Thank you for this ARC from NetGalley! It's my second Bohjalian book and he's quickly becoming a favorite. I thought he did a fantastic job with this civil war era story, bringing opposing characters together in a way that had you rooting for both sides throughout. I didn't want to put it down, it would have been 5 stars if not for the ending, which felt a bit rushed for me. Be ready to feel ALL the emotions in this book, it's one I will recommend often.

In the three years since the Civil War began, Libby Steadman has learned that she has as much to fear from her Shenandoah Valley neighbors as she does from the Union troops who are fighting there. Her husband may be in a Northern prison, but her neighbors resent her nonetheless for owning the only remaining flour mill and because her husband freed his slaves once his father died. Left on her farm are Libby, her 11-year-old niece (who reminded me of Frankie in "The Member of the Wedding") and former slaves Sally and Joseph. Libby is in danger for being a woman, and Sally and Joseph are always at risk of being taken by the Confederates even though they are free. It's Sally who notices someone in a neighboring house that was used by Union soldiers as a hospital and abandoned when they retreated. They find Captain Jonathan Weybridge of Vermont, missing a leg and part of a hand and too sick to be moved by his own army. They do move him, and Libby wants to use him as a bargaining chip for medicines, food, and information about her captive husband. She correctly knows that leaving an officer behind is a shame on the Northern army, now bivouacked at Harper's Ferry.

Chris Bohjalian is a master at research and connecting that research to believable characters in compelling situations. He found the germ of this story through a friend and created "The Jackal's Mistress" from that fragment of a story. The characters are believable and appealing. I especially liked young Jubilee who calls Weybridge jackal because this is what she thinks Yankees are. She's a full on confederate, but she matures realizing that the two people she most respects, Joseph and Sally, would be mere property if her uncle hadn't freed them. Her observations at the end of the story ask the toughest question of the struggle.

I found the relationship between Libby and Jonathan to be problematic--how much is it real attraction and how much just the pleasure of having someone new in a mix of people who has been worn by exhaustion and deprivation?

This is a well-crafted and skilled historical novel that will be enjoyed by anyone who likes thoughtful stories with complex characters. I learned a lot in "The Jackal's Mistress," which for me is one of the pleasures of quality historical fiction.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to netgalley for an arc by one of my favorite writers. This takes place during the Civil war in Virginia. Libby Steadman lives near the Opequon river and runs a gristmill with the help of former slaves Joshua and his wife Sally. Her young niece is also living with her and together they work hard to keep the farm running while Libby’s husband is off fighting for the south. However, the Northern soldiers can be heard with their cannons and gunshots that are too close for comfort. When a Union soldier is injured very badly Libby takes him in to help him recover. Based on a real story and actual people, you will be on the edge of your seat one minute and crying the next. I was completely awed by the writing and the frightening circumstances these people had to go through. Coming in March 2025 it’s a must read. The Jackal’s Mistress by Chris Bohjalian is a 5 star read. Chris-you have made my heart happy again!

Based on true events, THE JACKAL’S MISTRESS is a compelling and utterly captivating story. Bohjalian has an ability to put emotions into words, which brings this story alive. The Civil War was America’s deadliest war, and this story takes place in Virginia during these agonizing years.

When Captain Jonathan Weybridge is gravely injured during a deadly skirmish, he is left for dead by his troop. By the time Libby Steadman finds him, he is missing a leg and part of a hand. She vows to care for him even though he fights with the enemy. She is an innately kind person and will not let another person suffer. Having him in her home can bring danger to her loved ones, but she must help him heal.

Beautifully written and perfectly executed, this is one of Chris Bohjalian’s best novels to date. I cannot recommend this highly enough. Thank you, NetGalley and Doubleday Books for an advanced copy of this amazing book.

