The First Conspiracy

In Brad Meltzer's new non-fiction book, co-written with Josh Mensch he begins at the beginning of American history with The First Conspiracy - The Secret Plot Against George Washington and the Birth of American Counterintelligence (#816).

I haven't read detailed biographies of George Washington, but I don't ever remember reading anything pertaining to plots to either kidnap or assassinate him in order to hand the rebellious colonies right back to England.  But of course, the plot was genius; what better way to stymie the incipient outright war before it even gets properly started?  But just who was involved and how the plot was discovered was startling, to say the least.  Mr. Meltzer also reveals the reason behind the largest public execution ever held on American soil in what is New York City in the present day.

It certainly was an interesting read, but I did get impatient with the back-and-forth teasers at the end of one chapter before diving into a different topic in the very next. It wasn't until the final third or so of the book that the author finally got down to brass tacks and a more straightforward narrative.

I don't necessarily think that he is breaking new ground here; I'm sure the facts are known to serious Washington and Revolutionary War historians, but teasing out the fascinating details included here is what makes history come alive for the average reader.  You go, Mr. Meltzer!