"Vivid Civil War story!"

This first book of the Jessica Radford trilogy is an exciting historical novel about the turbulent days along the Kansas-Missouri border during the Civil War. The main character is Jessica Radford, a woman ahead of her time. She's educated, courageous, independent and strong. As the story unfolds, Jessica is faced with the tragedy of losing her parents to murderous border ruffians and is worried about the unknown fate of Nellie, a freed slave who came to live with them one cold winter's night by way of the Underground Railroad. She's determined to see that justice is done, so after she buries her parents, Jessica sets out to find Nellie and bring her parent's killer, someone she's crossed paths with before, to justice.

Mr. Mach has done an excellent job developing the many rich characters in this story. They weave in and out easily with the always-present Sissy, who brings them together and connects the many storylines. Sissy appears as a mystery and ends up guiding and protecting those she comes in contact with.

This intriguing story was hard to put down. Each chapter is filled with vivid descriptions of what life was like during the Civil War. It brings to life the turmoil of Bleeding Kansas, slavery, emancipation, the Underground Railroad and Quantrill's vicious raid on Lawrence, Kansas. As book one closes, the reader is left with the anticipation of what characters will continue throughout the trilogy and what new adventures Jessica faces. And also, will Sissy be among them? I can't wait to read the other stories in this series!

Reviewed by Jory Reedy
Posted April 14, 2004

Summary

Sissy! is a novel set in 1862-1863 and deals with Jessica Radford's revengeful fury when her parents are murdered by a brutal slave catcher. Disguised later as a male soldier on a Tennessee battleground of the Civil War, Jessica is about to kill the wrong man. But she is challenged when she confronts Sissy, a guardian angel of a slave girl the Radford family had adopted. This is a story of compassion and forgiveness during an incredible era of hatred and violence. Sissy! is also the story of two male slaves who hunger for freedom and one free black man who still feels the pain and torment of all other slaves who are still being denied their freedom. Sissy! brings the reader into the hearts and minds of people who shaped Kansas history—and the history of this country...people like James Lane, Colonel Martin, General Rosecrans, ...newspapermen like John Speer, who was not afraid to tell the ugly truth about slavery... unknown heroes who worked through the Underground Railroad...brave women who disguised themselves in order to fight alongside soldiers... and men like William Quantrill, who thought nothing of committing terrorism on a defenseless town. The reader of Sissy! will feel the heartbreak and tenacity of the men and experience the courage and sacrifice of the women of that bygone era.