping her write the beloved classic  Little Women. It also deeply affected her tenuous relationship with her father and solidified her commitment to human rights. 

Louisa on the Front Lines has been praised as “Lively, well-researched… engaging and informative… Alcott herself would have marveled at how Seiple's biographical and historical account reads like a novel!” by leading Alcott scholar Daniel Shealy, co-editor of The Journals of Louisa May Alcott and The Selected Letters of Louisa May Alcott.

Seiple enjoys uncovering forgotten and little-known aspects of history and meticulously crafting the factual story to read like a novel. Louisa on the Front Lines is her first biographical account for the adult audience.

Her previous narrative nonfiction books for young adults include Ghosts in the Fog: The Untold Story of Alaska’s WWII Invasion, a YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Nominee and a Junior Library Guild Selection; Lincoln’s Spymaster: America’s First Private Eye, a Junior Library Guild Selection; Byrd & Igloo: A Polar Adventure; and Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Amazon Adventure, a Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Gold Award winner.

Seiple lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband, Todd, and tiny toy poodle, Lucy.

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great book for young adults that explain how private eyes started in America. It goes into the history of why President Lincoln needed Allan Pinkerton's help for various things during the Civil War and follows with some of the issues the agency had in the years that followed. I actually learned quite a bit from reading this and highly recommend it.

[Haley Annabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as well written as Swansons books. Still informative.

[Sariah Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short intro to the Pinkertons, mostly touching on the life of Allan Pinkerton and the highlights of the company's career (mostly the early highlights).

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books which teach you something while you read. This info packed book brings an interesting part of US history to life. Makes me want to learn more.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice introduction to spies, detectives, and true crime for middle grade or teenage readers.

[Luke Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18...

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always enjoying a good nonfiction, it's a bonus because it's a biography. Allan Pinkerton, of which the CIA and FBI based their operations off of, was a dynamic character who didn't shy away from vigilante justice but had a keen eye and an unquenchable drive to succeed, as evidenced by his company literally (if really in name and general theory) even today after having lived during the era if President Abraham Lincoln.

The book moved like the great James. L Swanson's action-packed nonfiction tales, which I appreciate and enjoy. It was also chuck-full of cool, new information for me to engage with including his pursuit of gangs, but how he got started, his fight back from a massive stroke, as well as non-Pinkerton facts including the change in guards for Lincoln during his visit to the theater, which left him dead.

What I will take away most is Pinkerton's tenacity. He maintained his vision and staunchly stood by it, even angrily writing his sons' when he thought they were making poor decisions. Likewise, his quest for the greatest detectives was not gender-specific or along color lines. He hired the first woman detective and employed several African Americans as the Civil War was about to take hold, based on his beliefs about what constituted great detective work.

Completely enjoyable, including the photos that helped tell the story.

[Vernon Area Public Library KIDS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This entertaining, narrative biography will enthrall readers with the adventures of America's first private eye. The book documents Pinkerton's humble beginnings as a Scottish immigrant in Illinois and his unlikely rise as Chicago's first detective and onto the national and international stage as predecessors of the FBI. His exploits with some of America's most notorious will engage the most reluctant of readers. A first class thrill ride that will be enjoyed by all junior high aged students.

Reviewed by: Lisa Marie Smith, Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library

[Zach Cutting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine that you are in a room full of people that would kill you if they found out your real identity. The spies face these dangers in Lincoln’s Spymaster: Allan Pinkerton, America’s First Private Eye by Samantha Seiple. It is a nonfiction book about the history of The Pinkerton Detective Agency and all of its dauntless spies. The reader learns how the spy agency affected America during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and countless years after that. By going undercover and sneaking from place to place, Pinkerton and his staff protected America by discovering valuable information for the Union during the Civil War and catching gangs that would rob banks in later years. The book takes place in America in the mid to late 1800s, around the time during and after of the Civil War. Pinkerton’s original agency was located in Chicago, but solved cases all around the United States. Allan Pinkerton was a strong, courageous, and determined Scottish immigrant who was “Driven by a strong sense of bare knuckle justice” (Seiple 19). He wanted to employ agents that were adaptable, reliable, and honest. Timothy Webster and Kate Warne were a couple of his heroic agents and George Bangs was his right hand man. Pinkerton had many other agents and trusted all of them with his life. The detectives always remained prepared and determined, like their leader.

