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Cover of MIDNIGHT ON THE POTOMAC
★★★★★
4.26

Based on 709 Goodreads ratings

MIDNIGHT ON THE POTOMAC

by superior resources and persistence, not battlefield victories, so he was not discouraged after a year of bloody stalemate, although Union morale plummeted. Departing from tradition, Ellsworth gives John Wilkes Booth more attention than Abraham Lincoln and Grant. America’s most admired matinee idol, Booth hated Black people and fervently supported the Confederacy. Ellsworth turns up evidence that he secretly met with Confederate agents. No one knows what they discussed, but the idea that Wilkes was carrying out a devilish Confederate plot has never lacked supporters. Despite remaining skeptical, Ellsworth devotes much of his book to the South’s energetic secret service, whose members engaged in espionage, propaganda, and terrorism throughout the Union and Canada. His breathless account takes the service more seriously than most scholars but can’t conceal its mostly ineffectual schemes, among which were plans to kidnap the president. Booth approved and volunteered his services, but by 1865 efforts had fizzled\u003B the Confederacy was on its last legs, but the plot to kill Lincoln, the vice president, and the secretary of state proceeded under Booth’s leadership. Ellsworth tells the familiar story, followed by the victory that the Union greeted ecstatically despite the shadow cast by Lincoln’s assassination. He extols Black freedom yet admits that persistent racism left a shameful pall over American exceptionalism, which lifted somewhat over the following century but is, of course, still with us."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:337
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9780593475

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This gripping political thriller plunges readers into the high-stakes world of Washington D.C. intrigue, where a young intern stumbles upon a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government....

Our Review

This gripping political thriller plunges readers into the high-stakes world of Washington D.C. intrigue, where a young intern stumbles upon a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government. The narrative masterfully blends breakneck pacing with authentic details about Capitol Hill life, creating an immersive experience that feels ripped from tomorrow's headlines. Teen readers will be instantly hooked by the protagonist's relatable voice and the high-concept premise of an ordinary person confronting extraordinary corruption.

What sets this novel apart is its sophisticated handling of complex ethical dilemmas alongside its propulsive plot, making it ideal for young adults who crave substance with their suspense. The author demonstrates a keen understanding of both the allure and the moral ambiguities of political power, offering a story that entertains while provoking thoughtful discussion. For readers fascinated by government, justice, and stories where one person can make a difference, this delivers an unforgettable journey into the heart of American power.

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