The tang of gun powder in the air, the echo of cannons bouncing off the hills, the cry of men as they fall to the ground. I enjoy learning about the Civil War and yet I have read very few books on the topic. This book demands your attention from the first sentence. The way in which some men behave during war is truly horrifying. Just because an opportunity lays before you does not mean it is yours for the taking. Chris Bohjalian captured Virginia in 1864. The anxiety that courses through the character's blood, the constant scanning of the horizon, always being on guard. I loved that The Jackal was a Green Mountain Boy. You know I am a sucker for Vermont, it helps that Chris Bohjalian is a local author here!

Libby Steadman's is running her husband's gristmill. It is backbreaking work, but someone must get the flour out to the military. Her husband is fighting for the Confederate Army and last she heard he was taken prisoner. Libby, her young niece, Jubilee, and two freed slaves, Alice and Joseph, all live on the property. Depend on one another and listen to what the other has to say. When Union Solider Captain Jonathan Weybridge is left in an abandoned house, with one leg missing and a few of his left fingers blown to smithereens. Alice hears a man's cry, and they go back to see if there is someone hurt. What they discover is a man in desperate need of help. Will they be able to get him the help he needs since they are in Rebel territory and not get themselves killed in the process?

I loved every single one of the characters. They added depth, wisdom, unique thoughts due to the way they grew up. Jubilee was my favorite; she is spunky and does not let anything stop her from speaking her mind. Libby is someone you do not want to take on. She demands your respect; she too is young, spunky and wishes she could hear her husband's voice. Jonathan always the professor is wise beyond his years. Joseph and Alice both added depth to this book. Making you think outside the normal Civil War read. Thank you to Chris Bohjalian and Doubleday for my gifted copy.

First time reading this author and I must say I enjoyed it! It was a slow burn, not necessarily boring, but a simple plot with slow pacing. It however works though. I really haven’t read much about the civil war, so the history of it was a learning experience too. I enjoyed the characters and there were a few events they were shocking that I really liked. Most books don’t do that, so that was refreshing. I really liked the ending as well and the authors notes of his research. Will definitely recommend and look forward to reading another of his books! Thanks to Netgalley for an early read!

The author put an amazing amount of research into this Civil War romance that captured my attention right from the start. The characters were well developed expressing all their thoughts and feelings freely with each other. They created a strong bond as they cared for the wounded Union soldier and nursed him back to life disregarding which side of the war he was on. Their freed slaves became part of the family as they worked the gristmill This is an emotional story as lives were lost, life threatening risks taken as they tried to move forward after the war and find out what happened to their loved ones. Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for an advanced eGalley of the book. All opinions expressed are my own. #TheJackal’sMistress #ChrisBohjalian #NetGalley

Set during the Civil War 1864 in Virginia, Libby Steadman is left to run the gristmill while her husband is away in a war camp. She has her young niece and two freed slaves to help her manage everything. They find a wounded yankee soldiers and decide to nurse him back to health despite risking their lives to do so. What transpires is a real life friendship across enemy lines.

I loved Libby and she is a strong female character. Her 12 year old niece Jubilee was sassy and great character as well. This is based on real people and I always like learning more about a time in history. I don’t know if I’ve read a Civil War story before but it was interesting. I love Chris Bohjalian books and was happy to get an arc for review. Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher.

Thank you to the author, Doubleday Books and PRHAudio for the #gifted book and audiobook.

This historical novel set against the backdrop of the Civil War is absolutely stunning.

At the heart of the story lies the remarkable and unlikely friendship between a Union soldier, Captain Jonathan Weybridge, and a Confederate woman, Libby Steadman. Rooted in true events, the narrative powerfully explores the profound struggles of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

With its compelling storytelling and beautifully crafted prose, this novel draws you in from the very first page. Chris Bohjalian’s masterful storytelling shines as he vividly illustrates the far-reaching effects of war on both the soldiers and those left behind. The detailed research behind this book is truly impressive, and the characters, especially Libby and Jonathan, are layered with complexity and emotional depth. I was particularly enchanted by Libby’s spirited teenage niece, Jubilee, whose boldness adds a delightful dimension to the tale.

The narrator's performance brings the characters to life in an unforgettable way, enhancing the emotional stakes of the story. Jubilee, with her fearless attitude, truly stood out as a favorite.

For anyone who appreciates rich, evocative writing—all wrapped in a historical fiction package with a touch of romance—this book is an absolute must-read. You won’t want to miss it!

