If you like historical fiction with a hefty dose of intrigue, political maneuvering, and larger-than-life characters, this one's a treat! "The Whiskey Rebels" is set in the gritty, chaotic years just after the American Revolution - a time of fledgling financial systems, bitter feuds, and sweeping social change. The dual-narrative adds extra depth: Ethan Saunders is a delightfully sarcastic rogue whose wit keeps things lively, while Joan Maycott is a sharp, determined woman navigating the frontier's hardships. Fans of early American history, twisty mysteries, and character-driven dramas will find lots to savor here - plus, the parallels to modern financial shenanigans make it feel unexpectedly current.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Not everyone is swept away, though. Some readers found the in-depth financial dealings and political machinations a bit dense or dry, especially if economics isn't your thing. The dual-timeline structure - with two narrators whose stories take a while to converge - can also be confusing at first. A few people struggled with Joan Maycott's character, feeling she was a bit too modern or inconsistent for a woman of her era, while others found certain plot points a little implausible or the pacing slow in patches.

A witty, immersive historical thriller full of colorful characters, high-stakes drama, and fascinating early-American intrigue. Recommended for fans of character-driven stories and historical mysteries - just be ready for some financial complexity along the way!

About:

The Whiskey Rebels by David Liss is a historical thriller set in post-Revolutionary America, focusing on the power struggle between the Jeffersonians and Federalists, particularly revolving around the establishment of the US Bank and the Whiskey Rebellion. The novel weaves together two seemingly unrelated stories that eventually converge, featuring complex characters, intricate financial chicanery, and rich historical detail that brings the era to life with passion and wit.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Ethan and Joan driving the narrative through their distinct yet intersecting stories, showcasing a range of motivations and conflicts.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is fluid and engaging, combining humor with historical detail, and effectively using alternating perspectives to enrich character development.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves together the experiences of a disgraced spy and an ambitious woman against the backdrop of the fledgling American economy, highlighting themes of personal and political conflict.

Setting:

The setting vividly portrays post-Revolutionary America, showcasing the struggles of the new nation against a backdrop of political and economic upheaval.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, with initial slow points that build toward a more thrilling conclusion, keeping the reader engaged throughout.

It was rainy and cold outside, miserable weather, and though I had not left my boardinghouse determined to die, things were now different. After consuming far more than my share of that frontier delic...

Notes:

The Whiskey Rebels is set in the late 1700s after the Revolutionary War.

The story follows two main characters, Ethan Saunders and Joan Maycott, whose narratives alternate throughout the book.

Ethan Saunders is a former spy for the American forces who is accused of treason and spends much of the story as a drunkard.

Joan Maycott is initially presented as a young woman with ambitions to write a great American novel, but her character evolves as the story progresses.

Both characters become involved in a larger political and financial intrigue surrounding the establishment of the Bank of the United States and the controversial whiskey tax.

The book features real historical figures like Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, but focuses primarily on the fictional characters.

The author's portrayal of Joan Maycott sparked some debate among readers regarding the authenticity of her character given societal norms of the time.

The storyline explores the connection between individual ambitions and the broader challenges facing the early American republic.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are some content warnings for violence, social injustices, and themes of betrayal.

Has Romance?

The Whiskey Rebels includes elements of romance, particularly in Ethan Saunders' past relationships and his unrequited love.

From The Publisher:

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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About the Author:

David Liss is the author of The Day of Atonement, The Twelfth Enchantment, The Devil's Company, The Whiskey Rebels, The Ethical Assassin, A Spectacle of Corruption, The Coffee Trader, and A Conspiracy of Paper, winner of the Edgar Award for…

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The Whiskey Rebels

David Liss

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