The Spymistress

By: Jennifer Chiaverini

Narrated by: Christina Moore

Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Chiaverini delights fans by transforming true events into riveting historical fiction.

Set during the Civil War, The Spymistress introduces little-known Elizabeth Van Lew, a Virginia woman who used a vast spy network to steal Confederate secrets for the Union. But her next mission would prove the ultimate test of her mettle: infiltrate the infamous Confederate Libby Prison and orchestrate a daring escape.

©2013 Jennifer Chiaverini (P)2013 Recorded Books

Great Civil War era book!

What made the experience of listening to The Spymistress the most enjoyable?

I really like the narrator's voice. She put a lot of feeling in her voice while reading the book. I've now looked up other books she has narrated.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Spymistress?

I think the most memorable was when the south was beginning to put women into the prisons and how the main characters had to try and work around what the south was doing.

Which character – as performed by Christina Moore – was your favorite?

I really liked the mother's character and then of course the daughter's .

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

I listened to it while on a trip and didn't stop the tape at all. I really enjoyed listening to the story.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Very Good Historical Fiction

Would you listen to The Spymistress again? Why?

Yes - I would wait a while after I have read more Civil War facts and stats. I am sure that there are parts I would pick up the 2nd time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Spymistress?

Probably Lizzy's last encounter with the Libby Prison commandant. However, there are many parts of this book that keep you listening waiting to see what is going to happen next and if she is going to get caught.

What about Christina Moore’s performance did you like?

She did a very good job of giving each character their own unique vocal features and transitioned between them well.

Who was the most memorable character of The Spymistress and why?

Lizzy, who is the focus of the entire book. She is a very intriguing and resourceful character.

Any additional comments?

As a Civil War re-enactor and having read a lot of CW literature, much of the historical portion blends in very well. I was able to relate very well as to what taking place at the time. The authors description of the emotions, events, tragedy and destruction that took place at this time in history of our great country is done very well.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Historical Tale

Nicely told fiction about Civil War and a person's experience. The story keeps you interested,

Shows there is more than one way....

Being a bred and born Southerner, I ate up
Every word of this story. In view of the fact that it was true, it REALLY made an impact!
I chose not to see the imperfections, most of which were pronunciations; there were a few factual errors, which s non-southerner might not catch.( Not everything is documented, you know.)
Great read; thank you for the attention to the "weaker sex's" contribution.
..... As they say in the Deep, Deep South: "Much Obliged."

loved it

really am enjoying all of Jennifer Chiaverini books. This did not disappoint! the narrator is great.

Learned so much!

I'm a history fan and am very familiar with Virginia civil war history, but there were so many interesting details woven into this narrative that I didn't know and found myself Googling often as I read. The narrative suffered a bit through some over telling of history (rather than just focusing on Van Lew) but overall I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this unsung hero of the Union.

While Christina Moore's characterization and reading were fine, her voice was way too elderly-sounding for a main character in her early 40's. She sounded like a woman in her late 60's or early 70's, not an energetic single woman just barely at middle age.