Stealing Secrets: How a Few Daring Women Deceived Generals, Impacted Battles, and Altered the Course of the Civil War

The clever, devious, daring women who helped turn the tides of the Civil War

During America's most divisive war, both the Union and Confederacy took advantage of brave and courageous women willing to adventurously support their causes. These female spies of the Civil War participated in the world's second-oldest profession -- spying -- a profession perilous in the extreme. The tales of female spies are filled with suspense, bravery, treachery, and trickery. They took enormous risks and achieved remarkable results -- often in ways men could not do. These are the bold, untold stories of women shaping our very nation. Stepping out of line and into battle, these women faced clandestine missions, treason, and death, all because of their passionate commitment to their cause.

These are the unknown Civil War stories you need to hear.

As stated on the grave marker of Union spy Elizabeth Van Lew:

"She risked everything that is dear to man -- friends, fortune, comfort, health, life itself."

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In this breezy overview of 36 women who spied for the Confederacy and the Union, Winkler (Lincoln's Ladies) tells "stories of women spies...filled with suspense and seduction, treachery and trickery, romance and bravery." Divided into chapters on each woman, Winkler finds his heroines equally appealing, no matter what side they spied for. He strongly sympathizes with Mary Surratt, who became the first woman executed by the U.S. government; although many female spies were caught, their gender saved them (it was not considered moral to hang women) . Winkler argues that Surratt "was not a spy and played no role on the night of Lincoln's assassination," but was hanged, along with three male collaborators of John Wilkes Booth, "primarily because of the dogged determination, vindictiveness, and unforgiving actions of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton." Winkler also includes an account of Harriet Tubman's services organizing slaves into a guerilla force behind enemy lines, but most of his stories are in a lighter vein, showing women using their charms to wheedle secrets from officers and soldiers. Although Winkler could have delved more deeply into gender issues in the 19th century, this effort entertains.
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"The reader will buy into the fact that truth is stranger than fiction." -- New York Journal of Books

"Stealing Secrets is an attractive volume that is well presented and written. Its accessibility of subject matter and style should ensure that it appeals to a wide audience, ranging from those who are interested in the course of the American Civil War to those who are intrigued by any works to do with espionage and the role of women in conflict." -- Bookpleasures.com

"Winkler tells the stories as historically accurate but easy enough for anyone to read even if you don't know that much about the Civil War. But there is enough context and historical information to make it interesting to those who are very interested in matters of the Civil War. " -- Simply Stacie

"Stealing Secrets offers up stories that Ian Fleming would have been proud to write. Winkler fills the pages with intrigue, romance, double-dealing, daring nighttime escapes and bold daylight heroics." -- Internet Review of Books

"A lively addendum to Civil War collections." -- Library Journal

"The book, Winkler's fourth, is another winner. It's comprehensive, covering women who were famous and obscure, served on both sides of the conflict, and were from society's highest circles and humble backgrounds. It's chock-full of information, including anecdotes and trivia, is written in Winkler's highly readable style, and is very nicely illustrated. The cover is gorgeous." -- Farmville Herald

"The book was well done with enough interesting side notes to make the lengthy tome worth reading. Winkler's research, descriptions and detail with an eye for accuracy make "Stealing Secrets" interesting and lively." -- Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier

"Lively and laced with sometimes astonishing switchbacks." -- American History

"This book is extremely well-researched and is a wonderful compilation of biographies that highlight the important and daring work of these brave women. It is a worthwhile contribution to Civil War spying scholarship." -- Civil War News

"A fascinating read that opens new insights into the secret world behind the military operations, WInkler's treatise is first rate and enjoyable." -- Cannonball

"Told with personality and pizzazz, author H. Donald Winkler uses primary Civil War sources such as memoirs, journals, letters, and newspaper articles, plus the latest in scholarly research, to make these incredible stories come alive." -- Night Owl Reviews

"You do not need to be a history buff or an expert in the Civil War expert to understand and appreciate the contributions that these women made. You too will be amazed at everything that they did to further their cause!" -- Dad of Divas

"Historian and author, H. Donald Winkler has turned his remarkable research abilities on the topic of female spies during the Civil War. The result is his highly entertaining book, Stealing Secrets." -- Examiner.com

"Stealing Secrets" by H. Donald Winkler is a fascinating look at the under-explored world of female espionage during the Civil War. This is a wonderful addition to the bookcases of Civil War fans, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys reading about people facing danger and intrigue." -- Night Owl Reviews

"It is comprehensive on the lives of the women who aided in the war, and who they assisted during that time. It's an inspirational read for young woman, and women's studies students, who could respect strong-willed