A solid 4.5 Stars, rounded up to 5. I love the historical fiction genre. I love the research involved in creating a broad and profound adventure that combines authentic life events with well-developed characters. This book has it all.

I love that this genre takes the reader to a place and time that now only lives in history. This Civil War based novel tells the story of a little known battle fought in Berryville, Virginia, and it does not disappoint!!! The pacing of the story is nearly perfect in its balance between description and character dialogue. I found myself devouring this novel, and I truly loved every minute of it. It’s my first of Chris Bohjalian’s books, but it definitely will not be my last.

Thank you to author, Chris Bohjalian; Publisher, Doubleday; and Netgalley for honoring me with the ARC of this wonderful novel in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are wholly my own. It is due to be published on 3/11/25. Get it!! I promise you’ll enjoy it!

** spoiler alert ** Bohjalian is a great storyteller, and he does his research - I was an international cabin crew member when I first read The Flight Attendant (funny enough, someone left it on the plane), and I thought the novel was written by a colleague or at least someone who worked in the industry in some capacity - so good were the details and the minutia of that life that he managed to capture.

I can't judge the accuracy of the Civil War depiction with the same (or any) level of expertise, but in the afterword, Bohjalian mentions that the novel is based on a real story and lists the resources and experts that helped him bring it to life.

The novel is a quick read once you get past the slow-ish start (maybe it was just my indifference to the war/battle descriptions). I loved the characters and enjoyed the pace and progression of the story.

The only thing that rubbed me the wrong way is that we don't really hear anything about Joseph in the end - how he fared once the group got to the Yankee side of the war. There is a line that Jubilee says to the Captain, asking him about the fact that even his side is not treating the African-Americans as equals while fighting for their freedom. Weybridge does not have a good answer to it. Omitting Joseph's story resolution feels like both a confirmation of that lack of equity and a strange choice on the author's part.

Another great read from Bohjalian - both if you like his storytelling style specifically and if you are not familiar with it but enjoy historical fiction in general.

Thank you, NetGalley and Doubleday Books, for sharing an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

A compelling and captivating story in a time when communication could take weeks or months, injury most often resulted in death, and trusting the wrong person could be the difference between this life and the next.

Chris Bohjalian is a master story teller and this time he takes us to 1864 in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War where households have been turned upside down, those left behind live in fear as they struggle to survive every day. Who can be trusted? Do you have enough supplies to survive, defend, and protect yourself? We all know how the war ends but to understand the impact and fate of the Jackal, Libby Steadman, and the other folks in this valley you will have to read until the very last page.

I was extremely hesitant to pick this up as I don't care for Civil War era historical fiction as a general rule, but what I've learned over many years of reading Chris Bohjalian's books is that while I might not know what to expect (his books have been wildly different from each other), I can trust that the storytelling will be there. And that's the case in this one, with a story that feels strikingly relevant and valuable, with heart-pounding moments and insight into human character.

It was nearing the end of the Civil War. Libby lived in the South and though she and her husband did not believe in keeping slaves, he still had to fight as part of the southern army. The family was already disparaged for their anti-slave sentiments and for freeing the slaves that they inherited. When Libby discovers a near-dead Union soldier, she drags him home. Libby wants to help Jonathon get well--she takes care of him because if her husband was dying, she would want this for him. Libby, her niece and the freed couple are placed in serious danger having a Union soldier at their home. It is remarkable--the actions she took to protect and care for the soldier and her family. The author placed me in those pages and I thought a lot about the decisions that had to be made, the brave woman that Libby had to have been and the fear and ugliness of the war. Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday for the complimentary digital ARC. I am truly honored to have been able to read an advance copy. This review is my actual, true opinion and not coerced in any way.

I love historical fiction, and it had been a while since I read any set around the time of the US Civil War. Filled with well-drawn, strong, realistic characters, this book is about so many things - friendship, love, commitment, and doing the right thing even though it's the hard thing. It has action and suspense, believable dialog, and an excellent sense of time and place, whether it's on a farm or a battlefield. Chris Bohjalian is one of those writers I keep meaning to get back to - I've read a couple of his books, and have several more in my library. Reading this book was a bit of a wake up call for me - a reminder that I most definitely need to start catching up on those unread books, because this one was wonderful, and I need more.
Thanks to Netgalley and Doubleday Books for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Doubleday for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by a favorite, Chris Bohjalian. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

It's 1864 in Virginia, during the end of the Civil War. Libby Steadman's husband is presumed dead in a Union prison camp. She spends her days trying to continue to operate their gristmill along with her teenage niece, Jubilee, a hired hand and his wife. All the grain they produce is taken by the Confederate Army. When a gravely-injured Union officer, Captain Jonathan Weybridge, is found left for dead in a neighbor's house, Libby makes the decision to bring him to their home to try and save him, in the hopes that someone would do the same for her husband. But just what is she willing to risk for a stranger?

