Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating Read
Review: "On Secret Service" is a Fascinating novel on the origins of the Secret Service, which many I am sure do not realize date back to the Civil war. This is more than just a historical novel, it is also a thriller and a very sexy love story! I learned more about the politics behind the Civil war from this book than i ever did in my highschool history class.I also Recomend: "A Tourist in the Yucatan" Very interesting thriller!
Rating: 
Summary: Very Good - recommended.
Review: A page turner with good history lesson to boot. Read it.
Rating:
Summary: a great glance at our history
Review: a well written book with fiction entwined with history. I have come to enjoy books written in this matter, I feel that fiction is largely based on fact but with some discreet changes. Mr. Jakes has shown the feelings of our people at the end of a bitter war, not only as a nation but a personal hurt that effected every person left alive. I sincerely hope this is not what we will have to live through in the coming years with the current war against terrorism.
Rating:
Summary: a great glance at our history
Review: a well written book with fiction entwined with history. I have come to enjoy books written in this matter, I feel that fiction is largely based on fact but with some discreet changes. Mr. Jakes has shown the feelings of our people at the end of a bitter war, not only as a nation but a personal hurt that effected every person left alive. I sincerely hope this is not what we will have to live through in the coming years with the current war against terrorism.
Rating:
Summary: BACK IN FORM
Review: As an avid John Jakes reader, I was very happy to see my favorite author back in form with "On Secret Service." Although I enjoyed his two previous books on the Crown Family, I felt that Jakes is into his medium when he writes about the Civil War. His take on the birth of the Secret Service was very interesting. The characterization of Alan Pinkerton seemed to be meticulousy reserached and is consistent with historical portrayals of the most famous detective of his era. Although the relationship between Margaret and Lon seemed a bit contrived, their actions are quite believable in light of the situation then. My favorite author is back in form and I do hope for more of the same in his following novel.
Rating:
Summary: Jakes Scores Big Time!
Review: As he did so well in his Civil War trilogy and Kent Family Chronicles series, in On Secret Service John Jakes provides a very fast-paced story while blending in lots of interesting and little known facts about the Civil War and the role of the secret service. Also typical of his other works, Jakes provides such vivid descripions of his "good" and "bad" characters (both real-life and fictional) and of the historical period that I felt that I was right there observing these people and events -- rather than just a reader of a vey good book. On Secret Service has something for all readers -- lots of action, lots of interesting facts about the period before, during and immediately after the Civil War, well-developed characters, and romance. It is a book that I think you will enjoy very much. Actually, if the Amazon rating system allowed it, I would have given On Secret Service 4 1/2 stars. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: 448 pages is not nearly enough!
Review: From the very first page, John Jakes weaves yet another splendid mix of fact and fiction about our great American past. Jakes' unique understanding of the people and the period depicted in his latest classic make this book perhaps his best to date. Beginning in the bustling metropolis of Chicago(pop. 100,000)and the rumors of the southern states seceding from the Union, the author takes you through the many quandries that faced both the high-minded abolitionists and stubbornly independent south. The land is in turmoil and few have any idea of what is coming. If history had been taught like this in classrooms we would all be historians.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: Great reading, especially the historical information mixed with a facinating and interesting plot throughout. Could not put it down. If you like the Civil war you will love this book.
Rating:
Summary: John Jakes Does It Again!
Review: Having devoured John Jakes's American series, the North and South trilogy and The Crown Family Saga, I couldn't wait to read his latest book, On Secret Service. And this furthur illustrated to me why I consider John Jakes to be one of my favorite historical writers as he once again delivered to me a first rate reading experience. As he has done in his previous books, Jakes introduces us to two fictional characters who are involved with notable and famous people as they embark on adventures and participate in historical events. The book begins in Washington and then we, as readers, witness some of the battles of the Civil War, to the beginnings of the Secret Service. And eventhough we may know the climax of the book, it is getting there that is most fascinating. This is a large book filled with an unforgettable cast of charatcers, during a momentous time in American history. I suggest you have lots of time to read when you begin this book. You won't be able to put it down.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but wished for more
Review: I always enjoy John Jakes' novels so I made sure to get this one too. Again, you could tell that the subject was well researched, and he did a good job of incorporating real and fictional characters. Unfortunately, I don't think this was one of his better novels (but almost). Some may think the novel too long; however, I took a look at hardback copies of The Warriors and The Titans from The Kent Chronicles, and they were longer and had smaller type! In fact, I wished for more information and would have bought a longer novel. I also wish the Frederick/Hanna storyline had been fleshed out more. If you enjoy John Jakes, you will enjoy this novel too - it's just not quite as good as the North and South trilogy, California Gold, and the Kent Chronicles.
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