Colonial American Historical Suspense Books
THE LETTER by Marilyn Clay. Desperate to wed her childhood sweetheart, beautiful but innocent Catherine Parke secretly boards a ship bound for the New World. But the shock of what greets Catherine in Jamestown nearly destroys her. Catherine’s betrothed, now a successful trader, has an uncanny way with the Powhatan Indians. Although Catherine knows that adherence to strict moral codes rule the colonists’ lives, she soon discovers that beneath their proper facades not all is as it seems. Although disappointments and disasters repeatedly test Catherine's strength and courage, a burning desire to uncover the truth drives her to unravel a confusing web of lies and deceit. With her own life in jeopardy, Catherine is drawn to the one man who can save her, but can she trust him, or will she be swept into an unknown and terrifying wilderness, once again loving the wrong man and paying dearly for it? Vivid historical details bring the Jamestown settlement and Indian villages to life. Marilyn Clay’s suspenseful and compelling tale of one courageous woman determined to forge a new life for herself in a frightening and dangerous New World is an irresistible combination of suspense and romance. THE LETTER is well researched, fast-paced and brimming with unexpected twists and turns. (Originally published in hardcover as DECEPTIONS, THE LETTER is also available in Ebook as DANGEROUS DECEPTIONS and DECEPTIONS: A Jamestown Novel) "With realistic, well-researched historical detail, a strong, intelligent heroine, and a fascinating, uncommon setting, this novel will appeal to romance and historical fans alike.” —Library Journal "A surfeit of fascinating historical details and a refreshingly different setting give THE LETTER its unique flavor, making Marilyn Clay’s novel perfect for readers who miss the romance-tinged historical novels of Rosalind Laker. — Booklist "THE LETTER delivers page-turning suspense and knife-edged tension. A heart-pounding romance with captivating characters!" —M Frederick "Marilyn Clay remains faithful to historical detail. It was a joy to read such a wonderfully written historical novel. Readers of historical fiction will find themselves completely immersed in the time period and, more importantly, in the story of feisty and intelligent Catherine, whose voyage to Jamestown is the beginning of a life-changing journey." —Libby Malin In the same tradition, another of Marilyn Clay's historical suspense novels, SECRETS AND LIES tells the story of four young English girls who set out from London in 1620 for the New World aboard a Bride Ship, destined to becomes brides to the settlers. Instead of love, marriage and new lives, the girls find that someone in the colony wants one, or all of them dead! BETSY ROSS: ACCIDENTAL SPY by Marilyn Clay is set in 1776 Philadelphia. Betsy determines to expose whoever killed her beloved husband John Ross, but is instead drawn into a dangerous underworld of spies and double agents. Can she catch the ruthless double spy before he kills her or one of her sisters? Available in print and e-book. All ten titles in Marilyn Clay's new Juliette Abbott Regency Mystery Series , MURDER AT MORLAND MANOR, MURDER IN MAYFAIR, MURDER IN MARGATE, MURDER AT MEDLEY PARK, MURDER IN MIDDLEWYCH, MURDER IN MAIDSTONE, MURDER AT MONTFORD HALL, MURDER ON MARSH LANE, MURDER IN MARTINDALE , and MURDER AT MARLEY CHASE are all now available in print and ebook. Marilyn has also written seven Regency Romances all originally published in print, but now released as Ebooks. JANE AUSTEN'S REGENCY ENGLAND is Marilyn Clay's newest non-fiction title, and traces the life of Jane Austen alongside the ever-changing world of the English Regency. For more information on Marilyn Clay's artwork, or novels, visit Marilyn Clay Author online.