The book contains two sections, the first being The Spymaster. The Spymaster describes how Pinkerton and his crew saved President Abraham Lincoln from Southern rebels and caught Confederate spies. Allan Pinkerton heard rumors from citizens that there was a group planning to assassinate the president. Pinkerton joined the Palmetto Guards, posing as a stockbroker and secessionist from Georgia. His objectives were to find out Cypriano Ferrandini’s plan to eliminate Lincoln. After learning the scheme to kill the head of state on the train to Baltimore, he told Abraham Lincoln of the news. The spy crew secretly had the president take an earlier train, so the assassins would wait for a train that would never arrive. The Palmetto Guards broke apart after the unsuccessful attempt. The Pinkerton Detective Agency was also accountable for catching Confederate spy, Rebel Rose. Rose would gather information and send ciphered letters to the Confederate Army. Allan Pinkerton and Pryce Lewis went to her house to search for evidence because they saw strange activities going on there at night. When they found torn up letters in the fireplace, they arrested her. After being in prison for a year and nine months, Rebel Rose received compassion and returned to the South. The next section of the book is The Outlaw Hunter. It explains the capturing of the Reno Brothers Gang and the James-Younger Gang. The Reno Gang was the first organized band of outlaws. They would rob banks, trains, homes, and businesses. Pinkerton imprisoned their leader, John Reno, and assumed the gang would fall apart. However, Frank Reno became the new leader and the raiding continued. Pinkerton finally captured the rest of the gang after a long struggle. On December 12, 1868, a masked man entered the prison, killed all the members of the gang, and quickly fled the scene. That was the conclusion Reno Brothers Gang. A couple years later, Allan Pinkerton and his sons, Robert and William, took upon the assignment to capture The James-Younger Gang. The gang would steal from banks and kill numerous citizens. Several people saw the leader, Jesse James, as a Southern hero, but that quickly changed after all the deaths of defenseless citizens. On April 3, a member of Jesse’s gang shot him, destroying the gang.

Overall, I thought this nonfiction book was amazing. It was fascinating to learn about the history of The Pinkerton Detective Agency and all the achievements they accomplished. Another captivating aspect I loved about the book was its detailed pictures to increase the reader’s understanding of the people, buildings, and maps in the story. I would recommend this book to readers who appreciate history and detective books, as well as suspenseful stories. The spies are constantly in perilous situations, not knowing if they will be successful with their mission. Now it is your turn to learn about the daring and intelligent Allan Pinkerton, along with the rest of his stealthy group of detectives.

[Geoff Habiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars, rounding up to 4.

I picked up this title as an audio book through my library because the title intrigued me and I have an interest in history in general, and Civil War history. When I checked it out I did not know that this was a title written for a younger audience. While the target audience meant that Samantha couldn't go into the greater depth and detail that an "adult" book would have offered, I was very happy with the information provided.

Lincoln's Spymaster focuses on Allan Pinkerton, the man behind the most famous detective agency ever in the United States: Pinkerton's Detective Agency. Samantha does a good job of showing us who Allan Pinkerton was, from his assistance during the Civil War in not only keeping Lincoln safe (Pinkerton and his operatives were instrumental in foiling an assassination attempt before Lincoln was inaugurated) to sending out spies for the Union during the war. We also learn about how Pinkerton got started as a detective - he was originally a barrel maker - as well as some of his more famous exploits after the war catching train robbers and murderers. The writing is simple and Samantha sets a good pace. My 12-year-old son really loved the book as we listened in the car, and he's much more interested in fiction than non-fiction, so kudos for writing that captures the imagination and interest of a pre-teen boy.

My quibbles stem more from my perceptions. While knowing that this is a book written to a younger audience I would have liked to have known more about the people in Pinkerton's life. Samantha mentions that Pinkerton was the first (and only) man to hire women as detectives, finding them a valuable asset in his ability to fight crime, but we are not shown any of the exploits of these women in great detail. We also learn very little about Pinkerton's family life or relationship with his wife. Finally, the title of the book suggests more focus on the Civil War period, however Pinkerton's work as Lincoln's Spymaster is covered in just a few chapters. All of these bring my rating down a bit, but I am balancing my own expectations with my understanding that I am not the target audience for the book.

