Assessment:

Plot: The pace is a bit slow; the minute details of the trial can overwhelm the descriptions of the era, various locations, and personalities. Even the battle descriptions are lacking in a degree of excitement and immediacy.

Prose/Style: The prose is somewhat dry and repetitive, and the stilted language of military officers, lawyers, and the overall courtroom sounds as though it could be placed in any era.

Originality: There are a fair number of books associated with the Revolutionary War and its heroes/villains, particularly Benedict Arnold. However, this take on the capture of Arnold, rather than his escape, and the ensuing trial, is more unique than other stories.

Character Development: Because the characters are in formal situations, their speaking styles feel too similar and their behaviors feel predictable. Two of the most successful characters are Joshua, the lawyer, and Amy, his lover, who possess far more dimension than the other players.

Blurb: Revolutionary war buffs who appreciate finely detailed trial proceedings will find this to be an intriguing angle on history's most infamous traitor.

Date Submitted: August 26, 2019