{February 20, 2014} Howard Books author Allison Pataki, daughter of former New York State Governor George E. Pataki,  debuts first novel at #5 on the New York Times Bestsellers list. The former ABCNews.com and FoxNews.com writer was inspired to pen THE TRAITORS WIFE after growing up in New York State’s Hudson Highlands, where she would gaze across the Hudson River at West Point. Her unique perspective and upbringing help her immerse readers in a descriptively imaged world of our forefathers that puts her in a category all her own.  THE TRAITORS WIFE is a fascinating journey through our country’s history in a story where America’s fight for freedom is threatened by the nation’s most notorious traitor.

The TODAY Show’s Kathie Lee Gifford calls it “One of the best, best, best historical novels. I was riveted…I couldn’t put it down.”

“A most impressive debut novel for lovers of American History” – New York Times Bestselling author, Philippa Gregory.

The top placement for the first time author is a great start to 2014 for the Simon & Schuster imprint, who experienced a record-breaking year in 2013.

Synopsis of The Traitor’s Wife

Everyone knows Benedict Arnold—the infamous Revolutionary War General who betrayed America and fled to the British as history’s most notorious turncoat. Many know Arnold’s co-conspirator, Major John André, who was apprehended with Arnold’s documents in his boots and hanged at the orders of General George Washington. But few know of the integral third character in the plot; a charming and cunning young woman, who not only contributed to the betrayal but orchestrated it.

Socialite Peggy Shippen is half Benedict Arnold’s age when she seduces the war hero. Blinded by his young bride’s beauty and wit, Arnold does not realize that she harbors a secret: loyalty to the British. Nor does he know that she hides a past romance with the handsome British spy John André. Peggy watches as her husband grows ever more disillusioned with his hero, Washington, and the American cause. Together with her former lover and her disaffected husband, Peggy hatches a plot to deliver West Point to the British and, in exchange, win fame and fortune for herself and Arnold.

Told from the perspective of Peggy’s maid, whose faith in the new nation inspires her to intervene in her mistress’s devious affairs, The Traitor’s Wife brings these infamous figures to life, illuminating the sordid details and the love triangle that nearly destroyed the American fight for freedom.

Allison Pataki received her bachelor’s degree from Yale University and has spent several years writing for TV and online news outlets, including ABCNews.com and FoxNews.com. The daughter of former New York State Governor George E. Pataki, Allison was inspired to write The Traitor’s Wife based on the rich Revolutionary War history of her hometown in New York State’s Hudson Highlands. The Traitor’s Wife is Allison’s first novel. She lives in Chicago with her husband, David.