Kindle Edition Amazon Category:  Historical Fiction Publisher: J. R. Lindermuth ISBN-10:  B004E3XCNQ Type: Fiction Pages: 229 Copyright: Nov. 26, 2010 A rogue becomes a hero during the American Revolutionary War Wounded and on the run from the law during the American Revolution, Dandy Dan McCracken is rescued and nursed back to health by the lovely ward of Benedict Arnold’s procurement officer in Philadelphia. McCracken is enamored of the girl, but when her husband returns from the front he flees and falls in with a band of British spies. He switches sides once more as he discovers his conscience as a result of love and his actions—not through choice but circumstance—make him a hero. Excerpt I’ve long held the opinion heroes are made and not born. It has been my experience such was the case with those I met who were elevated to that status and I know with undue certainty it was so in my own case. I never once in my long life entertained ambition to become a hero and never expected fate would cast the opportunity before me. I still don’t consider myself a hero; it was purely an accident and one that, for the most part, I would have preferred to avoid. Yet, the die was cast without my having a word to say about it.

Enjoyable American History
I downloaded the Kindle edition of this book after reading about it on Lindermuth's blog.

I enjoy Lindermuth's work, and this book ranks at the top. The first-person presentation made me feel as if Dan McCracken returned from the 18th century, plunked himself down at my kitchen table and begin telling me his story. The authentic details and language are excellent and Dan's situation--from one misadventure to another--pulled me in.

Dan is a likeable rogue struggling to get by in the upheavals of the American Revolution. That his struggle includes some rather devious plans actually show the timbre opf the times--the do-anything-to-get-by aspect of the early society. Historical information about lifestyle and the politics of the war come through Dan as an accessory to his character, and not in preachy historian style.

That Dan finds his lady-love during all this further embroils him in nefarious and dangerous situations. His change from a fairly self-centered knave to a man of commitment developed smoothly and believably.

If you want some accurate American History with engaging action and characters, The Accidental Spy will fill the bill.