As the Civil War rages between the states, a courageous pair of spies plunge fearlessly into a maelstrom of ignorance and danger, combining their unique skills to alter the course of history and break the chains of the past in New York Times bestselling Alyssa Cole's first installment in The Loyal League. Named a Best Book of the Year by Entertainment Weekly * Bookpage * Kirkus * Vulture * Publishers Weekly * Booklist As the Civil War rages between the states, a courageous pair of spies plunges fearlessly into a maelstrom of ignorance, deceit, and danger, combining their unique skills to alter the course of history and shatter the chains of the past in this powerful, sweeping tale . 1861 . Elle Burns is a former slave with a passion for justice. She also possesses a photographic memory. She has the rare fortune--a human right--to live a free life. But to spy for the Union Army, she is willing to risk the brutal indignity of the slave system deeply entrenched in the South. Malcolm McCall is a seasoned detective for Pinkerton's Secret Service.

His latest mission is his riskiest yet: to infiltrate and embed himself within a Rebel Virginia enclave. Together with Elle, these two brave spies stumble across a plot that could turn the tide of the war in the Confederacy's favor. Caught in a tightening web of wartime intrigue, Malcolm and Elle must make their boldest move to preserve the Union at any cost--even if it means losing each other . "Blending the high stakes of history with convincing emotional connections, every installment in Cole's Civil War-set trilogy are must-reads." -- Oprah Daily.