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A Traitor Among Us
September, 1777.
The war for American independence rages just seventy miles away from the country inn and tavern owned by the Rutledge family in southern New Jersey. Tensions are running high between those who support the Continental Army and those who remain loyal to the English crown.
When Etta Rutledge stumbles upon the body of a ne’er-do-well British sympathizer on her family’s property, unsettling questions regarding her older brother, Jesse, begin to arise. What was his connection to the victim and why was he keen to keep it hidden?
Another shocking death, this time much closer to the heart of the family, draws Etta ever closer to unlocking the secrets swirling around her—secrets that someone will go to any length to protect...
Will Etta survive the discovery of the traitor in their midst?
The war for American independence rages just seventy miles away from the country inn and tavern owned by the Rutledge family in southern New Jersey. Tensions are running high between those who support the Continental Army and those who remain loyal to the English crown.
When Etta Rutledge stumbles upon the body of a ne’er-do-well British sympathizer on her family’s property, unsettling questions regarding her older brother, Jesse, begin to arise. What was his connection to the victim and why was he keen to keep it hidden?
Another shocking death, this time much closer to the heart of the family, draws Etta ever closer to unlocking the secrets swirling around her—secrets that someone will go to any length to protect...
Will Etta survive the discovery of the traitor in their midst?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2022
18 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 8, 2022
Etta Rutledge's story of life in a restrictive religious home during the Revolutionary War kept me reading 'one more chapter.' American Revolutionary history has always been a favorite of mine and I loved the blending of fact with the story of the Rutledges. Etta and her family reflect the array of real life personalities in a family; not everyone agrees and opinions and beliefs of family members can vary quite a bit. That aspect of human nature has been prevalent throughout history both in times of war or within the religion of a given family; A Traitor Among Us illustrates this so well along with the problems it can create.
For me, Etta represented the women who served the cause of the Colonies in their unique ways. Bravery, quick thinking, and resourcefulness are in full force within Etta Rutledge. The twists in the story kept me re-evaluating the evidence until the end.
I am thoroughly enjoying Amy Reade's Cape May Historical Mystery series and am ready for the next!
For me, Etta represented the women who served the cause of the Colonies in their unique ways. Bravery, quick thinking, and resourcefulness are in full force within Etta Rutledge. The twists in the story kept me re-evaluating the evidence until the end.
I am thoroughly enjoying Amy Reade's Cape May Historical Mystery series and am ready for the next!
May 24, 2022
Life for Etta Rutledge and her Quaker family is about to be torn apart by the approaching ravages of the Revolutionary War. Tensions are high between the patriots of the new land and the supporters of the British. At the family's tavern and inn, they see the feelings of the community escalate. Etta and her family have remained neutral with their religious beliefs, but will the conflicting allegiances signal the end of their no-arms stance?
When menacing strangers arrive in their village, the peaceful inn is fraught with fear when one of them is murdered. Etta finds a disturbing clue--is the murderer in their midst a member of her family? Will she be able to unearth the truth before someone is wrongly accused? Danger turns to terror one fateful night, putting the family she holds dear at risk.
Author Reade weaves a chilling tale of a young woman's journey of discovery in the midst of hostile offenders, emotional turmoil, and the conflict of war. The characters, authentic details, and intriguing plot will capture your imagination in this original whodunnit. I am a huge fan of the Cape May Historical Mysteries--this latest tale is a highly recommended read!
When menacing strangers arrive in their village, the peaceful inn is fraught with fear when one of them is murdered. Etta finds a disturbing clue--is the murderer in their midst a member of her family? Will she be able to unearth the truth before someone is wrongly accused? Danger turns to terror one fateful night, putting the family she holds dear at risk.
Author Reade weaves a chilling tale of a young woman's journey of discovery in the midst of hostile offenders, emotional turmoil, and the conflict of war. The characters, authentic details, and intriguing plot will capture your imagination in this original whodunnit. I am a huge fan of the Cape May Historical Mysteries--this latest tale is a highly recommended read!
April 30, 2022
A lovely story set in 1770’s in an inn and pub that takes the reader on a journey back in time to the customs, traditions and puritanical ways of the residents of this community.
