It was a time when spying was seen as despicable, no matter how helpful it was to any cause. Spies died by the hangman's noose, a punishment reserved for the worst, lowliest criminal; operatives were nowhere near deserving an "honorable" execution by firing squad.

Not only were the two main "Culpers" (Sr and Jr) living in occupied New York, risking life for the country's independence all-the-while loathing what they were doing, they found their way through a craft they knew nothing about. Using invisible ink (rarely available and only in scant amounts), clandestine meet-ups and codes, reports issued from New York about Redcoat activity, made their way to George Washington.

If it had not been for George Washington keeping the correspondence he received, the Culper spy ring may not have ever been known. Again, self-loathing created a scenario where the spies never wanted to be associated with such dastardly activity.

Lynn Groh writes an entertaining story that remains true to what little more has been learned since this book was researched in the 1960s. Like myself, many only know about this chapter in American history by watching Brad Meltzler's episode of 'Decoded'. There are no new revelations in Decoded and the book does an excellent job at fleshing out what could not be covered in the television show. This book is a quick read and well worth finding a copy at used book stores. ( )