On Secret Service

by John Jakes

A novel based around the exploits of various spies during the American Civil War. Lon supports the north, works for the War Department and is offered a job in the National Detective Police force. Margaret supports the south and works for her father until her outspokenness lands her in prison.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Civil War, Historical, American History, War, Novels

614 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

John William Jakes, the author of more than a dozen novels, is regarded as one of today’s most distinguished writers of historical fiction. His work includes the highly acclaimed Kent Family Chronicles series and the North and South Trilogy. Jakes’s commitment to historical accuracy and evocative storytelling earned him the title of “the godfather of historical novelists” from the Los Angeles Times and led to a streak of sixteen consecutive New York Times bestsellers. Jakes has received several awards for his work and is a member of the Authors Guild and the PEN American Center. He and his wife, Rachel, live on the west coast of Florida.

Also writes under pseudonyms Jay Scotland, Alan Payne, Rachel Ann Payne, Robert Hart Davis, Darius John Granger, John Lee Gray. Has ghost written as William Ard.

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book in 2010, and its a standalone book about the first tentative attempts to create a Secret Service combined with the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

This book is set between the years AD 1861-1865, and set within the American Civil War where North and South are battling it out for their beliefs and rights to be acknowledged by the other.

In this bitter struggle we find Lon Price, a Pinkerton detective assigned to the railroad out of Chicago, but later on acting as spy for General McClellan, alongside him there's a young and determined lady called, Margaret Miller from Baltimore who has secessionist sympathies.

Its Lon who will arrest Margaret as a spy for the South, but when he's sent South to spy out the enemy for the North, he will meet the now married Margaret again and get himself imprisoned, where he's badly treated, but somehow he manages to escape and return to freedom.

On the other spectrum of this story there's a German-American actress who will meet under desperate circumstances a Southerner and falls in love with him, but to be separated again because of the war.
Last but not least there's a man called, John Wilkes Booth, with an agenda of his own, concerning a certain Abraham Lincoln.

What is follow is an intriguing and thrilling American historical adventure, in which the beginnings of the Secret Service are brought to light in a wonderful fashion, and where the atmosphere and battles in this Civil War between North and South are wonderfully pictured by the author.

Very much recommended, for this is a wonderful standalone book about love, spying, Civil War and assassination, and that's why I like to call this book: A Very Enjoyable Spy Mission"!

[Dave Schoettinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an historical novel that takes place during the American Civil War. I won't spoil it by telling you who won. Mr. Jakes manages to weave a couple of love stories through the turmoil of the war, while emphasizing that neither side had a monopoly on either virtue or iniquity. The main point appears to be that war makes good people do bad things and bad people do very bad things.

I am in awe of authors like Jakes who can write pages and pages of convincing dialogue. He moves the action forward primarily by conversations between and among the principal characters. It is easy to get caught up in the story and actually feel concern for these people. He mixes in enough real people and events so that the reader will learn a little American history whether they want to or not.

[Judy Frey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE historical fiction, with the Civil War period being at the top of my list. John Jakes is THE master of this genre. His writing is so rich, so graphic and realistic. This book tackles the history of spying in the Civil War, as founded by Allan Pinkerton and the Pinkerton Agency. This book is not a glossy picture of Abraham Lincoln as a true abolitionist. It is, rather, a horrifying look at what the Civil War did to this country, to families, and to Lincoln. While he freed the slaves, it didn’t necessarily mean they were welcome in the home of any Northener. In many ways, their situation became more difficult. To this day, our country deals with the prejudice and bigotry. The brutality of the war is certainly not glossed over. It’s interesting that many whom our history books regale as heroes were portrayed as mean, often cruel and greedy, opportunists. Lincoln himself is seen as a gaunt, sad ( even depressed) man caught up in circumstances he couldn’t control at all , and browbeaten by a shrewish wife and overly spoiled children. Of great interest is the ending that talks of Booth and speculated on those who aided him in his assassination. Many speculated that those involved included some of Lincoln’s closest political allies. Extremely interesting. No book by Jakes disappoints.

[Wolf (Alpha) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!! I’ve always loved spy books. This is no exception. Hannah was amazing. She was brave and I loved her for it. I loved the story of her and Lon. This historical fiction book was amazing. If you are looking for a great history read, pick this one up. Definitely gets 5 stars.

