This started off as one of those books that I was admittedly reluctant to read because - let's be real here, the only thing I knew about Benedict Arnold was that he was a traitor to the United States. Beyond that, I didn't know anything else. History had never been my best subject in school, so I'm pretty sure that anything else about B. Arnold other than his 'smoove moves' went into one ear and out the other. Besides, it was probably during the time that I thought I was hopelessly in love with Joe from two grades up - which meant anything that didn't pertain to him went into one ear and out the other. Anywhoo, let's not get into that particular point in my life. We'll be here forever. 
 I picked out The Traitor's Wife at the local library one day when I was off looking for something to read. I had read everything that was in my collection and needed something new to keep me distracted. I saw this book on the very bottom of the shelf and seeing as how the library had been closing up during this very moment, I snatched it up and took it to the counter without bothering to read what it was about or even whether or not I thought I was going to even like it. The lady at the counter expressed some interest in the book and even made a note to herself to read it once I returned it to the library, but other than that, I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. 
 It's one of those moments in life where Fate kind of takes your hand and guides you where you need to go. In my position, it led me to the book. 
 Suffice it to say, I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. 
 Clara was the perfect character to tell the story. Seeing everything through her eyes led to new perspectives and there were times that I actually forgot I was reading about a real figure in history. The book centered around Clara, a new lady's maid in Peggy Shippen's house. Peggy, who ultimately becomes Peggy Arnold is one of the more interesting characters that I've read in a book so far. She's spoiled rotten, she's temperamental, she's far too clever for comfort - but she's so goddamn enigmatic and larger than life that her personality just seems to leap off the pages of the book and swamps you in its embrace. You can't help but to hate her, and you can't help but to love her. Clara's side in the event that embedded Benedict Arnold into history is so refreshing and so damn believable (at least to me) that I was half-way convinced that her story was actually what had happened and not something completely fictional. 
 That's powerful stuff, Allison. 
 This book was amazing and beautifully written and -- I read it twice before returning it to the library. But now, Allison's next book is out and I'm on a manhunt for it. Look out.