Traitor in Williamsburg: A Felicity Mystery

This is one of the best mysteries! The plot is fast and the book is written beautifully. If you have ever visited Colonial Williamsburg, this is a book you must read!

The year is 1776. Ten-year-old Felicity "Lissie" Merriman is in good spirits at the thought of her eleventh birthday quickly approaching. While she doesn't expect much for her special day, she can't help but admire the gorgeous copy of GULLIVER'S TRAVELS sitting in Widow Reed's storefront. The book is everything that Felicity could ever want; and she and her best friend, Elizabeth Cole, can't help but stop by the print shop every day just to admire the handiwork displayed in this lovely piece of literature. Felicity would do anything to own such a beautiful book. But when terror strikes the town of Williamsburg, Felicity's selfish thoughts go straight out the window. Over the years, Fiona McLeod has become one of Felicity's dearest friends. As a Scot, however, Fiona's family is at risk of being named a Loyalist; something that Felicity can't understand. But she's forced to come to terms with it immediately when an unknown source, going by the name of Mr. Puller, begins posting broadsides around Williamsburg, falsely accusing Mr. McLeod of just that. Fiona is terrified, and so is Felicity. But even more so when her very own father decides to stand up for Mr. McLeod in court. Of course Felicity wants to help her friend, but she can't help but think that her very own family may become targets or angry mobs if they defend the McLeod's. Felicity's father, however, thinks nothing of it, and declares that he shall assist Mr. McLeod as much as he possibly can. When Felicity's worst nightmare comes true, however, and Father is accused of helping the British, and being a traitor to the Patriots, Felicity knows that she must do something to help her family's name from being dragged through the mud, and save her Father from the cruelty of their so-called friends and neighbors. But to get to the bottom of the case, Felicity must enlist the help of Ben and Elizabeth, and locate the mysterious Mr. Puller; otherwise her father could be put to trial under false pretenses. When I was growing up, I more often chose to read the Kirsten and Samantha stories. However, since delving into Elizabeth McDavid Jones' PERIL AT KING'S CREEK, Felicity has earned a soft spot in my heart. And now, as she makes a mysterious return in TRAITOR IN WILLIAMSBURG, I am quickly finding myself drawn more and more to her character, and the era she was from. As with PERIL AT KING'S CREEK, McDavid Jones has, once more, penned a tale that is mysterious, and a little spine-tingling. Felicity is spirited and spunky from the get-go. Her loyalty to her friends and family is admirable; while the bravery she displays at every turn of the tale paints her as a heroine you can't help but adore. The facts about printing presses and newspapers that McDavid Jones sprinkles throughout the story are interesting; while the detective work conducted by Felicity, along with Elizabeth, Ben, and Walter leaves the reader on the edge of their seat. This is one mystery you'll find difficult to put down! Erika S

Another outstanding book by one of the best writers of the History Mystery Books published by American Girl about 10-12 years ago. Great to read further adventures about Felicity Merriman, the AG who lived at the time of the American Revolutionary War. Absorbing story that truly helps to understand history in a meaningful way. Also always enjoy a good mystery. Is being read now by my 35 yr old dghtr, who will then read it to my 5 yr old gr dgtr --this book appeals to 3 generations! Wish MY parents were alive to have read it...