I love Chris Bohjalian, and I have read many of his books. I particularly love his wildly different premises for each new book. His writing is always sharp and has moments of unexpected violence. He's really very imaginative. To me, he's the Quentin Tarantino of writing.

However, I started this one and the beginning turned me off so much that I just couldn't get into it. It is very much like Cold Mountain, and I am just not in the right frame of mind for that setting, time period, or level of lawlessness. My husband read it and liked it ok but agreed that this book is not for me. I will still read Bahjalian but hope someone else loves this one.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

I loved everything about this book. The Civil War time period is one of my favorites to read about and the storyline was compelling without being overly heavy, given the topic. The friendship that grew between Libby and Jonathan Weybridge was gentle and thoughtful and Bohjalian did a fantastic job of writing a book that made you sympathize with each of the main characters. I don’t want to write any spoilers so I’m trying to tread lightly but this might be my favorite of his yet.

I also really loved the afterword, lots of really great information in that about the true story of "Libby" and "Weybridge" so don't skip that!

At first I regretted requesting this one. Once I'm approved for a book, I'm going to read it. The beginning is pretty gory and graphic, tragedy after tragedy. I feared the rest of the book would continue in the same way.

Of course, it's a Civil War story, so sunshine and rainbows are few. But after the beginning, the story moves off the battlefield and into the stories of a few people the reader gets to know. The author does a good job helping the reader understand the southern perspective, how not all southerners are evil and not all northerners are good. Most people are just caught up in something.

I liked the 12-year-old but the narrator of the audiobook did her voice like a 5-year-old, which was a bit odd. Otherwise the narration was good.

Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley & LibroFM. I purchased for my library.

Chris Bohjalian never disappoints! Each of his novels is different from the last. The Jackal's Mistress is a suspenseful and richly detailed historical thriller with complex characters caught in impossible situations. A steadily ratcheting sense of dread is a hallmark of Bohjalian's novels, and this is no exception.

I feel like I've strayed from the historical fiction genre lately. Not purposefully, but just because I've been picking up other books. And I'm so glad this was my choice to get back into it. What an amazing book! One thing I love about Chris Bohjalian is that he doesn't limit himself to one genre - he's comfortable across several of them. And he writes so well - it really does feel like you're transported across space and time to experience his novels, not just read them.

Libby is simply an amazing character. She's strong, she's stubborn and she's real. She does what she has to and lives up to her morals and convictions, regardless of what others think about her. Jonathan's character wasn't a huge surprise - proper, honorable and dutiful. But Jubilee stole the show for me - I loved her forthrightness, her sass and her spunk, even in the face of all that she had seen and lived through.

I was unaware until the end that this was based on a true story - it made it even better for me once I realized that. If you are a fan of historical fiction, this is a great read and worth the effort.

Review will be posted on 3/28/25
Libby Steadman lives in the Shenandoah Valley and helps to operate her husband's mill. Her husband, Peter, is a Confederate soldier. He is being held captive by the Union army in a prison and his fate is uncertain. Libby lives and operates the mill with Joseph, who was formally enslaved by her husband's family. Joseph has helped her in so many close calls as the fighting is coming closer to their land. Joseph's wife encounters an injured Union soldier and Libby decides to help him despite the dangers. He has been left for dead, with his leg partially amputated and he is in dire straits. The parallel storyline is from this soldier's point of view, Captain Jonathan Weybridge. He is a Union soldier and professor from Vermont. While fighting nearby, he got hit by a canon and he has been left behind. Both Libby and Jonathan long for their spouses and have much more in common despite being on conflicting sides of the war. As time progresses, a fast friendship ensues, but rumors are going around that a Union officer is on the loose and this puts Libby in a dangerous situation if she is caught harboring Jonathan. To make matters worse, Jonathan needs medicine in order to survive and the only place that has what they need is at Harpers Ferry, twenty miles away. Chris Bohjalian's The Jackal's Mistress is an adventurous romp that will transport readers to the Civil War and highlight a challenging time in our nation's history.

Bohjalian writes a compelling Civil War tale that is actually based on real-life people; however, it is to be noted that he took some historical liberties. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this story that felt more adventurous than romantic despite the title. Bohjalian builds suspense throughout the novel and it kept me flipping the pages. In addition to this, Civil War fans will especially relish all the historical details and the author paints a vivid picture of the time.

A heartbreaking Civil War tale of a left-for-dead captain and the kind hearted woman that risks everything to save him. I couldn't put this book down and though I've not read anything by Chris Bohjalian in the past I will definitely be reading all of their books in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for the advance review copy!

The story of a woman alone in the Civil War South and the Union soldier she decides to help, endangering the formerly enslaved couple who live with her and her own niece, is a deeply felt and moving work. I thoroughly believed every aspect of it – and found myself rooting for her despite her prejudices. Didn't realize until after I was done that it is based on a true story, but that only adds to my appreciation. Well done!

The Jackal’s Mistress was conceived with a question: Reader’s Digest editor Gary Sledge invited Chris Bohjalian to research and write an article about an little known friendship during the Civil War between a Yankee and a rebel: a Vermont lieutenant left to die in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and the Confederate woman who saved his life.