This NEW, revised and expanded edition of the popular novel, BETSY ROSS: ACCIDENTAL SPY by Marilyn Clay contains three brand new chapters making the book a total of 340 pages.Betsy Griscom falls in love with John Ross while both young people are employed as apprentices at Webster's Upholstery Shop in Philadelphia. Three years after the couple marry, a warehouse explosion kills Betsy’s beloved husband John. Betsy soon begins to wonder if the explosion was an accident or was the warehouse fire intentionally set by someone attempting to steal the Patriot weapons stored there? When the authorities refuse to investigate the crime, Betsy determines to uncover the truth, but finds herself deep in Philadelphia's dangerous and confusing underworld of spies and double agents. Ultimately she has no choice but to trust the wrong man, but will she lose her life, or the lives of those she holds dear, in the process? BETSY ROSS: ACCIDENTAL SPY is a gripping tale of one woman’s courage during the pivotal year of 1776 in our nation's glorious history. "I made every effort to remain true to historical events, such as the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, and battles fought in colonial New York and New Jersey. In my story Betsy interacts with real-life historical figures George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and her siblings, Sarah, Rachel and George, as well as her future husband, privateer Captain Joseph Ashburn. I consulted diaries and letters written by American Revolutionary generals and soldiers who lived then. I hope readers will enjoy imagining how Betsy's life 'might have been' in the year 1776, keeping in mind that the premise of my story is fictional. History does not substantiate that Betsy Ross ever engaged in any sort of covert activity." - author, Marilyn Clay "One of the most suspenseful tales of spying and espionage cleverly interwoven into a stunningly realistic depiction of the Revolutionary war featuring life as it was in 1776 for normal, everyday citizens caught up in a drama they had no choice but to endure." . . . Pat Beardon, historian. “BETSY ROSS: ACCIDENTAL SPY will leave you breathless with anticipation wondering if Betsy will succeed in her mission to bring down the ruthless double spy intent on thwarting the rebel cause. Chock full of authentic historical details about the Revolutionary war. Highly recommended!” . . . Richard Whitaker, historian. “From the talented pen of best-selling author Marilyn Clay, fast becoming known as a premier historical suspense author, comes yet another exceptional tale. Characters in Clay’s novels spring to life as they draw you into their world, allowing you to live their stories right along with them. In addition, BETSY ROSS: ACCIDENTAL SPY is, I believe, the first novel ever written for adults featuring Betsy Ross as the heroine.” - Janet Stewart. “That American icon Betsy Ross might have spied on the British for the Patriots during the Revolutionary war is not a stretch. Loyalist customers would have frequented Betsy's upholstery shop in Philadelphia presenting her with the perfect opportunity to listen and learn, which is exactly what she does in this clever, suspenseful, and beautifully written tale that had me in its grip from page one. I laughed and cried with Betsy and her beloved sister Sarah as the story unfolded and reached a most satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended!” – Melissa Frederick, author "This is the sort of historical novel you don't want to see end. I sat up long into the night reading this book. I only hope Ms. Clay intends to write a sequel! Thoroughly enjoyed, thoroughly recommended!" - Andrea Walsh, author. "Ms. Clay's historical suspense novels always please. Her Colonial Jamestown novels have been praised and recommended by both Booklist and the Library Journal. BETSY ROSS: ACCIDENTAL SPY is no exception. Very highly recommended." - Beth Finley, author.
"I won this book with no obligation to review. But I must. I have been to Jamestown and researched a lot about the early settlers and walked on that same plot of ground. All of my knowledge fit with the people and scenes and events in this book. The story delineates the hardship of the [settlers] and even greater hardships when they embark to a new land full of unexpected reward and grave disappointment. Sallie Mae is one of the strongest characters and deserves her ending. Prudence surprised me with what she did in a moment of weakness. Faith’s life was changed by the actions of her sister. Diana, through it all, deserves her reward. The comeuppance of the sleaziest character is not contrived. It is as real as the history portrayed in the rest of the story. This is historical fiction – some of the best I’ve read. Marilyn Clay is an author to follow. Highly recommended!" - Mary Deal DANGEROUS SECRETS: In 1620 four young girls, each hiding secrets, board a Bride Ship in England bound for the New World. Seeking love, husbands, and the adventure of a lifetime, the girls are instead swept into a maelstrom of lies, treachery, and deceit. Upon arriving in Jamestown, they are shocked to discover that someone in the colony wants one, or all of them, dead. Diana sets aside her grief to unravel the mystery before the killer strikes again. When all clues point to the most highly respected Jamestown colonist, Diana knows that here in the New World, where women must remain silent and submissive, no one will believe her. Yet as she meticulously uncovers long-hidden secrets, she knows that saying nothing makes her part of the lie. Despite the turmoil brewing in their lives, each girl still longs for love, a husband, and a new life. With the lies and treachery spinning out of control, the final shocking event stuns the entire colony. Will every secret now come to light? Or are the most horrific best left buried? Rich with historical detail, fast-paced and brimming with unexpected twists and turns, DANGEROUS SECRETS will keep readers guessing. ( Originally published in hardcover by Five Star Gale as SECRETS AND LIES, and in paperback as A PETTICOAT AND LAMBSKIN GLOVES. ) “Not only was the plot extremely interesting, some of the characters from Marilyn Clay’s previous Jamestown novel, DECEPTIONS, make an appearance, which adds to the entertainment. The plot twists keep readers on their toes, and will have mystery and history lovers running to Amazon for this one!” - Once Upon A Romance "Reading DANGEROUS SECRETS , a novel of early Jamestown, is like stepping into history. Marilyn Clay has done an incredible amount of research . . . how it would look, smell and feel if you were truly in 1620s Jamestown. The characters and how they react are just as authentic. The romances are sweet, touching and period appropriate. DANGEROUS SECRETS is the kind of book you get lost in and are sad when it’s over. Thoroughly recommended!" -J S May BETSY ROSS: ACCIDENTAL SPY is another of Marilyn Clay's well-researched historical suspense novels. When Betsy determines to expose who killed her beloved husband John Ross, she is caught up in a dangerous underworld of spies and double-spies. All nine titles in Marilyn Clay's new Juliette Abbott Regency Mystery Series , MURDER AT MORLAND MANOR, MURDER IN MAYFAIR, MURDER IN MARGATE, MURDER AT MEDLEY PARK, MURDER IN MIDDLEWYCH, MURDER IN MAIDSTONE, MURDER AT MONTFORD HALL, MURDER ON MARSH LANE, and MURDER IN MARTINDALE are all now available in print & ebook. Marilyn Clay's seven Regency Romances were all originally published in print and now in ebook. If you like the historical novels of Libbie Hawker, Sara Donati, Esther Forbes, Helen Bryan, Geraldine Brooks, Mary Sharratt, and Laurie Anderson, you'll enjoy Marilyn Clay's historical suspense novels set in the New World. Clean and suitable for teens.
