America, 1787. Ethan Saunders, once among General Washington’s most valued spies, is living in disgrace after an accusation of treason cost him his reputation. But an opportunity for redemption comes calling when Saunders’s old enemy, Alexander Hamilton, draws him into a struggle with bitter rival Thomas Jefferson over the creation of the Bank of the United States.
Meanwhile, on the western Pennsylvania frontier, Joan Maycott and her husband, a Revolutionary War veteran, hope for a better life and a chance for prosperity. But the Maycotts’ success on an isolated frontier attracts the brutal attention of men who threaten to destroy them.
As their causes intertwine, Joan and Saunders–both patriots in their own way–find themselves on opposing sides of a plot that could tear apart a fragile new nation.
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"I really enjoyed this historical page-turner. Liss uses a great blend of fact and fiction and colorful characters to tell this story of America as a new country. I loved how much of America's early history and the questions of what sort of government we will have still resonate today. I also loved how deeply flawed and complex the two main characters were. It was fascinating the way the author brought to life real historical figures like Alexander Hamilton and George Washington. Oddly, there is a note at the end that says he had to cut Thomas Jefferson from the narrative - not sure the reason for that, maybe his estate objected to the way he was characterized? Still a great read, even without TJ."
— Claudia (4 out of 5 stars)
“Liss delivers a portrait of post-colonial Philadelphia and New York, as well as the western frontier, that is convincing and acutely detailed.”
— Houston Chronicle“The Whiskey Rebels is that increasingly rare find—a book that’s a truly satisfying read…[Liss is] a skilled storyteller, creating compelling characters and an absorbing narrative…Saunders is a likeable hero, with enough flaws to make him truly appealing.”
— Free Lance-Star“Marvelous…Educational, entertaining, and thoughtful…A fabulous new work of historical fiction…What distinguished Liss’s first three novels in the suspense genre was the literary quality of his stories and prose. This quality is even more evident in [this book]…Liss possesses talent that cannot be denied.”
— San Antonio Express-News“[The Whiskey Rebels] will give you an entertaining, detailed historical perspective on greed, financial mismanagement, and political bungling.”
— Contra Costa Times“A raucous mix of historical fiction and action-adventure thriller…Like all of Liss’s novels, this one has a remarkably complex plot…Rich in fascinating detail.”
— Booklist“Liss deftly ties together two elaborate plots, displaying his familiarity with eighteenth-century financial history, and offers a fascinating look at the factions vying for power in the early years of this country’s existence.”
— BookPage“Liss does a remarkable job of capturing the early days of the republic, the excitement of building a country from the ground up, as well as the underlying fear that the experiment might just as easily fail as succeed. The plot twists will keep readers turning the pages, but the lovely prose and finely drawn, sympathetic characters—intelligent, passionate Joan Maycott, especially—will make them want to slow down and savor the book.”
— RT Book Reviews (4½ stars)" I really enjoyed this. The book covers a time-period just post-revolution. It takes place in Philadelphia, New York, and the PA frontier, involving the use of whiskey as currency, and the beginnings of the Bank of the United States. There is a lot of discussion about speculation, and the stock market. I found that a bit convoluted, but still fascinating. Memorable characters, lots of action. I highly recommend. "
— Miss, 2/11/2014" Historical fiction Not a great book but an engaging story. Set in the years Geo Washington was president. Paints a picture of the West (at that time--Western Pennsylvania) that was truly brutal. Before reading this book, I hadn't realized how vulnerable early America was an a forming democracy. "
— Drew, 2/8/2014" I like Liss, but this was not his best. "
— Dave, 2/5/2014" No wonder this country and our financial system is what it is today "
— Grace, 2/5/2014" I really enjoy David Liss' historical fiction. He uses rough worldly characters to render tales of finance and politics compelling. This one focuses on Post revolutionary America and the lead up to the Whiskey Rebellion. He uses the contrasting narratives of Ethan Saunders, a fallen revolutionary spy/hero and Joan Maycott, a woman widowed on the Pennsylvania frontier to weave a tale of suspense and intrigue. I think the one fault I find with Liss is that while his good guys are drawn with nuance - conflicts of conscience, substance abuse, etc.. the bad guys are shown no sympathy. They are black hearted villians with no glimmer of redemptive quality. It makes for east resolution - no qualms when they meet a bad end, but not much depth to the narrative. OVerall a good ride with some great characters and insights into an interesting period in the development of our nation. "
— Aguess, 1/31/2014" Includes good information about the beginning of the national bank and treasury department mixed into an interesting story. "
— Brian, 1/20/2014" Super fun and interesting book. You have to suspend reality for some of the fictional plot developments, but the main characters were entertaining and, overall, it was just a fun book to read. My only warning is that people who have no interest in financial markets might not enjoy this book as much. "
— Christine, 1/13/2014" Perfect mix of history and fiction. "
— MeLisa, 12/29/2013" I was thoroughly enjoying this book and then the ending left me flat. Too much violence and a sense of futility. "