[Dana Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a few chapters of this and put it down because it didn't hook me into it, but picked it up again and it finally got me. I couldn't put it down. After reading this, I found myself needing more about this era.

[Bianca Jane Manahane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love novels that I can easily picture as films, and this piece is definitely one of them. All the action that follows within the era just keep the book exciting! Also, the "forbidden love" discovered within the lives of the characters is what really kept me entertained! As a plus, I felt it was really faithful to the time and place it was set in.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main players are Lon Price, the ardent abolitionist and rising-star operative of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, and Margaret Miller, the beautiful, initially vacuous daughter of the South whose chief concern is that the war be over quickly so as not to interfere with Washington's upcoming social season. After a chance encounter in a Washington park, they are as repulsed by each other's political views as they are drawn together by an undeniable physical chemistry. As hostilities increase, the Pinkertons are pledged to the service of the Union and Lon becomes, ipso facto, a charter member in the U.S. Secret Service. When Margaret's stridently pro-slavery father is gunned down by a Pinkerton operative at a clandestine "Secesh" meeting, Margaret throws off her socialite mantle and vows revenge. She pledges allegiance to the South's most notorious female spy, the wealthy, well-connected, and equally well-endowed Rose Greenhow.

A parallel relationship develops between Margaret's unlikely best friend, the boyishly slight Hanna Siegel, a devout abolitionist who longs to prove herself on the battlefield, and the conflicted Captain Frederick Dasher, late of West Point, now of the First Virginia Cavalry, and protégé to Brigadier General "Jeb" Stuart. Played out before a scrim of battles, lives, fortunes, and reputations won and irreparably lost, Lon, Margaret, Hanna, and Fred cat-and-mouse their way through America's costliest war.

While the respective outcomes are somewhat predictable, what is not predictable is the degree to which the reader is captivated by Jakes's encyclopedic command of historical fact and his unmatched storytelling.

[Terric853 · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story revolves around spying during the Civil War. Alonzo Price (Lon) works for the Pinkerton Agency in Chicago as a detective. When the Civil War breaks out, Pinkerton aligns himself with General George McClellan the operation moves to Washington, D.C. In Washington, Lon meets a Southern sympathizer, Margaret Miller whose brother and father are key players in the Southern cause.

We also meet the men Lon works with; Margaret's friend, Hanna and her father, an Austrian officer who was forced to leave the country after a scandal; Pinkerton, Lincoln and others. The plot follows Lon's career as an operative, including time behind the enemy lines, where he's captured and tortured, giving him more incentive to see the war end.

The book was okay, but rather slow moving. Lon and Margaret fall in love after one encounter, which I found unbelievable. Then again, so does Hanna and a Confederate captain she meets while disguised as a man to "see the elephant" (fighting close up). I loved Jakes' North and South series, so this was a bit of a let down.

[zuh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tragic story of “On Secret Service” served as the most outstanding book that I have read in my whole life. It’s my first time reading a history book about war ( I’m not fond of reading a book about war) and I didn’t expect it will be turned out like that. The book is half fiction and non-fiction it’s said by the author that some incidents really happened during that war and some character in the book is they really existed in real life. The book really made me hooked up it tackles so many issues that up until now are existing like feminism, patriarchy, slavery, and the color of the men/women. I don’t know my emotions during the times that I’m reading the book, it feels like a roller coaster of emotions for me. In the scenes where my favorite characters died, I cried and can’t move on until now. So I mean it, this book is excellent! 5 stars.

[Phil Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really do wish that I had discovered John Jakes earlier in life given how much I have enjoyed the books written by him that I have read since stumbling across him last year. Not only does he tell a great story, as with the case on On Secret Service, but his knowledge of the period of which he writes is staggering. Some criticise him for too much historical detail, I would argue that it places his characters in context and adds an air of authenticity to his novels. Too often, I read historical fiction and find annoying mistakes in the narrative, or real people from the past behaving in ways that having studied them one just knows they would never do. John Jakes is a master story teller, with an excellent eye for detail that makes everything all the more believable.

[Hyann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like to read about this war, it's more complex than just slavery abolition. Adding secret service look promising.

John Jakes delivered part of it. You have some insight of the secret service and action, but loss in too much fiction.
The fact this war divided the country, family, friends... is prominent in all the book but the plot is drive by two loves stories adding to much romance for me. Having a couple north/south loving each other at the first sight can pass, but adding another couple doing the same... meh... just not for me.