“Complete with a romantic subplot, DANGEROUS DECEPTIONS is a strong historical tale that brings the Jamestown Virginia Colony to life through the eyes of the determined heroine Catherine, who manages to travel to the New World in search of her betrothed. Breathtaking suspenseful action follows as Catherine tries to unravel the various mysterious happenings between her husband and the Powhatan Indians. Readers will relish this in-depth look at how the first English colonists struggled to survive in Jamestown, circa 1617-1619.” —Harriet Klausner Desperate to escape a marriage arranged by her aristocratic London guardians and to wed her childhood sweetheart, beautiful but innocent Catherine Parke secretly boards a ship in England bound for the New World in 1617. But the shock of what greets Catherine in Colonial Jamestown nearly destroys her. Her betrothed, now a successful Indian trader seems to be hiding secrets. Although disappointments and disasters repeatedly test Catherine's strength and courage, a burning desire to uncover the truth drives her to unravel a confusing web of deceptions and lies. With her own life in jeopardy, Catherine is drawn to the one man who can save her, but wonders if she can trust him, or will she be swept into an unknown and terrifying wilderness, once again loving the wrong man and paying dearly for it? Vivid historical details bring the Jamestown settlement and Indian villages to life. Marilyn Clay’s suspenseful and compelling tale of one courageous woman determined to forge a new life for herself in a frightening and dangerous New World is an irresistible combination of intrigue, suspense and romance. (Reprinted as DECEPTIONS and THE LETTER) “With realistic, well-researched historical detail, a strong, intelligent heroine, and a fascinating, uncommon setting, this novel will appeal to romance and historical fans alike.” — Library Journal “A surfeit of fascinating historical details and a refreshingly different setting give DANGEROUS DECEPTIONS its unique flavor, making Marilyn Clay’s novel perfect for readers who miss the romance-tinged historical novels of Rosalind Laker.” — Booklist The marvelous Marilyn Clay . . . never disappoints!” — Christina Kingston, author “ DANGEROUS DECEPTIONS is one of the best historical suspense novels I have ever read! Highly recommended!” — Mary Frasier “Marilyn Clay's DANGEROUS DECEPTIONS is a multi-layered story of struggle, lies and the quest for love in the New World. Faithful to historical detail, including language and actions, it was a joy to read such a wonderfully written historical novel. Readers of historical fiction will find themselves completely immersed in the time period and, more importantly, in the story of feisty and intelligent Catherine, whose voyage to Jamestown is the beginning of a life-changing journey.” — Libby Malin DANGEROUS SECRETS, book #2 in Marilyn Clay's Colonial American Historical Suspense Series, picks up where DANGEROUS DECEPTIONS leaves off. Four young girls travel from London to the New World aboard a Bride Ship destined to become brides to the settlers. But instead of love, marriage and new lives, the girls are swept into a maelstrom of lies, treachery, and deceit. Both novels were originally published in hardcover from Five Star/Gale. BETSY ROSS: ACCIDENTAL SPY is another Colonial American Historical Suspense novel by Marilyn Clay. Available in print, e-book & audio. All ten titles in Marilyn Clay's new Juliette Abbott Regency Mystery Series , MURDER AT MORLAND MANOR, MURDER IN MAYFAIR, MURDER IN MARGATE, MURDER AT MEDLEY PARK, MURDER IN MIDDLEWYCH, MURDER IN MAIDSTONE, MURDER AT MONTFORD HALL, MURDER ON MARSH LANE, MURDER IN MARTINDALE & MURDER AT MARLEY CHASE , all in print, ebook & audio. For more information about Marilyn Clay visit Marilyn Clay Author online.