I appreciate the depth of research went into this biography. It is full of pictures and quotes, and the author clearly spared no effort to find every tidbit of information that exists related to Major John Andre. This book is a valuable resource for anyone who would like to know more about the young officer who has been long mourned by his own countrymen and those who captured and executed him alike.

That being said, the author also comes to some strange conclusions based on the strength of feelings and relationships that can really only be guessed at in the Benedict Arnold - Peggy Shippen - John Andre (possible) love triangle. I especially remain curious regarding the conclusion that Benedict Arnold intended for Andre to be captured and killed. Given that Arnold intended to switch sides, why would this be his goal? Because he thought his wife was in love with Andre? There is no evidence that she was or that Arnold believed she was. Arnold lived his remaining life in infamy, a traitor to his country and untrusted by the British. Would he not have been better off had Andre lived? I'm not saying it's not possible, but I don't understand how the author is so certain that this was the case.

He also states with the same certainty that, once captured, Andre sacrificed himself in order to keep suspicion from Peggy. This rings even less true than Arnold's purposely leaving Andre to the enemy. Even if Andre was in love with Peggy, she was under no suspicion and women were not hanged in the Revolutionary War. Again, maybe it's true, but I just don't get there given the evidence available.

(I would love to discuss these topics if anyone else felt differently - hit me up!)

If one looks at the assertions made in this book as possible theories rather than clear truths, it is an enjoyable read with much valuable information on the too-short life of tragic John Andre.

I really enjoyed reading this biography. The author has written a well researched easy to read book about John Andre and Benedict Arnold. Many are familiar with Benedict Arnold but John Andre is not as well known here in the US. Enjoy this historical biography.

Definitely the best among the John André biographies I have read.

The subject seems to have gained some prominence in recent years due to the pop cultural interest in the Culper Ring, but André is just one player in that story and often doesn't get enough attention in the material that crops up around it.

This is my third André biography and it's the best of the lot...far less dry and more complete than previous attempts at capturing the subject's life in print. I especially enjoyed the amount of attention paid to Peggy's role here, as she is often forgotten or under-appreciated in terms of her role in her husband's dealings.

I'm sorry, but I could not open the file on my Kindle Fire. I have no idea why as it opened files before, I'm sure it is a very interesting book (certainly sounds like it). Anyway, I need to write one hundred characters before netgalley will send you my message. I'm just going to cut and paste my previous sentences so you can stop reading

Massively detailed and well researched. At some points its not an easy read because of the level of detail and background information, but this is quite an achievement. Its well written and blows you away with how Ronald gives you the feeling of being there.

I have been deeply interested in John André for several years now. I have read anything and everything I can find on him, from contemporary documents (including his own writings) to later biographies, and of the latter, this one by D.A.B. Ronald is my favourite so far. I appreciate the amount of time he spends on André's early years, which many authors gloss over in order to get to the Revolutionary days. This is a nicely balanced work that takes time to assess what in André's psychology and background led him to make the choices he did. The biography is well researched, and it's clear Ronald is passionate about his subject. This is definitely a book I would like to acquire in hard copy to keep on my shelf as it's a gripping and detailed account of the life of cher Jean.