This is the second book in this series of Cape May Mysteries. It gripped my attention right away and drew me into the tale of a strong and fearless young lady, Etta, who protects her family in every way she can even if it puts her own life in danger.
There is a murder on their property. A body is found in their barn that cannot be explained easily. When a second body is found inside their inn the sheriff is called once again to try to find the culprit. One of Etta’s brothers, Jesse, is a suspect. There are plenty of twists and turns in this story that kept me guessing who was the perpetrator.
This was an enjoyable historical read that took a great amount of research in the ways of the Quakers and other inhabitants of that period to complete the authenticity of the terms and language. I highly recommend!
This is the second book in this series of Cape May Mysteries. It gripped my attention right away and drew me into the tale of a strong and fearless young lady, Etta, who protects her family in every way she can even if it puts her own life in danger.
There is a murder on their property. A body is found in their barn that cannot be explained easily. When a second body is found inside their inn the sheriff is called once again to try to find the culprit. One of Etta’s brothers, Jesse, is a suspect. There are plenty of twists and turns in this story that kept me guessing who was the perpetrator.
This was an enjoyable historical read that took a great amount of research in the ways of the Quakers and other inhabitants of that period to complete the authenticity of the terms and language. I highly recommend!
April 15, 2022
A beautifully written Revolutionary War era mystery, told from the point of view of a young woman, which really sets this novel apart from others. The story unfolds through thoughts and narration as if the characters were speaking to us from the 1770s. Etta Rutledge, the main character, is a strong and capable young woman with quite a lot of responsibilities helping her family run an inn. Her words and thoughts completely immerse us in the Colonial era, and give us a fresh voice and a new perspective on life in Cape May County, NJ. I truly loved this main character, Etta, and how she interacts with her sweet and vulnerable sister Prissy, who has a disability (I am happy to read more disabled characters in books), and it’s clear there’s a strong protective bond between the sisters. The brothers are also well portrayed, and we immediately care about Etta and her family and friends. The Rutledge family owns the tavern and inn, the central place in the story, and what a fascinating place it is. Ms. Reid describes it well from the ambiance to the drink, food, and talk. The dialogue is plain style, as befits the times, and the author clearly researched everything and makes us feel as if we are right there in the 1770’s. The Rutledge inn is where Loyalists and Revolutionaries gather, and as the war looms, the suspense builds when a body is found, and then another. Etta’s courage during a turbulent time is amazing as she tries to find the murderer as the war threatens to break apart her family. We care about Etta and are drawn into her life and the lives of those close to her. A wonderful story, and I look forward to continuing to read many more books in this fascinating new series!
April 14, 2022
This excellent new book in the Cape May series from A.M. Reade ranks right up there with classic Revolutionary War historical novels like Johnny Tremain (Esther Forbes, 1943) and My Brother Sam Is Dead (James and Christopher Collier, 1974).
Like those two highly-acclaimed, award-winning novels, A Traitor Among Us transports readers into the world of ordinary people caught between the Colonials and the British. We are immersed in the joys, fears, sorrows and suspense of everyday existence in what can only be an extremely tense situation.
What makes A Traitor Among Us unique in this group of excellent stories is that, finally, the story is being told from a feminine point of view. Unlike the young male heroes in the Forbes and Collier books, author Reade's protagonist is a girl, the daughter of a inn-keeping Quaker family. In addition to all the conflicts of family and revolution, the heroine must also overcome the disadvantages of being a dependent, vulnerable female.
In this fast-paced novel, the world of frontier New Jersey in the 1770's is vivid and the characters' daily lives are rich in detail and emotion. A.M. Reade is a skillled storyteller who has certainly done the research to make the historical novel shine with authenticity and humanity. I would like to see A Traitor Among Us added to student reading lists as regularly as are the Forbes and Collier classics.
Like those two highly-acclaimed, award-winning novels, A Traitor Among Us transports readers into the world of ordinary people caught between the Colonials and the British. We are immersed in the joys, fears, sorrows and suspense of everyday existence in what can only be an extremely tense situation.
What makes A Traitor Among Us unique in this group of excellent stories is that, finally, the story is being told from a feminine point of view. Unlike the young male heroes in the Forbes and Collier books, author Reade's protagonist is a girl, the daughter of a inn-keeping Quaker family. In addition to all the conflicts of family and revolution, the heroine must also overcome the disadvantages of being a dependent, vulnerable female.