Certainly, if you have children who are interested in history, or even if they aren't and you want to get them interested, Lincoln's Spymaster is a great hook to do that. My son is a voracious reader, but mostly of fiction, so knowing that this book peaked his interest shows that Samantha's book does hit its mark with the target audience. And even though I wanted more, I learned a lot that I didn't know about America's First Private Eye.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

It is not easy for biographies to catch and hold my attention. In fact, I almost never pick one up anymore because I simply can't get into them. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It managed to keep me interested all the way until the end. The book is about a man, Allan Pinkerton, who came from a modest background and through skill and initiative became a spy and detective during Lincoln's presidency, and then continued his work even after Lincoln was assassinated.

The author presents this interesting story through a combination of narratives, and excerpts of letters and articles. I found it fascinating to read about Pinkerton's exploits through his writing and that of both his allies and enemies. He was not always viewed as the "good guy" by the public, and while the author does present his story favorably she also explains why some saw him as a villain. The period in which Pinkerton lived was tumultuous. The North and the South were engaged in the Civil War, and the Confederate and Union soldiers were at odds all throughout the fighting zone. The way in which Pinkerton affected the greater historical events of the time was an engrossing read. For those who have an interest in history, Pinkerton's story adds a intriguing facet to the Civil War narrative.

For others, like me, who struggle with reading and enjoying biographies, I recommend giving this one a try. The story moves fairly quickly, the book itself isn't intimidatingly long, and it takes place during a historical event with which many are somewhat familiar (and can therefore connect to with background knowledge). Recommended without reservations.

[Sanvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lincoln’s Spymaster: Allan Pinkerton, America’s First Private Eye by Samantha Seiple tells the thrilling story of the dangerous expedition of Allan Pinkerton. Allan Pinkerton began his journey as a poor detective in Illinois until he came across the most important case of a lifetime: President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Pinkerton assembled a group of reliable individuals to protect Lincoln. The team eventually uncovered and successfully prevented an assassination plan. Through all of Pinkerton's troubles to protect Lincoln, The team stumbled across train robberies and threatening people. Throughout the next few years, Pinkerton barely kept himself alive while solving mysteries.
Samantha Seiple wants to inspire the reader with her work. The book is meant to encourage people to take risks to achieve goals. “I will never be beaten, never. Not all the furies of Hell will stop me from rebuilding immediately.” These words spoken by Allan Pinkerton explain the dedication and commitment he had for saving lives. He put his life on the line in order to stop an assasination plan. He acquainted himself with dangerous people to save the life of someone else's.
I recommend this book to people older than the age of 12. This book includes depressing events including lynching. Seiple explains the dark feeling that Pinkerton kept throughout his life. Even though Pinkerton was left with a broken heart, guilt, and life threatening health conditions, he still continued to put his life at risk to save lives. This biography is for mature students interested in learning about an emotionally intriguing story that wouldn't be taught in school.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A history of Allan Pinkerton and his detective agency, their work for Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, and other famous cases like catching outlaws the Reno brothers and the James-Younger gang.

This is more a history of the Pinkerton detective agency than biography of Allan Pinkerton. Details of his life take a backstage to the agency's major achievements. It is a fascinating read, though. I devoured it in one sitting. Seiple obviously did extensive research and primary sources are included throughout. I did come away very impressed with Allan Pinkerton's advanced view on employment practices, he hired women and former slaves and put great faith in their abilities at a time when no one else was doing that. It was also interesting to find out that Pinkerton's is still around, but has adapted to providing security and gone through some mergers in the past 150 years.

Notes on content: Maybe one or two swear words in quotes. (I can't remember for sure.) No sexual content. Deaths in conflicts with criminals and during the Civil War are mentioned, a few hangings and shootings are described.

[Shem Manchala · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was fairly decent because it included a lot of action/adventure which added suspense to the story. There were many different actions scenes that intensified the story and I wasn't able to close the book because it was so enjoyable. However, I felt like there was unnecessary information in the story in some parts and that there wasn't enough information in the different cases Allan Pinkerton was solving. Like, for instance, there were only a few chapters in the book that talked about Pinkerton trying to solve the case of who wanted to kill Abraham Lincoln, which was supposed to be the main point of the story. I felt like the majority of the book talked too much about Allan trying to capture the Reno Gang, a gang of thieves that have recently been stealing a lot from banks and other places that contained large amounts of money. I felt like the book was okay because there were many actions scenes that added suspense to the story, but there was a lot of unnecessary information.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln's Spymaster is a well-researched, extraordinarily fast read, packed to the gills with pictures and info from primary sources. I immediately thought of a few students to recommend it to as soon as I finished. Although I knew a little bit about Pinkerton before reading this book, the book revealed so much of the character of this ambitious, principled, driven lawman that led to development of the FBI.