My name is Jonathan. But you can call me Jackal. When southern belle Jubilee meets her aunt Libby’s undercover act of kindness Jonathen Weybridge, she is incensed. I ain't ever seen a jackal. But I still know you can't trust 'em…It's in their nature…Jackals are just born bad. Criminal…The thing about a jackal is this: you can't turn your back on one. Always keep eye contact…We appreciate you givin' a leg and a hand on our behalf.

Jonathan recalls the expression a West Point officer had heard from an ancient French general who'd served under Napoleon: the term was the mistress bullet. The French gave it that name because it was the bullet you saved for yourself when all hope was gone. The last bullet. Death with dignity. This was the bullet that would do for you the things your wife never would: that's why they called it the mistress bullet.

What begins as Libby’s act of kindness transforms her into the Jackal's mistress…I have not been with a man since Peter was home briefly in the fall of 1862…I don't know what awfulness tomorrow's going to bring. But tonight? I have you, and you have me, and the thing that has me most tired is being lonely. Tonight, I am the goddamn Jackal's mistress and putting us both, at least for a little while, out of our goddamn misery.

Yankee and Rebel, Vermonter and Virginian, two married people on opposite sides of the Mason Dixon, these unlikely characters take readers by the hand and lead us through the dark of the story in a kind of Romeo and Juliet Civil War masterpiece.

The Jackal's Mistress is the newest book by Chris Bohjalian. He happens to be one of my very favorite authors so I was excited to read this. The book is set in Virginia during the Civil War. A Union soldier is wounded and left for dead by his fellow soldiers. He is found and cared for by a woman whose husband has been imprisoned by Union troops. I really liked the descriptive writing about the setting and events. I don't often read about the Civil War but this story was so well written that I tore through the pages. I became wrapped up in the characters and what their impending fate would be. Read and enjoy!

Make sure to read the author's notes at the end as they were fascinating.

The Jackal’s Mistress is an engaging Civil War novel about a woman, Libby, married to a Confederate officer who ends up caring for a wounded Federal officer named Jonathan. As she nurses him back to health, the story explores the complications of war for civilians, especially those who are caught in the middle. Chris Bohjalian, known for his skillful writing, creates a suspenseful narrative with memorable characters like Sally and Joseph. The novel does a great job of capturing the desperation and darkness of war, making it a thought-provoking read. The author’s note at the end reveals that the story is based on real events, adding depth to the experience.

What sets The Jackal’s Mistress apart from other Civil War stories is how it shows the complexity of war, particularly for civilians who are indirectly affected. Although the love story between Libby and Jonathan didn’t feel entirely convincing, with their bond not being fully developed, the novel still succeeds in keeping the reader hooked. The characters face tough challenges, and the suspense about how they’ll navigate these situations keeps the story interesting. Overall, the book is a compelling read, especially for book clubs, offering a unique perspective on the emotional toll of war.

I have quickly become a fan of Chris Bohjalian’s writing and the way he can tell a story.

I enjoyed this historical fiction story so much. It had me feeling a wide range of emotions and I found myself almost crying a few times.

This is an absolute must read for anyone that enjoys historical fiction novels.

Historical fiction based on a true story set in the Civil War when a Yankee woman saved a Confederate soldier who was left to die. Libby Steadman is living with her 12 year old niece and a couple of formerly enslaved people, Joseph and Sally who are helping her run her mill while her husband is away at war. She has received word that her husband is in prison but hasn't heard word in a long time and fears he is dead. Captain Johnathan Weybridge is a college professor from Vermont who is badly injured in the war and left to die in an abandoned house. Libby's employee Sally finds the captain and Libby brings him back to her own home to help him survive. While Libby knows that helping the enemy is viewed as treason, she hopes a Northern woman would someday help her own husband in the same circumstances.

Bohjalian is one of my favorite authors and he does a good job with historical fiction. The story comes alive with the descriptions of the hardships the South faces as their properties are seized and destroyed and how difficult it is for Libby, Joseph and Sally as they try to stay alive on biscuits and the fish they can catch in the stream. As Johnathan begins to heal, he and Libby learn their differences are not important and they develop a friendship and a desire to help each other survive the war. I liked the details the author wove into the story describing the natural elements in the rural setting where Libby tries to make do, and his information on the movements of the war were interesting. There is a romantic storyline which occurs towards the end of the book but it made sense to me considering the loneliness the characters faced. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.

It’s nice to find a historical fiction novel that is so unique. First of all, the Civil War time period is not written about as much in the past few years and I also found the plot to be unique. The issue of slavery is somewhat secondary in this book although Joseph and Sally as freedmen play important roles. But the main story between a Union soldier and the wife of a Confederate soldier was such an interesting storyline, especially since it is based on real people and facts. The book offers an exciting and adventure-filled saga that keeps the reader engaged and “on the edge of the seat” and is pleasantly more about friendship between enemies than romance. With the incorporation of real events such as battles, medical care on the battlefield, treatment of so-called traitors and freed slaves and the dangers from deserters, the book was informative as well as entertaining.