In this fast-paced novel, the world of frontier New Jersey in the 1770's is vivid and the characters' daily lives are rich in detail and emotion. A.M. Reade is a skillled storyteller who has certainly done the research to make the historical novel shine with authenticity and humanity. I would like to see A Traitor Among Us added to student reading lists as regularly as are the Forbes and Collier classics.
July 7, 2024
Set in Cape May County New Jersey, A Traitor Among Us is the story of The Rutledge family during the Revolutionary War period. Author Amy Reade tells the tale through the eyes of a teenage girl named Etta. The Rutledges are a hard working Quaker family who make a living through farming and running a country inn. Most nights they open their tavern, where the locals gather to discuss the news of the day.
Tensions are running high as most of the citizens support independence while the minority remain loyal to England. There is tension throughout as Jesse, one of the Rutledge's sons, leans toward the Loyalist point of view while the rest of the family members support the Continental army. Etta and her sister Prissy work extremely hard with their chores at the inn, but can't seem to satisfy their mother. Jesse keeps a secret by harboring a British sympathizer. When the stranger is murdered, lots of people become immediate suspects.
Reade creates suspense throughout. One of the more intriguing parts of the plot for me was the internal struggle many of the characters go through squaring their religious beliefs with what is happening around them. Etta fears that the rest of the family will disown Jesse if they discover where his sympathies lie.
Tensions are running high as most of the citizens support independence while the minority remain loyal to England. There is tension throughout as Jesse, one of the Rutledge's sons, leans toward the Loyalist point of view while the rest of the family members support the Continental army. Etta and her sister Prissy work extremely hard with their chores at the inn, but can't seem to satisfy their mother. Jesse keeps a secret by harboring a British sympathizer. When the stranger is murdered, lots of people become immediate suspects.
Reade creates suspense throughout. One of the more intriguing parts of the plot for me was the internal struggle many of the characters go through squaring their religious beliefs with what is happening around them. Etta fears that the rest of the family will disown Jesse if they discover where his sympathies lie.
May 20, 2022
I enjoyed the first book of author Amy Reade's Cape May Historical Mystery Collection so much, that I began "A Traitor Among Us" with high expectations. I wasn't disappointed! I loved the idea of using a family-run inn and pub in Colonial America to introduce readers to this story and its wide variety of characters. I always enjoy picking up bits and pieces of knowledge when reading historical fiction, so I was immediately drawn into the mindset, work habits, and daily lives of the Rutledge family. From there, it wasn't hard to get hooked into the well-paced plot involving the discovery of a dead body in the barn of this rather peaceable Quaker family. Main character Etta was the perfect narrator while events unfolded as she was a strong, willful young woman who was not afraid to listen at doors in a time period when women were excluded from many conversations. This was an intriguing, suspenseful look at early America that remained true to the time period from beginning to end. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction and/or historical mystery stories.
May 12, 2022
What a well-done historical fiction novel, second in Reade’s Cape May series but does not have to be read in order. A Traitor Among Us is set in Cape May, NJ, during the Revolutionary War and highlights the people who live here; some are Loyalists and follow the King and England, but most are Revolutionaries who believe in a new United States. The main characters are Quakers and believe in non-violence, and yet murder occurs in their own back yard, or in this case, barn. The main character, a young woman who, fitting for the times, has little say as a female, yet she helps solve the murders while keeping her family (and community) safe thanks to her quick thinking and despite all the chores/responsibilities of a woman during that time. I felt like I understood exactly what it was like to live then, and it wasn’t easy! Wonderful writing and research.
June 2, 2022
One of the best parts of historical fiction is the ability to learn something while being entertained by a great story. This was certainly the case with A. M. Reade's latest release, and the second in her Cape May historical mystery series.
I found this to be an immerse novel set during the Revolutionary War, where tension ran high between colonials who remained loyal to Britain, and others who supported the revolution. In the midst of this turmoil, the story features the unique perspective of a Quaker family whose values are shaken in an echo of a fledgling country's growing pains. Factor in a mysterious murder, and you get an unputdownable tale of intrigue. A five-star read, and highly recommended!
