Lincoln’s Lady Spymaster

Gerri Willis’ masterful Lincoln’s Lady Spymaster will have you glued to the incredible true story of Elizabeth Van Lew, the Southern belle turned Union spy. If you thought you knew the most interesting stories of the American Civil War, you didn’t—until now. — Arthur C. Brooks, #1 New York Times bestselling author of From Strength to StrengthAntebellum hoop skirts and coming-out parties juxtaposed with the dark scenes—down the street, families inspected and sold by slave traders. Gerri Willis takes us deep inside the history of the Civil War through the eyes of Elizabeth Van Lew, genteel but fierce, whose life takes an irresistible and dangerous turn as ‘Lincoln’s lady spymaster.’ It is shocking that this story—as captivating as it is historically consequential—was under wraps in the archives for so long. Elizabeth is not unlike Gerri in her courage and tenacity, and she seems to have chosen Willis personally to tell us her story. — Martha MacCallum, New York Times bestselling author of Unknown ValorBuckle up! Espionage, courage, and resilience are all woven into this true-life history of forgotten Civil War spy, Elizabeth Van Lew. Gerri Willis takes us on an emotional adventure as she recounts the details of this fascinating woman’s life and career. Elizabeth risked it all to change the course of history, and every American should know her story.  — Alison Levine, New York Times bestselling author of On the EdgeJust when we thought the American Civil War had little new to offer, along comes Lincoln’s Lady Spymaster by Gerri Willis, a masterful study of Elizabeth Van Lew, a loyal Southerner who operated a highly successful Union intelligence network right under the nose of the Confederate government in Richmond. With a keen eye for historical detail, Willis spins a yarn with enough real-life colorful characters and cloak-and-dagger twists to make even Ian Fleming blush. — William B. Feis, author of Grant’s Secret ServiceWillis draws on Van Lew’s published diary, a biography of Van Lew, and biographies of Civil War figures to create a brisk, well-populated chronicle of her subject’s perilous work. A fresh look at Civil War history. — Kirkus Reviews

Gerri Willis is an award-winning journalist, television personality, podcast host, and author. Currently a correspondent and anchor for Fox Business, she was the host of two long-running shows for CNN, and an editor and reporter for SmartMoney, Crain’s New York Business, and others. Her journalism earned the prestigious midcareer Knight-Bagehot Fellowship from the Columbia Journalism School. A breast cancer survivor, Gerri received the Susan G. Komen Image Award for her efforts in supporting cancer research. Gerri, her husband David Evans (a fellow Bagehot alumnus), and their poodle puppy, Rufus, divide their time among NY, MA, and SC.