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.

This story grabbed me from the first paragraph. The descriptive words of the Shenandoah Valley, the Civil War battles, the people were so real. As someone who has visited this part of the country, I felt that I was drawn back there and watching this story unfold.

Gripping, wonderfully written, well thought out, and hard to put down, Chris Bohjalian delivered a powerful and moving book with The Jackal's Mistress.

The Jackal's Mistress is a historical fiction novel that hits it out of the park. It has everything I look for: an aspect of a historical event that I don't know about, characters inspired or based on real people, a page-turning premise.

Set in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War, Capt. Weybridge, a Union soldier, is injured and left behind by his troop. He is hidden and taken care of by Libby Steadman whose husband is fighting as a Confederate soldier, along with her niece Jubilee, and her freed slaves Sally and Joseph, while running the grist mill. What transpires is a nail-biting story that highlights the complicated situations of war, especially civil war. Then, the epilogue and author's notes summed up the entire story so well.

If you like historical fiction with characters battling their consciences between right and wrong and where you can't stop turning the pages, I highly recommend this novel.

Many thanks to #DoubledayBooks for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Jackal’s Mistress, by Chris Bohjalian, is a beautifully crafted tale of friendship, love, tolerance, and the toll of war on all. The story begins in September, 1864 near Harper’s Ferry, Virginia. The Civil War is still raging, but both armies are depleted. The citizens of the South are increasingly desperate for food, safety, and a return to their peaceful pre-war lives. When Libby Steadman, a Southern miller’s wife discovers the severely wounded Union Army Captain Weybridge near her property, she decides to care for him, thinking “you can’t just leave a man to die alone,” while hoping that a Yankee woman would feel the same kindness to her missing husband Peter, in the Rebel Army.
Their lives, for the next couple months, are fraught with worry about discovery by rogue Rebel and Union soldiers, who pillage and plunder the meager possessions of the tired Southern residents. There are graphic scenes and descriptions of injuries, personal violence, and inhumanity. The story pulsates with tension as the desperation of the people and the stakes rise.
The author brings an observationally accurate perspective to this historical timeframe. The plotting is strong and the vignettes so well described that they often read like scenes in a stage play.
As with all Bohjalian’s novels, the story is very much character driven and there is much to like, or decry, in those characters—steadfast, cynical Libby; intellectual Capt. Weybridge: loyal, freed (formerly slave) couple Sally and Joseph; saucy young teen Jubilee; nasty neighbor Covington; sympathetic Col. Duffy. They all exemplify the practical and moral dilemmas people face in dire circumstances. There is great humanity in this tale, and a sharply observant commentary on the human vs. inhuman condition of both sides of the war, and the attitudes of those times.
This novel is carefully researched and enhanced by being based on a real-life relationship between a Vermonter and a Virginian. It is also a testament to how people can rise and transcend the sadness and heartlessness of war.

Highly recommend!!

Thank you to Doubleday and NetGalley for the ARC. This is an honest review.

A wonderful civil war book, genuine to the time period. The historical fiction is most prominent, but there is also a romance between a southern woman and an injured Yankee soldier. I enjoyed both themes of romance and Civil War fighting.

This historical fiction book takes place during the Civil War in Virginia. A young woman is scraping by with the help of two former slaves and her niece. They find a wounded union captain and try to nurse him back to health. Libby‘s husband, a confederate soldier, is most likely in a union prison. Her ultimate plan is to barter the union captain for her husband. While the story started slowly, it quickly picks up the pace. It is an enjoyable read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and DoubleDay for this Advanced readers copy.

Chris Bohjalian, one of Vermont’s celebrated authors, delivers a powerful and poignant Civil War novel with The Jackal’s Mistress. Inspired by a little-known true story, it follows Libby Steadman, a Confederate woman in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, who discovers a gravely wounded Union officer, Captain Jonathan Weybridge of the Vermont Brigade. Faced with an agonizing choice, Libby risks everything to nurse her enemy back to health, hoping to exchange him for news of her missing husband.

What makes this novel unforgettable isn’t just Bohjalian’s meticulous research or his vivid portrayal of 1864 Virginia — it’s the story behind the story. In a time defined by violence and division, The Jackal’s Mistress reveals the rare moments when people rise above war’s cruelty to embrace their shared humanity. Libby’s quiet courage and Jonathan’s reluctant trust remind us that even in the harshest of circumstances, compassion can cross enemy lines.

Bohjalian masterfully balances historical authenticity with emotional depth, crafting a novel that lingers long after the final page. While the action intensifies in the novel’s final act, the true pulse of The Jackal’s Mistress is found in its quiet moments: the hidden conversations in Libby’s home, the moral tug-of-war within her heart, and the delicate dance between loyalty to one’s country and empathy for another human being.
The author’s note adds an extra layer of meaning to this already profound story. The Jackal’s Mistress is a stunning reminder that empathy and kindness can endure, even in the darkest of times. Highly recommended.