One of the best books I've ever read. I majored in American History at Vanderbilt - taught AmerIcan History for several years in high school, have read David McCullough's magnificent bio of John Adams multiple times. I love historical novels - and I felt I was a fly on the wall in every scene. Realistic, engaging, suspenseful and immensely rewarding --- I continue to revisit this book over time, as well as the 2 others in the series. I've read all three several times, but this is my favorite of the three. The character development is spot on - Can't say enough good things about this book! I felt that I had been magically dropped in that world, that time, with those people!