Not a book I will read again even if I enjoy it. John Jakes bring historical fact in the story that I'm interested to follow so even if I didn't like the plot I have a positive feeling for the book.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lon Price goes to work for the Pinkerton Agency guarding train shipments from bandits in 1861. Civil War breaks out and the Pinkerton Agency pairs up with the Union doing clandestine undercover work in the south. Lon poses as a union deserter and spends several rounds of prison abuse in the south. Along the way he falls in love with Margaret, a southern sympathizer, whose brother Cicero abuses Lon in prison. Also Margaret's friend,Hannah, falls in love with Frederick, a confederate soldier.
Lon escapes and comes to guard Lincoln and monitor the conspirators as the assassination unfolds.
Ironically Hannah's father kills Frederick in a deal gone bad. Very good history and insight into relationships across war sides

[Jenny Karraker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read many books about the Civil War covering all different aspects of the War, including main characters, families, women, objects, battles, philosophies, etc. And this fictional work didn't read like any of the other nonfiction books. Knowing how radically both sides felts about their causes, it didn't seem plausible at all that the 2 main characters would fall in love despite their ideological differences. the book seemed very shallow and read more like a teen romance.

[Robert Sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A civil war novel.

The more I read about the civil war the more I'm convinced it was a worthless exercise in stupidity. Fought over commerce mostly and the south's rights to sell commerce without paying levies to the government sparked it. Slavery was secondary but not the prime reason for the war.

[Pat Jorgenson Waterchilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read by one of my favorite authors.
Historical fiction at its best leads the reader into the world of spies and detectives in America during the Civil War. As the war progresses, the techniques and methods of conspirators and defenders are enhanced, refinded and at times turn deadly.
Thank you Mr. Jakes for another great read!

[Steven Curo · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Jake’s is a great author. His writing is very vivid. He brings people and places to life. I give this book only three stars because it seemed to be lacking a plot. It’s a great picture of life during the civil war. However, I was wondering the whole time, what are we trying to accomplish here?

[Ayelet · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was okay. In terms of the Civil War I would rather re-read North & South. I did like that he included a page about Charles Main. At times I had a hard time keeping track of the characters or wondering why I should care.

[Joe Spoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting fictionalized account of espionage and behind the scenes police work and during the civil war. It ends with the capture of Booth after Lincoln's assassination. Jakes' fictional characters intermingle with real historical figures such as Lincoln, McClellan, Pinkerton, and Booth.

[Laura Poppenwimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rich and detailed historical novel. The interplay between the characters excellent, especially the relationship between people on the opposite sides of the civil war. Like all of the Jakes novels, these seem to take you right into the action and feelings of the times.

[Barb Wisniewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoy his writing style and how he weaves fiction and history. Took a bit to get into the book at the beginning due to the number of characters presented but once I got into it, couldn't put it down.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book could have been added to the North and the South series, there was even a point where the characters talked to each other. This book had some interesting history that I am sure much was to strange to be just fiction. This was a good read

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book set during the civil war. I had previously watched The North and the South on tv and enjoyed it, so that led me to read this book. It’s long! I prefer shorter books, but this was worth it!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Espionage, love, and betrayal on both sides of the American Civil War.

For fans of Jakes' North and South:

Billy Hazard (North) is mentioned in passing, and Charlie Main (South) has a cameo appearance.

[Brenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seemed very historically accurate, author writes in a way that makes you feel that you’re there & I liked that. Strong, believable characters. 3 stars for the language & somewhat graphic scenes, but I understand that those elements made the story be more authentic.

[Doug Hohbein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from JJ. This book gives a different angle on the CW and is very interesting. Spying was quite a free for all. You just didn't know who might be on the other side. Maybe your own neighbor? The behind the scenes look at war in Washington City, the politics and intrigue made this an excellent read. If you enjoy CW historical fiction this is a book for you.

[Jim Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I can remember as a child of always wanting to be a detective, later my dream came true. Just saying

[Shirley lsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

History of the Civil War

I found this book s very interesting read. I have enjoyed all of Jakes books, mainly because they are researched so thoroughly.

[Suhail Tareen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is the first novel I read related to history.

[PMB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. The romantic relationships felt a bit rushed, but the book is well researched. Jakes paints a clear picture of the mood and daily life in DC, NY, and MD during the war.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding research and of course wonderfully written by one of my favorite authors who can make you feel the story