The Traitor's Wife: The Woman Behind Benedict Arnold and the Plan to Betray America

A riveting historical novel about Peggy Shippen Arnold, the cunning wife of Benedict Arnold and mastermind behind America's most infamous act of treason...Everyone knows Benedict Arnold--the Revolutionary War general who betrayed America and fled to the British--as history's most notorious turncoat. Many know Arnold's co-conspirator, Major John André, who was apprehended with Arnold's documents in his boots and hanged at the orders of General George Washington. But few know of the integral third character in the plot: a charming young woman who not only contributed to the betrayal but orchestrated it. Socialite Peggy Shippen is half Benedict Arnold's age when she seduces the war hero during his stint as military commander of Philadelphia. Blinded by his young bride's beauty and wit, Arnold does not realize that she harbors a secret: loyalty to the British. Nor does he know that she hides a past romance with the handsome British spy John André. Peggy watches as her husband, crippled from battle wounds and in debt from years of service to the colonies, grows ever more disillusioned with his hero, Washington, and the American cause. Together with her former love and her disaffected husband, Peggy hatches the plot to deliver West Point to the British and, in exchange, win fame and fortune for herself and Arnold. Told from the perspective of Peggy's maid, whose faith in the new nation inspires her to intervene in her mistress's affairs even when it could cost her everything, The Traitor's Wife brings these infamous figures to life, illuminating the sordid details and the love triangle that nearly destroyed the American fight for freedom.

Author: Allison Pataki
Publisher: Howard Books
Published: 02/11/2014
Pages: 496
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.50w x 1.40d
ISBN: 9781476738604


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 11/25/2013
Kirkus Reviews 12/15/2013
Romantic Times 02/01/2014 pg. 54 - Excellent
CBA Retailers 02/01/2014 pg. 27
Best of the Year 01/01/2015 pg. 1

About the Author
Allison Pataki is the New York Times bestselling author of five adult fiction novels, one nonfiction memoir, and two children's books, Nelly Takes New York and Poppy Takes Paris. Allison's books have been translated into more than twenty languages. A former news writer and producer, Allison graduated cum laude from Yale University with a major in English. An avid traveler and reader, Allison lives in New York with her husband, children, and rescue pup. To learn more and connect with Allison, please visit AllisonPataki.com.