On Secret Service by John Jakes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


On Secret Service has been in my home library on the Civil War historical fiction shelf for nearly eleven years. I bought it because I like historical fiction and because I respect the work John Jakes did with his Kent Family Chronicles and the North and South Trilogy.

Remembering these series as I did probably kept this book on the shelf this long. I remember a weakness of Mr. Jakes was the similarity of the plot on which he built his story that is supported by historical facts. Too often he used rape as a plot point, and he did not use it this time. Still, the generic characters often have similar experiences from book to book: female characters are often assaulted by leering bad guys; male protagonists impulsively kiss and are overcome by passion; and villains have visible scars.

This book is recommended for readers who overlook (or enjoy) formulaic plots as long as the story keeps moving.



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