Kate Warne is the first female Pinkerton detective and a desperate widow with a knack for manipulation. How could she become a spy in Civil War
America? And, protect President Lincoln from an assassination attempt? This is a true historical fact.
Our Book group discussed many themes in this book. For example, how could Kate, a widow, become a spy with many undercover roles? How could she be a seductress, an exotic foreign medium, a robber or thief? We discussed how she was raised by carnival parents; indeed, Kate’s biggest fear growing up was that she would be forgotten behind as her parents moved on to the next town. She was hired by Pinkerton and became his muse. Of course, Pinkertons wife was jealous. There is underlying love story with a tragic ending, and no, it was not with Mr. Pinkerton. Her love met the fate of many spies during the Civil War.
As we get ready for 2026 and our 250th USA Birthday, it was powerful and educational to read and discuss the tensions between the USA north and south. Don’t miss another book club meeting. We meet the 3rd Wednesday at El Toro Restaurant and our next book is Laurus by Eugene Vodolazkin.
