Hero or Traitor?

He’s infamous for something he tried but failed to do while the amazing feats he actually accomplished are forgotten.

He’s reviled as an irredeemable traitor when in reality he was one of liberty’s staunchest champions.

Critics of Edward Snowden sneeringly compare him to this long-dead hero—and they’re right but for the wrong reasons.

His name was Benedict Arnold, major general in the Continental Army of the American Revolution. Without him, Americans probably would have lost their battle for liberty—and yet they despise him. Most neither know about nor appreciate the lopsided victories he won against the most powerful empire of his day. And they certainly can’t understand why he suddenly reversed course to side with that empire. They damn him for trying to deliver one of the Continental Army’s most strategic forts to the British instead of thanking him for his triumphs at Valcour Island and Saratoga—triumphs that birthed an independent republic devoted, however briefly, to liberty.

Benedict Arnold was born 274 years ago this week. What better way to celebrate than to learn the real story behind this cardboard villain via my novel, Abducting Arnold? Ergo, I’m offering readers of Patriot’s Lament a special deal: 50% off the e-reader versions of Abducting Arnold and 50% off my first novel, Halestorm (in which Arnold makes a brief but unflattering debut). In other words, get both e-books for the price of one. And join me in toasting Benedict Arnold, Hero!