Sisters of Cain

by Miriam Grace Monfredo

In 1862, as the Civil War rages around them, two sisters find themselves behind enemy lines as they investigate a baffling mystery and try to prevent a Confederate conspiracy that threatens not only their lives but the fate of the Union.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Civil War, Adult Fiction

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

Miriam Grace Monfredo, a former librarian and a historian, lives in Rochester, New York. This is the seventh Seneca Falls Mystery. A previous Seneca Falls Mystery, The Stalking-Horse, was chosen by the Voice of Youth Advocacy as one of 1998's best adult mysteries for young adults and received a "best" review in Library Journal's young adult section.

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now, having just said that I prefer the books in this series that star Glynis and Seneca Falls more, I have to say that I really enjoyed this one, even though it does focus largely on Bronwyn. I think the thing that balanced this one was the introduction of another niece, Bronwyn's sister Kathryn, who come to Washington to enlist as a nurse. Kathryn is a much more sympathetic character, to me at least, and I'm now eager to see how things turn out with her. Additionally, Bronwyn's character is perhaps starting to become a little more tempered and mature. Alas, my library did not have either of the next two books when I went to return this one. This is how I end up owning so many.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 *
I was disappointed in this book but have not really figured out why. Perhaps I need to read the next book in the series?
It has all the things to make a good read for me: likeable characters, strong female main characters one who is a spy and ahead of her time and her sister who is a nurse; historical fiction based on real events; interesting male characters, a young street urchin who is devoted to the nurse who helped him and who is ‘cute’.

This is the first in a trilogy but I don’t know yet if I’ll look into the next in the series. Perhaps one of the reasons I didn’t love this book is that there are many characters mentioned but they don’t ‘appear’ or do much in the story and I was ‘losing’ who they were.

To quote a Bookie friend of mine (thanks Leah)
I guess I would have to say "not bad but not great" about this book. I did finish it though so I guess I wanted to find out what happens at the end which meant I cared at least a little so I gave it three stars instead of two.

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is set during the early years of the Civil War and tells the story of sisters Bronwen and Kathryn Llyr, a union spy & nurse, respectively. Both occupations are unusual for young women of the time period.
Miriam Grace Monfredo has crafted a well researched book with interesting details of the Civil War, but these details, especially in regards to the nursing profession, never seem to do more than skim the surface. There was better character development than I found in Seneca Falls Inheritance, the only other book I have read by this author. However, I did feel that Bronwen and Kathryn’s unusual skill in their professions wasn’t really illustrated in this book, perhaps because it is the second in their series.
I will probably read more of Monfredo’s books, but mainly because I’m a sucker for a series.

[C · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is part of a series set in the Civil War. Bronwyn Llyr has expanded her job as a secret agent fot the treasury dept from investigating forged currency to investigating southern spies and plots. She and a few others are the only spies the north has. She does not know who to trust as there appear to be spies within spies. Her sister is also in a on traditional job for a woman. That of nurse. She is turned down for conventional hospital work and finds a job in a hospital for injured soldier.s The story was intricate - so much so that I couldn't keep track of all the players and never really remembered thek"bad guy's" previous efforts once he was uncovered. Not sure if I will read more of this author.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in the mood for a mysterious historical fiction, and this one fit that rather strange bill. It had a good mix of history and espionage to keep the story going, Yet I can't call this book amazing, it lacked that ability to drag you into the story and to keep you sucked in to it. If it had that, this would have been an amazing book, not just a good one. This was a good Civil war novel with a mysterious side to it. I would recommend it to those who want a good mystery set in the time of the civil war.

[Sparkie Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Besides being familiar with the author, this book is set in the Civil War, a favorite era for me. Strong female characters- two sisters, one a nurse, the other a spy. Whole based in historical fact it is a mystery and leaves you suspecting song the way. An enjoyable read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

was good this is a trilogy set

[Theodore Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters and historically accurate fiction. 1 of 3 in the series.

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very respectable book. I would have loved it more if I were more interested in the Civil War, as it was very detailed and driven by historical events, and less by characters and dialogue. The heroines were smart, and the portrayal of the espionage situations was more realistic and well-plotted than sensationalized (not that I know what a realistic Civil War espionage scenario is like, but if I were to imagine one, it might resemble this book).

[Mary Newcomb]

It has been years since I read anything from the Seneca Falls series. Luckily, this book has minimal dependence on that knowledge. This story of two sisters, one a spy and one a nurse, is full of intriguing detail and espionage. While a few pints felt contrived, I found this book to be interesting and plausible.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and historically informative read. I would have enjoyed more character development and elucidation of relationships between characters, but I suppose I'll have to read more of the series to be satisfied.

[Diane Wachter · Rating 4 out of 5]

HB-B @ 2000, 4/01. Undercover and behind enemy lines, Bronwen Llyr, part of the new Special Intelligence unit of the Treasury, tries to thwart the Rebel conspiracy to sink (sabotage) the Monitor. Sister Katherine tries to become a nurse. Very good.

[Francine Apollo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was compelling reading. The facts and fiction were spectacularly woven. The characters were so believable. The heroines were inspiring; the writing was wonderful.
I have read Monfredo before and wonder why I haven't read all of her books. I will correct that!
Highly recommended.

[Charlotte A. Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Story

Probably 3.5. Liked learning more about the Civil War as a visit to the peninsula seemed to emphasize the settlement and Revolutionary periods. Did not expect such an abrupt ending, but glad to learn so many of the characters were real.

[Julie Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book. It has a great story plus lots of information about the Civil War.

[Redhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monfredo did her research, she makes you feel the trauma and fear of living through a war. Very good.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is from a series add-on to the Seneca Falls series. Great!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Could barely stop reading and rushed out for brothers and children of cain

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent series. Civil War Mystery. To get this author I had to order on-line as I was not able to find them in the bookstores, even the major ones.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid historical fiction, good for Civil War buffs

[ExploringSabra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for young adults

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

a civil war story- of two sister.s One is anurse and one is aspy.good story with seemingly accurate historic fact. alot of characters but character developemnt of the sisters is good. an easy read

[Mary Hammock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good historical fiction story. Enjoyed reading it.
368 pages