For any fans of historical fiction (especially from the Revolutionary War period) or anyone who likes learning about women who belong in the narrative but never made it, I HIGHLY recommend the book Agent 355 by Marie Benedict. I think it may only be available in audio form and only thru Audible. But if you're a member, it's free.
Agent 355 worked as a spy for the Continental Army, obtaining crucial intelligence that thwarted British efforts to catch the Americans unawares. The author's note at the end explains that we'll likely never know the true identity of Agent 355, but we know that she was a woman and that she played a pivotal role in altering the direction of the Revolution.
The audio is just over 2 hours and can easily be listened to in one sitting. It is a short story that creates a fictitious tale based on actual people and events. There are elements of mystery, suspense, and romance, but it does not delve deeply into any of these facets. Rather, it provides a glimpse into what might have been and piques the reader's interest in learning more.
Listening to this book led me to research a bit about Major John André, head of the British Secret Service. Hamilton fans will appreciate so many familiar names mentioned on André's Wikipedia page. And to me, it paints a very human picture of the inescapable collective pain and grief of war, whether you are the victor or the defeated, and how blurred the lines are that distinguish the good guys from the bad.