What I like about this author is all his books are different. This story is about love lost and found and surviving in a time of war. Characters are well developed

Fantastic piece of historical fiction. Set in the majestic beauty of the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War, Bohjalian contrasts the stunning and tranquil landscape with the brutalities of war. A Confederate soldier's wife finds a dying Union soldier near her home. The book is an unflinching glimpse into a country drowning in hatred and death and what happens to the human heart during times of war. Sometimes we understand history to read very black and white...good vs. evil, bad vs. good. But it is never that simple. How do we keep our humanity when all is lost? A novel that truly can speak to all times, including the very present. A must read! #thejackalsmistress #chrisbohjalian #netgalley #goodreads

set in Virginia during the civil war, the story is based on a real-life friendship. Chris Bohjallan never disappoints, love all of his books.. great story.

Do I typically read historical novels? Nope, especially not civil war ones, but let me say Bohjalian does not disappoint. I can say with absolute certainty, this is his best yet. I couldn't put it down. His way with words is like no other.

Set during the Civil war, this book was very
captivating and thought provoking Kept me intrigue
from the very beginning. Great read.


It should be a top pick for 2025
Thank youNet galley for the Arc !!!

A story set in Virginia - about 30 miles from Harper’s Ferry - during the Civil War in 1864. Captain Westbridge of the Vermont Brigade is badly injured during a scrimmage with the Army of the Confederacy. Left to die - after losing a leg and 2 fingers - he is found by Sally, a free woman who lives with Lily Steadman, whose husband has been captured and imprisoned by the Union Army. Lily decides to take the Captain to her home to care for him - as she hopes some Yankee woman would do for her husband - but doing so puts Lily, her young niece, and Sally and her husband Joseph in danger. If they are found out, the Confederate army won’t hesitate to hang them all. Based on a true story of an amazing friendship, this story shows both the best and the worst of humanity and what we will do to each other to protect our way of life.

The thing about Chris Bohjalian is that, even if you've read every single one of his books, he can still surprise you and can make you view humanity in a whole new light with each book he writes. He even makes you want to give humanity another chance, which is tough to do in today's day and age.
This is a civil war story - classic North meets South - with drama, love, family, fear and a whole lot of humanity. This isn't a topic I would normally read about BUT the author is a favorite of mine and he never lets me down. I don't want to give any spoilers so I'll just say this: if you need some hope, read this book. It'll help you get through the coming days.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the Jackal's Mistress, a thought-provoking story taking place during the Civil War. A woman married to a Confederate officer finds a wounded Federal officer and nurses him back to health. While this one is based on a true story (the author's note at the end is quite interesting), there are so many similar Civil War stories out there. I wondered, "what's going to be different about this one?" I also was curious what prolific and talented author Chris Bohjalian would do with it.

Well, as usual, Bohjalian has crafted an intelligent, suspenseful story with memorable characters. I've had a string of dialog-heavy books lately, so it was so nice to read actual writing and story-building rather than just being talked at by characters. The desperation and bleakness of war were palpable. I enjoyed the characters, especially Sally and Joseph.

What makes this Civil War story so different from a great many I've read is how well it illustrates how complicated war is, especially for civilians who aren't involved directly but can't escape it. I think book clubs will love this novel.

I didn't quite believe the love story. I never believed Libby and Jonathan loved each other. They were cordial. They shared many late night conversations. But other than being told they were in love, I wouldn't have really known. I think that could have been developed more to show a bond between two people who shared some very intense war moments.

Otherwise, I enjoyed this book very much. I wasn't sure how the characters were going to get out of some situations and was eager to find out. The story didn't disappoint.

I received a free advance copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

If you had asked me a week ago if I would have read a civil war novel and given it high ratings, I would have said no. But Chris Bohjalian is one of my favorite authors, with the Lioness being in my top five all time favorite books. The Jackal’s Mistress did not disappoint. I would not call it a war novel but instead would call it a novel about people who lived during the time of the civil war. All the characters, the good and the bad, keep you turning the page. I loved the irony of the confederacy side of the war where freed slaves were living and the juxtaposition of those times. I found this and the entire story fascinating, along with historical facts that allowed me a closer glimpse of this war (that I was sure I wasn’t interested in!). Another great book by this wonderful writer. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC.

