"Once again, Chris Bohjalian has written a gripping and compassionate novel that will keep readers glued to their seats. Having read sixteen of this author's books, I think that this is one of his best.

Inspired by the story of real people in history the author beautifully paints with his words the scenery of life during the Civil War. A time when men and boys went off to war and women were left at home to keep their farms and businesses running. For the main character, Libby, it was a time when her neighbors became her enemy, and her enemy became her ally. This is a tense and suspenseful book with unforgettable characters. Historical fiction lovers who are searching for a compelling Civil War story will definitely enjoy this book. I sure did.

My sincere thanks to Book Browse, NetGalley, and the publisher for sending me a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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"It is 1864 in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Twenty-four-year-old Libby Steadman's husband, Peter, is a Confederate soldier who was captured and sent to a Union prison. Once his letters stopped coming, Libby accepted the strong possibility that Peter had died. Before the war began, Peter freed all his family's slaves, and while all those newly freed left, an older couple, Joseph and Sally, chose to remain on the property and work for wages. Once the war began, Peter's 12-year-old niece Jubilee came to live with Libby. During a nearby battle, Union Captain Jonathan Weybridge loses a leg and is left by his troops when he nears death. When Weybridge is discovered, Libby refuses to let him die and brings him to her home, putting everyone in great danger. Weymouth, a college professor from Vermont, proves to be more than the "jackal" Jubilee has started calling him. With Mosby’s Rangers, a group of Confederate renegades, first threatening Libby and then searching for the Union Captain, the lines between who is truly the enemy become blurred.

The book explains the term "mistress bullet," which was the bullet soldiers saved for themselves to use when all hope was lost, providing a dignified death.

Chris Bohjalian wrote The Jackal's Mistress after being inspired by the true story of a Virginia woman who saved a Union officer. Although Libby and Jonathan are fictional, the novel captures the bravery and humanity involved. All the characters in this book are exceptionally well crafted. I strongly recommend reading this captivating story, especially if you are interested in books about the Civil War.

4.5 stars.

Review posted on ."

"Gripping, wonderfully written, well thought out, and hard to put down, Chris Bohjalian delivered a powerful and moving book with The Jackal's Mistress. I loved the writing, the vivid descriptions, the characters, the tension, and the dread. This book is set during the later stages of the Civil War and shows both the good and bad sides of humanity.

Virginia, 1864

Libby Steadman is barely holding things together while her husband is off fighting for the Confederate Army. She fears her husband dead but carries on with the help of Jubilee, her niece, two freed slaves, Joseph and Sally. They work the land to provide for not only themselves but for the confederate army. Then one day, she finds Captain Jonathan Weybridge of the Union army, badly injured and clinging to death. She is left with a HUGE decision to make. What a choice to have to make. To make a decision/choice about the life of someone she has never met or had an issue with. But a decision is what she must make, and it will have long lasting consequences.

This was such a wonderful book about choices, humanity, friendship, love, family, found-family, trust, survival, and resiliency. I found this book to be moving, riveting, and hard to put down. With Chris Bohjalian's wonderful writing and research, I was transported to the Shenandoah Valley, in a time and place ravaged by war. I became a silent observer, feeling for all the characters. I felt for their despair, not knowing if a loved one was alive or dead, not knowing who to trust, not knowing if this would be your last day, and not knowing how your choices would affect not only your life but the lives of others.

Beautifully written, moving, atmospheric, and hard to put down!


*The Jackal's Mistress was inspired by a real life friendship. Be sure to read the Author's note at the end of the book.

Thank you to Doubleday Books | Doubleday NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at 📖
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