George Washington's Secret Six

The Spy Ring That Saved America

By: Brian Kilmeade, Don Yaeger

Narrated by: Brian Kilmeade

Length: 5 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

From the cohost of Fox & Friends, the true story of the anonymous spies who helped win the Revolutionary War.

Among the pantheon of heroes of the American Revolution, six names are missing. First and foremost, Robert Townsend, an unassuming and respected businessman from Long Island, who spearheaded the spy ring that covertly brought down the British…before they, or anyone else, could discover their names.

Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger finally give Townsend and his fellow spies their proper due, telling the fascinating story of how they passed information to George Washington that turned the tide of the war. Using a network of citizen operatives that included a longshoreman, bartender, newspaper editor, housewife, tailor, and femme fatale, and employing a series of complex codes, the so-called Culper Spy Ring used sophisticated tactics to subvert the British.

Based on previously unpublished research, George Washington's Secret Six is a gripping history of these amazing, anonymous Patriots who risked their lives for our freedom.

©2013 Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"James Bond is a rank amateur compared to the heroic efforts of the Culper Ring. Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger’s work demonstrates why the story of the secret six should be anything but a secret in American history." (Harvey Mackay, author of Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive)

"A rollicking read by Kilmeade and Yaeger, acknowledging a long overdue debt to six American heroes." (Karl Rove)

"We would not have won the Revolution and secured our freedom, were it not for the leadership of George Washington and the courage of the spies he set in motion. George Washington’s Secret Six is a gripping and informative read." (Congressman Pete King, chairman of the Counterterrorism and Intelligence Subcommittee, House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security)

Important History

I did not learn much of what is in this book in school - elementary to college. This should be taught in every school.

Higher Expectations

If you could sum up George Washington's Secret Six in three words, what would they be?

Could be better

Would you be willing to try another book from Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger ? Why or why not?

It would try another book, however, I would hesitate slightly between the audible or printed book.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Since I live in Nathan Hale's backyard, so to speak, in Connecticut, and love early American history, I wanted a bit more than the book offered. I recognized that the research was quite thorough throughout the book. I was not a fan of the style of voice, however, as the reader seemed to be overly-excited while speaking. It seemed as though certain words were being shouted or over emphasized.

Excellent Book!

I had no idea about the history of George Washington and his spies. So fun and interesting!

great book

Bryan isa wonderful narrator however he does read it like a newscast as opposed to an actor. That isthe one an only complaint i have. Fantastic book.

Terrific Historical Account

I had high hopes for this book and it came through, Kilmeade takes his history seriously and he does good research. This is one of a few I have listened to more than once. If you like history but have not yet explored the topic of Washington's spies, you really need to give this a try. The real story of this spy ring is as good as anything that could be made up. You won't regret taking the time to hear this story.

Part of history that isn't taught...but should be

Great history presented in both an enjoyable and interesting way. The outcome of the war, of course, we know, but the suspense in this telling is palpable.

Good, but some liberties taken

It did well on the dates and details and liked his narration... the only thing I don't like is this not a fiction book, but author takes liberties to guess at conversations between lead characters and gets a little wordy in his description of things that don't enhance the details.

Wonderful history!!!

Grateful to all who sacrificed to create this nation under God!! Wonderful telling and great information!!

top notch

absolutely top notch historical writing! excellent content and very easy to read. highly recommend.

Interesting story, terrible narration.

Would you listen to George Washington's Secret Six again? Why?

Yes. The story was interesting and it's interesting to hear about some of America's heroes we know little or nothing about.

What was one of the most memorable moments of George Washington's Secret Six?

The details surrounding the people involved in espionage.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. But I never like to listen to any book all in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

The narrator (also the author) was terrible. He's a great author, terrible narrator. It makes the book hard to listen to. His syntax and annunciation are terrible.