Based on a true-life story (be sure and read the author's note), this book showcases how good can triumph over evil. It was a gripping story, with characters you won't soon forget. The writing will transport you back in time, where every day is life or death, and decisions can have long-reaching consequences. I loved the strong women characters - Libby, Jubilee, and Sally - and how hard they fought to do the right things, especially when it wasn't easy. As with most stories about war, it's both horrifying and hopeful, showcasing our human resiliency and strength - a definite must read!

“The Jackal's Mistress,” by Chris Bohjalian, Doubleday, 336 pages, March 11, 2025.

It is September 1864 in Virginia. Libby Steadman’s husband, Peter, has been away for a long time. He is now in a Union prison camp after being wounded and captured at Gettysburg.

Libby’s days are spent running a gristmill with her teenage niece, Jubilee, a freedman, Joseph, and his wife, Sally. All the grain they can produce is requisitioned by the Confederate Army.

Lt. Henry Morgan of the Sixth Virginia Calvary is the grandson of one of her neighbors, Leveritt Covington. When Morgan arrives to take Joseph with them, Libby points out that Joseph is over 60 and without him she will have trouble running the mill. They don’t conscript Joseph.

Union Captain Jonathan Weybridge of the Vermont Brigade, a former college professor, had enlisted. He and his men are to occupy a hilltop near Berryville. Weybridge is severely injured in the battle and one of his legs is amputated.

His unit leaves him in a confiscated house alone when they move on. Libby finds Weybridge. She hopes that her husband was humanely treated when he was wounded and she thinks she may be able to trade Weybridge for Peter. Libby and Weybridge slowly form a friendship.

This was inspired by a true story. It is a story of surviving war and depicts the best and worst of humanity. The novel accurately depicts the Civil War and medical care of the time. Chris Bohjalian is an excellent storyteller and I am a fan of everything he writes. You will root for the characters and cheer at the ending.

I rate it five out of five stars.

In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

The Jackal’s Mistress by Chris Bohjalian is one of a million stories of people during America’s Civil War. Libby Steadman has been left on her small property to run a mill along with her husband’s niece and two elderly former slaves. Her husband had freed his slaves when he inherited them, but Joseph and Sally had chosen to remain and were paid a salary, when there was money to do so. They were sixtyish and smart. So was Libby. Her husband was a prisoner of the Yankees, probably dead, and here she was, at everyone’s mercy. The Yankees and the Confederates came by on a regular basis and took whatever she had. So far they had left her with a horse, a cow, and some chickens, but it was only a matter of time. Sally had heard a voice when she had been near an abandoned house a couple of miles away and came home to report it to Libby. Upon exploring, Libby found a man missing a leg and some fingers, more dead than alive; a Yankee. They had left him behind. She could not leave him so she brought him home. They nursed him back to health.

A wonderful story of the privations of war and the misery people can cause one another. No one wanted this man alive and various people came to find him, but they had been lucky and he was recovering. It was through sheer strength of will, his and Libby’s, and plenty of assistance from the others, that he survived. She killed for him and lied for him, all the time hoping someone was taking care of her husband as she took care of this man. This was not about slavery; it was about war and misery and it was very well done. Very readable.

I was invited to read The Jackal’s Mistress by Doubleday Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #DoubledayBooks #ChrisBohjalian #TheJackalsMistress

This novel is full of rich details, and in true Chris Bohjalian fashion, great prose.

This story is set in Virginia surrounded by battles of the Civil War. Libby, whose husband is a captured confederate soldier, rescues an officer of the Union Army, Captain Jonathan Weybridge of the Vermont Brigade. These two are mortal enemies but as time goes on, a friendship develops. But because of the ever changing landscape of the Civil War, life altering decisions have to be made.

These characters are amazing but my favorite is 12 year old Jubilee. Jubilee is Libby’s niece and she does not cut this Yankee any slack. She gives “The Jackal” trouble every time she is in his presence.