From a foiled assassination plot to the hunting down of gangs like the James-Younger, it was interesting to see the lasting effects of the Civil War in the years that followed. Who knew the media's role in casting Jesse James as a Robin Hood-style hero? I didn't, at least not until I saw how it threw roadblocks into the path of the Pinks. Well done.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read about Allen Pinkerton. It is definitely a basics of his life and not in depth, but it was very interesting. I knew that Allen Pinkerton started the detective agency and that it was highly regarded, but I didn’t know how involved it was in the Civil War. Or that Allen was the advocate for hiring women. Or that Allen and the agency were the basis for the secret service and inspired the concept of the FBI. It was fascinating reading about how one man accomplished so much by being observant and trying to be honest.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast and interesting read. I have read a lot in the past concerning the Pinkerton guards, but most of it is based after Allan Pinkerton had already passed away and his sons took over the business.
This book gave me a look into how it all started and it was very interesting.
If you enjoy history, I recommend reading this one. It is written so younger people can read it easily. I would say that even a child of 10 or above would enjoy it if they liked history, but it can be a little dry reading in places.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally bought this to read with 5th graders as a novel unit, but I don't think it would hold their interest. It is extremely detailed, and I think over their heads. That being said, as an adult, I found it very interesting. The lengthy descriptions of Allan Pinkerton's establishment of his agency, his work with the Union Army and then chasing Jesse James and his gang we extremely interesting and engaging, but not for elementary students. I learned a lot and enjoyed the story.

[Joe Keefhaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, young-adult type book on the life of detective Allan Pinkerton. Despite the title, only about one-half of the book covers Pinkerton's involvement with Lincoln and the Civil War years. The rest involves the years after the war, including his detective agency's efforts to thwart the James-Younger Gang. Pinkerton's detective agency essentially launched the Secret Service and later served as a model for the FBI. Good introduction to a little known segment of history.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read for those who like reading about historical persons and events. I found it intriguing to learn about the history of spying in America. I listened to the audiobook, but I would recommend reading a hard copy or ebook version since the book contains photographs and primary documents.

[Judine Brey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This non-fiction account of how the Pinkertons started would make a great mini-series. The first private eye started out as a cooper. His rise through police ranks and his work during the Civil War was fascinating. I'd like to see this all played out. Because it's written for young adults, this is a fast, accessible read.

[Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lincoln's Spymaster is a book that talks about the life of Allan Pinkerton and his detective agency. I found it a very interesting, especially for a history-sh book. The book did a great job going into detail for many of the detective missions, especially during the civil war part of the book. Overall it is a very good book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an informative book about Allan Pinkerton and how he became a private investigator. Pinkerton's work helped Lincoln survive several planned assassination attempts. Samantha Seiple does a good job of telling the story of the dangerous adventures of Pinkerton and his work, from using disguises to help save President Lincoln to going after Jesse James and his gang.

[LizthePrude · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning more about Allan Pinkerton and his role in setting up a detective agency that was better than the local police force, that eventually became the FBI and Scotland Yard. The Lord definitely had his hand in Pinkerton's life. Also seeing what could have happened to the Saints had they stayed in Ohio and Missouri was an interesting side view. I'm buying this one!

[Darcie Saunier · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent Children's biography of Allan Pinkerton. I felt like it got a little off topic when dealing with Jesse James and the Younger Gang, though. I also got a little bored reading it, so I feel like I would have to know my patron well in order to really recommend it.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very intriguing book. My son had it because he was reading it for school. I picked it up, read the first few pages and was hooked. Read the entire thing in a couple of nights. Author is a good storyteller and I learned the history of the Pinkertons.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I am not a historian, I cannot vouch for the accuracy of this book. But I can say that it is well and engagingly written. It does have a few uses of strong language, and several graphic scenes; thus the reason for a missing star.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of the book eating with the civil war was more insteresting than the last half. Overall enjoyable young adult nonfiction read.

[Nathaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

i liked it

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reads like a great crime novel full of bad guys, good guys, and double crosses.