On Secret Service

From the very first page, John Jakes weaves yet another splendid mix of fact and fiction about our great American past. Jakes' unique understanding of the people and the period depicted in his latest classic make this book perhaps his best to date. Beginning in the bustling metropolis of Chicago(pop. 100,000)and the rumors of the southern states seceding from the Union, the author takes you through the many quandries that faced both the high-minded abolitionists and stubbornly independent south. The land is in turmoil and few have any idea of what is coming. If history had been taught like this in classrooms we would all be historians.

I was only in grade school when North and South and the other chapters in Jakes' Civil War trilogy (Love & War and Heaven & Hell) were television events that would draw the older members of my family around the television--like campers around a fire listening to a great storyteller. My memories of plot and characters have since faded, but to the day I have always associated John Jakes with the Civil War. When I saw that Jakes had written a new Civil War novel I was compelled to pick it up. Absolutely epic! Jakes recreated a world that has always fascinated me, and come to think of it - it was Jakes who inspired my interest so many years ago. Detailed down to the smell, Jakes captures lightning bugs of emotion, anguish, tragedy and romance, only to have them released for his readers with the turn of each successive page. Most impressive to me was that even though the story was set on familiar ground, the perspective offered was one I had yet to experience. I am shocked that The Pinkertons and the original Secret Service have had as little historic exposure as they have. I had no idea the NY riots even took place, and watching them unfold was bearing witness to a few clouds of deception being revved up into a hurricane of the darkest human emotion and behavior.Fantastic story! A Must Read! Highly Recommended!

"On Secret Service" is a Fascinating novel on the origins of the Secret Service, which many I am sure do not realize date back to the Civil war. This is more than just a historical novel, it is also a thriller and a very sexy love story! I learned more about the politics behind the Civil war from this book than i ever did in my highschool history class.I also Recomend: "A Tourist in the Yucatan" Very interesting thriller!

I'd never read a John Jakes novel before, but when I saw this in the bookstore I figured it was about time. What a treat! Not only did the characters and story draw me in and keep me turning the pages until way past my bedtime, but the way the history is portrayed is great--so much information woven in so skillfully that you don't even realize what you've learned until you've finished. The machinations of the spies are as devious as Cold War Berlin. The NYC draft riot chapter blew me away. I've lived in New York all my life, and somehow this subject has managed to escape notice--no placques, no commemorations--and no wonder. It is one of the uglier moments in this nation's history. Aside from the historical aspects, this is a thrilling read with lots of exciting action, and a surprisingly sexy love story! I see that his NORTH AND SOUTH trilogy is back in print now--guess I'm going to have to read these too. I really recommend ON SECRET SERVICE. I'm going to give it to my dad for Father's Day!

Having devoured John Jakes's American series, the North and South trilogy and The Crown Family Saga, I couldn't wait to read his latest book, On Secret Service. And this furthur illustrated to me why I consider John Jakes to be one of my favorite historical writers as he once again delivered to me a first rate reading experience.As he has done in his previous books, Jakes introduces us to two fictional characters who are involved with notable and famous people as they embark on adventures and participate in historical events. The book begins in Washington and then we, as readers, witness some of the battles of the Civil War, to the beginnings of the Secret Service. And eventhough we may know the climax of the book, it is getting there that is most fascinating.This is a large book filled with an unforgettable cast of charatcers, during a momentous time in American history. I suggest you have lots of time to read when you begin this book. You won't be able to put it down.