The Secret Road

by Bruce Lancaster

Story of George Washington's Spy Network during the Revolution

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, American Revolution

244 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1940

About the author

Bruce Lancaster was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on August 22, 1896. He served in the U.S. Army along the Mexican border in 1916 and later in France. After the war he returned to school and received a B.A. from Harvard in 1918. He worked in administration and sales for nine years, after which he served in the U.S. Foreign Service as Vice-Consul to Kobe, Japan (1928-1932). Following his return to the United States he became assistant secretary to the board of governors of the Society of New York Hospitals, and began to write the novels which would make him famous. Most of his works are historical novels, including Guns of Burgoyne, Trumpet to Arms, and Blind Journey. He has also written historical non-fiction, such as From Lexington to Liberty (1955).

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decided to read something other than Phoebe Atwood Taylor from my collection and landed on Bruce Lancaster. A historian, he also wrote a number of historical novels set in either the American Revolution or American Civil War periods, often fleshing out little known people or events with fictional dialogue, etc. but fact based. Reading this description over, it sound rather boring but his novels are not. This one is based on the little known intelligence team that worked for George Washington, and a well based “timid” man in New York City at its center. A revealing look at a time when action swirled amongst many actors-patriots and Tories (who at least had loyalties) and partisans who were out for what they could get. So much time has passed from those days, and yet here we are still fighting for America.

[Lanny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because I liked the look of the cover on our anniversary. It gave me Scarlet Pimpernel type vibes. It was ok but not overwhelmingly great.

[Sophie Mintsiveris · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.85 stars) I picked up an old copy of this in the corner of a used bookstore, and if you enjoy revolutionary war historical fiction this is a sweet/lighthearted joy to read. Personally I’m a sucker for a casual romantic subplot with a good ending, so boxes checked, and lots of historical figures and locations are included which gives it a good ethos. It’s not necessarily a revolutionary (pardon the pun) plot/work, - not for you if you’re looking for something very serious or “high art”- but it was very enjoyable for me and I went through it very quickly!
Postscript: there’s a map in the front, so good aesthetics.

[Evan Filby · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual for a Bruce Lancaster novel, the book provides a good mix of action, suspense, and authenticity. I've always found it odd that some people in this country are put off by the thought of "real" espionage -- when, in fact, a supposed "straight arrow" like George Washington considered it vital to fighting the Revolution. Of course, Lancaster is perhaps too "polly-anna" for many modern readers because he doesn't really get down in the dirt the way more hard-edged authors do.

[Jim Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're a fan of Revolutionary War fiction, then this is must-read. Written in 1952, it's a good story about Washington's spy network. The book is populated with a lot of historical figures and a realistic hero. For me, this one came across as incredibly authentic -- true to the time, the story and the characters. The story does drag at times, but even the slow spots come across as necessary caution and natural pauses in a state of war.

[Frannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Told from the guy's point of view. No mushy stuff, no sex, and minimal violence and bad language if any(it is a war story).