This story will captivate your heart. It is full of intensity and drama from start to finish! It also is filled with love and honor!

Need an all around fantastic novel…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

The Jackal’s Mistress is about the Civil War. It is based on a true story that took place in Virginia during the end of the war. It is a story about a Yankee soldier, Johnathan Weybridge who was saved by a confederate, rebel woman, Libby Steadman.

The story started off very slow for me. It was almost going to be a DNF book. I persevered and ended up really enjoying it. I loved the characters. I loved the strength Libby had. I loved the relationship between Jubilee and Weybridge and the relationship between Libby and Weybridge. I loved that there are good people in the world who would risk it all to save a human being even if that person was considered the enemy. My heart broke for Joseph, a slave that was given his freedom by Libby’s husband Peter. Every character in the book is unforgettable. I would have to say the characters were the best part of the book.

I always love a good story about the Civil War. The Jackal’s Mistress was the perfect name for this book. I am glad I didn’t give up, if I did I would have missed an unforgettable story written by Chris Bohjalian.

Thank you NetGalley and Doubleday Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It’s 1864 in the Shenandoah Valley and the Civil War is still raging. Libby Steadman’s husband has gone off to fight for the CSA leaving her, a young niece, and an elderly freed couple to fend for themselves. Together they work the mill supplying the army and hoping neither Union soldiers nor marauders come looking to take the little they still have.

But when a severely wounded Union officer is discovered in an abandoned house, Libby risks all to bring him to her home and try to help him. She believes in her humanity and the fact that she would want someone to help her husband if he were wounded in Union territory. This action endangers all she has as well as her homestead.

Based on a true story, Bohjalian captures the perils of the time, the consequences of trying to maintain one’s integrity and the horrors of war on civilians as well as the military. He does this within a love story, family devotion and people who either rise or fall when confronted with impossible choices. Highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this title.

It’s the south during the civil war and Libby’s confederate soldier husband is in a Northern prison camp and the only help she has for her mill that feeds the army are a teenage niece that is now in her care, a hired hand and his wife. One day she happens upon a badly wounded Northern soldier abandoned by his regimen and decides that she will nurse him back to health, even though having him in her home is dangerous for her and those around her. This is the story of a relationship that emerges from the dust and devastation of a war.

🪖My Review🪖
I’m not a huge fan of civil war fiction, but I am huge fan of Bohjalian and his work so I wanted to read this regardless of my taste. I was afraid it was going to be like Night Watch, which was beautiful but painful to read (because of the brutality); however I absolutely adored this one. While it started a little slow it picked up pretty quickly and I loved all of the relationships that evolved over the course of the novel. This is a story about survival and how people show their true colors when they have nothing left to give. I ended up listening to about 75% of this one on audio because I enjoyed the narrators so much.

4.25 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday for the ARC to review

This was an interesting and enjoyable piece of historical fiction. I loved the character and spunk of both Libby Steadman and her niece Jubilee. Bohjalian does his research and creates an absolutely believable and compelling narrative set during the Civil war. The story follows the challenges and conflicts that face a Southern woman who nurses a Yankee captain back to health. The narrative is fraught with emotion and suspense as racism and tension mount as it nears the conclusion.
This was an excellent read and I highly recommend it!

4.5/5⭐️

This was my first Bohjalian novel, and it won’t be my last.

This Civil War-era romance thriller (not sure I’d bill it as a “thriller” per se) set in 1864 Virginia, revolves around a Union army captain (Jonathan Weybridge) and the wife (Libby Steadman) of a Confederate army captain. Weybridge is a Vermont professor trying his best to keep his men alive, while Libby has taken over the running of her husband’s gristmill to keep the soldiers in foodstuffs. With the help of her husband/wife freed slaves and her teenaged niece, she struggles to keep going day-to-day until her husband is freed from a Union prison camp.

When Weybridge is severely wounded and left for dead by his regiment, he is taken in by Libby and crew. What follows is a testament to the strength of the will to survive, the fundamental principle of decency and the emergence of an unusual friendship while struggling to hold on to hope.

This is a gritty read filled with horrific images and the worst (but also best) of humanity. The world building and research are top notch, the characters flawed but tough as nails (especially Libby) and the plot tense and riveting. This is inspired by the true life story of enemies turned friends, and I found it inspiring on several levels…and a bit poignant and bittersweet in its epilogue.

Well done.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Doubleday Books for providing the free early arc of The Jackal’s Mistress for review. The opinions are strictly my own.