— Jamie, 12/25/2013" Very interesting and educational story about the Whiskey Rebellion and the beginning of the US government. I wasn't entirely clear what happened at the very end--maybe I read it too fast. "
— Sanna, 12/19/2013" i've liked all of david liss' other books but i lost interest in this one about halfway through. "
— Jeanne, 12/3/2013" Really entertaining and informative. An episode of American history I didn't know about. While I was reading it, a book came across my desk about the Whiskey Rebellion written and published a year or so after the event. Plate of shrimp? "
— Jennifer, 11/29/2013" Great Read !Historial Fiction . Interesting time in US history. "
— Kevin, 10/20/2013" Really enjoyed the audiobook .. Very well done "
— Kyle, 9/30/2013" Not a terrible book, I just could not get into it. Only got through about 50 pages in a month, so I finally gave up and returned it to the library. "
— Allison, 12/12/2012" ...loads of history... I cared about the characters. I like the format with the back and forth between their stories and the way they ended up intertwined. It finished up a bit too quickly, neat, and tidy and for my tastes. It will stick with me. Would def. recommend! "
— Lillian, 12/9/2012" I found my new favorite Historical Fiction writer! Fast-paced plots, adorable and sneaky characters. It's not any book that can make me bite my nails and get anxious about post-American Revolution economic experiments and bank stock market scandals. "
— Kirsten, 8/10/2012" "There were days when my enemies ate and slept and prospered and advanced their goals, while I did nothing, and in doing nothing I aided them, for that is how it is when faced with evil men. One must either resist or, in varying degrees, collaborate. " "
— Dorothy, 7/7/2012" Good historical fiction. Lots of info on economics after the Revolutionary War. "
— Debbie, 3/24/2012" Very interesting book about some aspects of the American Revolution I wasn't aware of. The book is a little hard to get into, but stick with it.Once I got into it, it was fascinating. "
— Karen, 10/12/2011" The Whiskey Rebels is set in Philadelphia in the time of Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, et al and in western Pennsylvania. I wish there was a sequel. "
— Donna, 10/6/2011" Set in post Revolution U.S.<br/>Great character development and a very good read.<br/>Thanks to my nephew, Josh, for passing this one on. "
— Phil, 6/27/2011" The story was well-written, the characters well developed and their backstories believable. I really enjoyed it. "
— Julia, 6/7/2011" Some knowledge of stock trading is helpful. <br/> <br/>Picked up speed in second half. <br/> <br/>Switches back and forth between Joan Maycott's (outspoken woman who is married to a war veteran) point of view and Captain Saunder's (disgraced spy). "
— Shannon, 6/7/2011" I fell in love with Ethan Saunders from the first chapter. He was such a scoundrel, but he pulled himself together through the course of the story quite admirably and still with an air of charming irreverence. <br/> <br/>Hopefully, he'll be the star of a future Liss novel. "
— AmyFlo, 6/6/2011" This book provides a look at a time in history I knew little about. The characters are interesting and draw you in. But I felt it went on a bit too long. A good read, if not a great one. "
— Ginny, 5/31/2011" Another example why I love reading historical fiction "
— K, 5/29/2011" What a crazy time in our history. Too bad they don't teach this type of stuff in our history classes, sure is more interesting. An enjoyable audio book with good character development, some insight into the struggles of a new republic and a fun story line. "
— Mark, 5/18/2011" I got this book for free when I bought my first Sony eReader. I loved it! "
— Cristiana, 5/1/2011" Bar Book Club's May selection. Set in Philadelphia after the Revolutionary War. This was a huge hit with the Bar Book Club. I could not get into it and after 3/4 of the book gave up. "
— Margaret, 4/25/2011" Again with the historical fiction I so enjoy, I really liked this book and found it a learning experience as well as a good story. "
— Boo, 4/12/2011" listening to this one. loving it "
— Valerie, 4/10/2011" Labored through this one for book club. A tedious but somewhat interesting account of the Whiskey Rebellion and life on the western Pennsylvania frontier. "
— Lyn, 3/28/2011" This is a fabulous book. Exciting, intriguing, fast paced--can't put it down. I recommend it highly. "
— Elizabeth, 3/16/2011" Author is fun. Quick wit. Love American history "
— Laura, 3/10/2011" Very interesting and educational story about the Whiskey Rebellion and the beginning of the US government. I wasn't entirely clear what happened at the very end--maybe I read it too fast. "
— Sanna, 3/3/2011" kinda dis-jointed and repetitive... the time line jumps around a bit, and it takes till about halfway through the book to really get to the point. "
— Katy, 2/22/2011David Liss is the author six novels, most recently The Devil’s Company. He has several bestselling novels, including, A Conspiracy of Paper, winner of the 2000 Edgar Award for Best First Novel, The Coffee Trader, A Spectacle of Corruption, The Ethical Assassin, and The Whiskey Rebels. In 2008, at the United Nations Convention against Corruption in Bali, Indonesia, he was named an Artist for Integrity by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. No one is really sure why he should receive this honor or what it means, but it very possibly makes him the Bono of historical fiction. David Liss’ novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages. He lives in San Antonio with his wife and children.
Christopher Lane is an award-winning actor, director, and narrator. He has been awarded the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration several times and has won numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards.