"Dramatic events of the Civil War are intimately brought to life."

Political intrigue, espionage, assassination, adultery and murder! This savory stew is not cooked up for the film at 11, but is the spicy story of lives entwined in the dramatic events at Shiloh, one of the most important battles of the Civil War.

Gen. Grant, resting his injured ankle near the peaceful village of Shiloh Church, finds himself in the battle of his life. Brilliant maneuvers may have brought him victory at Shiloh, but the arrival of Gen. Halleck threatens his military future. Grant foresees troubled times ahead when two sisters, whose husbands are on opposite sides in the war, are murdered.

Enter Harry Raines, gentleman of Virginia and Union spy. Grant sends Harry through Confederate lines to investigate the murder of the Shiloh sisters. With Tantou, friend and confidante, by his side, Harry sets out to discover the murderer's identity and along the way crosses paths with Louise Devereux.

Is Louis a beautiful actress or a beautiful Confederate spy? Can Harry enlist her help, or is she trying to kill him? Enduring hardships and miles of travel, Harry still needs to find the murderer, discover military installations, clear his name and unlock the mystery of Louise.

This is an intimate look at the Civil War with a focus on the men behind the scenes. The background of the war alone makes this book a fascinating read. Add the hijinks of Harry and Tantou and you have a tour-de-force of mystery and adventure.

Reviewed by Tom Blair
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted December 26, 2003

In his latest adventure, U.S. Secret Service agent Harrison Raines receives an assignment from General Ulysses S. Grant to discover why two civilians-sisters living on opposite sides of the conflict-were murdered.