I found this to be an immerse novel set during the Revolutionary War, where tension ran high between colonials who remained loyal to Britain, and others who supported the revolution. In the midst of this turmoil, the story features the unique perspective of a Quaker family whose values are shaken in an echo of a fledgling country's growing pains. Factor in a mysterious murder, and you get an unputdownable tale of intrigue. A five-star read, and highly recommended!
October 19, 2024
This book surprised me in a good way. I’ve never read a mystery that took place during the American Revolution and I was interested to see how the clues would develop. At first I was a little worried because it is a slow burn but I think that adds to the charm of it. You really get immersed in the time period. It’s also interesting seeing the Quaker way of life intersect with the politics of the time. I found Etta relatable and she served as a balancer between the two worlds. And her and Prissy’s relationship was so sweet. :) It was a cozy mystery of a different type and worth checking out.
I had the pleasure of meeting the author at an event. She’s really nice and I really enjoyed talking with her about writing and her own experiences.
I had the pleasure of meeting the author at an event. She’s really nice and I really enjoyed talking with her about writing and her own experiences.
April 10, 2023
I was enticed to read this book because Cape May, New Jersey is my favorite place in New Jersey. When visiting there, you step back in time, so I was fascinated by the notion of a story that took place back then. It turned out to be an entertaining tale with a well-thought out storyline and likable characters. My only pet peeve is the author's use of unnecessary words such as 'had'. For example: "I had come for" could read, "I came for". I'm sure that if the author went back into her manuscript and searched all of the 'had' words in it, she could eliminate 90% by re-wording the sentence. I find the use of unnecessary words very distracting.
April 23, 2022
Authentic flavor
Amy Reade has done it again.
This second book in the Cape May series has the same authentic feel as its predecessor. Even more importantly, the plot is complex enough to keep the reader’s interest without distracting from the enjoyment of the time and place in which the story is set.
There are no false notes here. No jarring anachronisms. Everything fits together
A thoroughly enjoyable story.
Amy Reade has done it again.
This second book in the Cape May series has the same authentic feel as its predecessor. Even more importantly, the plot is complex enough to keep the reader’s interest without distracting from the enjoyment of the time and place in which the story is set.
There are no false notes here. No jarring anachronisms. Everything fits together
A thoroughly enjoyable story.
June 27, 2024
Set in northern New Jersey during the Revolutionary War, Antoinetta Rutledge’s family own a farm as well as an inn and tavern. There is a lot of hard work involved and Etta has chores from before sunrise to well after dark. As Quakers, the members of the Rutledge family cannot fight in the war but they can certainly get caught up in the tension between the sympathizers of the two factions. The author’s research on the time and place is quite impressive.
March 11, 2024
Interesting book about a family who r Quakers in 1777. Author from Cape May. This is where the story is set.
July 13, 2024
Great story. I didn’t think I would like that it was written in today’s language, but it makes it a quick and enjoyable read. I didn’t want to put it down!
July 21, 2024
A friend of mine met Amy M. Reade at a writing convention, and, knowing how much I love the AmRev, she recommended that I give this book a try. I was immediately intrigued by the concept, because a murder mystery coupled with the AmRev was already a really cool idea, but also adding in a family of Quakers (who believe in pacifism) seemed like a fun juxtaposition.
I enjoyed Etta, Prissy, and Jesse as characters, and also liked that Reade explored how relationships were often torn apart over whether or not they supported the British. It seems like an easy decision to us now, but back then, it was a charged movement of uncertainty, so I liked that she didn't have her characters shy away from their beliefs.
Overall, both the murder and mystery weren't what I went in expecting, and it had a cute little ending, so if you enjoy historical mysteries with a (mostly) happy ending, I'd say to give this one a try!
I enjoyed Etta, Prissy, and Jesse as characters, and also liked that Reade explored how relationships were often torn apart over whether or not they supported the British. It seems like an easy decision to us now, but back then, it was a charged movement of uncertainty, so I liked that she didn't have her characters shy away from their beliefs.
Overall, both the murder and mystery weren't what I went in expecting, and it had a cute little ending, so if you enjoy historical mysteries with a (mostly) happy ending, I'd say to give this one a try!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews