⭐⭐⭐☆☆
I’ve always appreciated Marie Benedict’s mission to spotlight the untold stories of women throughout history. Some of her books are hits, others are misses—Agent 355 lands somewhere in the middle. It’s a quick novella that I whipped through in no time, but it left me feeling unsatisfied.
The premise is compelling: a mysterious female spy working within the Culper Ring during the American Revolution. There are moments of intrigue, particularly in the espionage scenes and political maneuverings, but they’re buried under repetitive inner monologues and uneven pacing. Readers hoping for a vivid, pulse-pounding spy thriller may find this more subdued and speculative than satisfying. The story feels underdeveloped, and the ending arrives far too abruptly.
If this was meant as a test run to gauge interest in a full-length novel, I’d give it a thumbs up. To really make it work, though, Benedict would need to broaden the scope—maybe take a multiple-narrative approach and flesh out the roles of the men in the ring.
Still, for fans of Revolutionary War history or Benedict’s earlier works, there’s value in the attempt to honor a forgotten figure. Just don’t expect fireworks. It’s a decent read—but not one that sticks with you.