From the moment I started reading the story the premise unraveled effortlessly in my head. I loved this book. Going down as one of my favorite Bohjalian novels. The character development was out of this world. This truly has cinematic potential. Thank you #Netgalley

I received a copy of the book "The Jackal's Mistress" from NetGalley. I like to read historical fiction. This book was a good one. It takes place during the Civil War. A young woman is left to take care of her husbands land while he is away fighting in the war. Trouble starts when she finds a Soldier who has been left behind after he is severely wounded. He is the enemy since he is a Union Soldier. He has lost a leg over the knee and fingers on a hand. he is close to death. LIbbie cannot leave him to die so she has to bring him to her home. Along with a black farmhand {who was freed by her husband} he is hidden in their home. Over the next few months he slowly heals but must be kept a secret since it would be against the law to help a soldier from the other side. she is there with her 12 year old niece and her two farmhands a husband and wife who are black and still in danger of the white town folk even though they have paper showing they are free from being slaves. Libbie and "the Jackal' slowly form a friendship. He trying to get well enough to go home to Vermont to his family. a good read based on actual people. Found myself rooting for the characters.

I was so lucky to get the new Chris Bohjalian's novel and I could not wait to read it.
I was not disappointed; I like that every new book is a completely different story and something I can learn about; in this case I had the opportunity to learn a little more about Civil War (I am Italian, and I studied more about European history in High School than United States one).

The story is captivating, the characters well rounded and the complexity of the circumstances is well described. I would recommend the book to historical fiction lover who loves well researched stories.
I want to thank NetGalley, Doubleday Books and Chris Bohjalian for this ARC.

"The Jackal's Mistress" is a beautifully poignant novel that captured my heart with its exploration of love amidst adversity. Chris Bohjalian has a remarkable gift for crafting deeply layered characters, and Libby’s journey of hope and moral complexity resonated with me. The emotional depth of her internal conflict as she chooses to save an enemy soldier while her own husband remains missing is both poignant and thought-provoking.

The historical context is richly detailed, immersing the reader in the atmosphere of the Civil War, complete with its emotional and physical toll on those caught in its wake. The dynamic between Libby and Jonathan evolves in a captivating way, showcasing the power of human connection in the face of division and despair. Their relationship is tender yet fraught with the unspoken barriers of loyalty and duty, which makes their bond even more compelling.

Bohjalian's narrative is gripping, and I found myself unable to put the book down, eager to see how Libby would navigate the impossible choices before her. "The Jackal's Mistress" is not only a love story but also a powerful commentary on the themes of sacrifice, survival, and the human spirit.

I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to readers interested in historical fiction that delves deeply into the moral complexities of war and love. Chris Bohjalian has once again proven himself as a master storyteller, and this heart-wrenching tale left me reflecting long after the final page.

You can always trust author Chris Bohjalian to deliver a compelling story. This Civil War novel “inspired by a real-life friendship across enemy lines” is a winner. Yes, there are some tough things to read—surgery during the Civil War was brutal. And, yes, the fear and grief is palpable. But, oh, the characters!

I fell in love with newlywed Libby Steadman whose husband, a Confederate soldier, is missing. Libby is strong, capable, and shrewd despite her youth. She is someone you can count on to do the right thing. Her teenage niece, who has been assigned to her care, is a spunky, sassy survivor and I adored her too. But, I loved the Union officer, Captain Jonathan Weybridge, and the two freed slaves who help Libby run the Steadman’s gristmill just as much. And the antagonists are wonderfully rendered too!

It's billed as a love story, and I suppose it is, but I find it’s more of a morality tale with elements of mystery and suspense. Bohjalian is so gifted and amazingly diverse in what he can write that I’m consistently blown away.

Thank you Doubleday and NetGalley for an advance copy to review.

One can never go wrong when picking up a Chris Bohjalian book, so I knew I was in for a great read - but even I was blown away by how good this was! Unputdownable and kick-ass are the two words I would use to describe this!. Fantastic and utterly addictive would also suffice :) Either way, you are in for a treat!

Chris Bohjalian has become one of my favorite authors. The Jackal’s Mistress is his latest work. As expected, it was phenomenal!