by Brad Meltzer
First published 2019
George Washington selects an elite group of soldiers to serve as his personal bodyguards in 1776. He places complete trust in these men as tensions mount before the Revolutionary War. Unknown to Washington, several of his guards have joined a secret conspiracy against him. Governor William Tryon of New York and Mayor David Mathews coordinate with the traitorous soldiers to eliminate the Continental Army's commander. The plot unfolds during the most dangerous months of America's fight for independence. Washington faces betrayal from within his inner circle while leading a fragile revolution. The conspiracy involves leaders, liars, counterfeiters, and prisoners who reveal crucial information. Meltzer shows how close America came to losing its most important military leader before the war truly began. The story reveals Washington's character under pressure and traces the early roots of American intelligence operations that would eventually become the CIA.
Genres: historical-fiction, military-fiction, mystery, thriller, action, american-history
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: betrayal, found-family
Setting: New York
Period: 1776
413 pages · Hardcover · Flatiron Books