Pages

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Audible Book Review: Agent 355 by Marie Benedict

I liked this historical short based on true events.
Agent 355
By: Marie Benedict
Narrated by: Emily Rankin
Agent 355 audiobook cover art
Length: 2 hrs and 7 mins
Original Recording Audiobook
Release date: 07-02-20
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Original
Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.


About This Audible Original
From Marie Benedict, best-selling author of The Only Woman in the Room and Lady Clementine, comes a captivating work of historical fiction about a young female spy who may have changed the course of American History.
The tide is turning against the colonists in the Revolutionary War, and 18-year-old Elizabeth Morris cannot sit by idly. Quietly disdainful of her Tory parents, who drag her along to society events and welcome a British soldier into their home during their occupation of New York City, Elizabeth decides to take matters into her own hands. She realizes that, as a young woman, no one around her believes that she can comprehend the profound implications of being a nation at war - she is, effectively, invisible. And she can use this invisibility to her advantage. Her unique access to British society leads her to a role with General George Washington's own network of spies: the Culper Ring.
Based on true events, Agent 355 combines adventure, romance, and espionage to bring to life this little-known story of a hero who risked her life to fight for freedom against all odds.
©2020 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.


Review:
Elizabeth lives with her parents who want her to appear properly in society and seek an appropriate betrothal. But Elizabeth isn’t interested in marriage, especially not to a red-coated British soldier. When Elizabeth hears some careless talk among the soldiers, she wonders how she can share that information to the benefit of the revolutionaries. Fortunately, a local merchant recently rescued Elizabeth from a pushy soldier at one of the society dances. She decides to approach him and thus begins a secret spy ring and a developing romance. Although Elizabeth faces danger, she is intent on helping George Washington and those seeking freedom even if it risks her newfound romance.

I was not aware of the historical records about Agent 355, a female spy who helped uncover the betrayal of Benedict Arnold. This is a fictionalized story as no one knows the true identity of the female agent but the author weaves a creative and mostly believable scenario. The romance is gentle and the danger builds in an emotional plot. Ms. Benedict’s passion is showing the impact unknown heroines have had on historical events. I would gladly read more of her historical books.

Audio Notes:
Emily Rankin does a fine job with the narration. She provides suitable voices and accents. The audio moves along smoothly and quickly. I am glad I had the opportunity to listen to this Audible Original.

Source: July 2020 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goal.

1 comment:

  1. Oh this sounds good. I am loving stories steeped in the history of this time period. I recently devoured The Tory on audio and it was brilliant. Adding this to my list!

    ReplyDelete

Your comments are always appreciated!