If Two of Them Are Dead by Gina M Bennett
Excerpt + Book & Author Info!
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Spy Thriller / Historical Fiction
Date Published: October 9, 2025
Publisher: Manhattan Book Group
America.
When Ruth, a modern-day CIA counterintelligence officer, uncovers signs of a
mole no one believes exists—a potential fourth Soviet spy left over from
the Cold War—her investigation is abruptly derailed by an impossible
event. Thrown back through time to the American Revolutionary War, Ruth finds
herself face-to-face with Agent 355, the legendary—and still
unidentified—female spy of George Washington’s Culper Ring.
Separated by 250 years yet bound by shared instincts, courage, and tradecraft,
the two women quickly recognize each other as fellow intelligence officers.
Together, they uncover a covert plot that, if left unchecked, will alter the
course of history itself—resulting in a chilling alternate reality: the
British States of America.
When Ruth returns to the present, the world she knew is gone. The United
States no longer exists. Instead, she is working for MI7, piecing together
clues that link her failed mole hunt to the catastrophic change she triggered
in 1780. To restore history—and democracy—Ruth must find a way to
repair the past without destroying the future.
If Two of Them Are Dead reimagines Agent 355 as the founding mother of
American intelligence, bringing her out of historical anonymity and into a
gripping narrative that celebrates the often-unrecognized role of women in
espionage. The novel explores how effective spycraft transcends
time—relying on deception close to truth, strategic disinformation,
vigilance, and counter-surveillance—while highlighting the unique
advantages women have historically brought to intelligence work precisely
because they were underestimated.
Blending spy thriller, historical fiction, and science fiction, this novel is
both a pulse-pounding adventure and a reflection on the enduring threats to
democracy. Ruth’s unresolved mole investigation seamlessly sets the
stage for future books in the series—without leaving readers stranded on
a cliffhanger.
Perfect for fans of espionage thrillers, time-travel fiction, Revolutionary
War history, and readers eager to uncover America’s best-kept secrets as
the nation approaches its semiquincentennial.
Excerpt: If Two of Them Are Dead
Jessica added, “Neuroscience has reached an advanced stage. We are understanding how the original computer really works, all those electromagnetic waves constantly pinging. It’s exciting. And I think when we put technology and neuroscience together, we will have a whole new avenue for discovering how to communicate with this computer, control it, make it learn faster, and even how to reprogram it,” Jessica said. Ruth didn’t follow which computer Jessica was referring to that could be reprogrammed because of new breakthroughs in neuroscience. She tilted her head slightly as a quizzical look took over her face. “Original computer? I’m not tracking. Which one do you mean?” Ruth asked. “The human brain,” Jessica replied.
“I trust people who are not perfect. Who have flaws. Who don’t get things right, and who make mistakes in front of me. They are not afraid to be authentic, which means they have nothing to hide,” Sarah said.
“It is one thing I do hope comes from this war for our independence from the British monarchy. Perhaps then, daughters will have the same choice of occupation as sons.”
“I suppose that whether you trust me is entirely up to you. As for whether I believe you to be a rebel or a spy, it would not change my trust in you,” Sarah answered.
Sarah continued, “And John Adams believes that the future assembly should be an exact portrait in miniature of the people at large.” “And Ruth, it must follow that an “exact miniature of the people” would include women since we are at least half of the people,” she added. “They must know that without a sovereign telling them what to do, men will need the help of women!” Sarah continued, “Have you ever known a gentleman who could run his own household, Ruth? They need constant direction and never seem capable of anticipating the future, nor planning for it.”
About the Author of If Two of Them Are Dead
34 distinguished years at the Central Intelligence Agency, where she built a
legacy as one of the most influential counterterrorism analysts in U.S.
history.
government warnings identifying Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda as a serious and
growing threat, years before the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Bennett’s analysis and leadership played a critical role in shaping
early U.S. counterterrorism strategy and later supported the global manhunt
for bin Laden following 9/11. Throughout her career, she was known for
intellectual rigor, moral clarity, and an unwavering commitment to public
service.
Her work and expertise have been featured in major documentaries and media
outlets, including Netflix, Showtime, HBO, PBS, 60 Minutes, Newsweek, The
Atlantic, and The New York Times, as well as leading podcasts such as
Intelligence Matters, True Spies, The Burn Bag, Spy Chat, and In the Room.
Drawing on decades of real-world intelligence experience, Bennett now brings
her deep understanding of espionage, history, and human sacrifice into
fiction—crafting stories that illuminate the often-hidden individuals
whose courage helped shape nations. Her writing bridges historical
intelligence, national security, and the untold contributions of women whose
legacies deserve recognition.
https://linktr.ee/nationalsecuritymom
Visit all the Stops on If Two of Them Are Dead Tour!
February 10 – Tea Time and Books – Spotlight
February 11 – The Mystery of Writing – Excerpt
February 12 – Books 1987 – Spotlight
February 13 – Mystic Wanders Journey – Spotlight
February 16 – Boys’ Mom Reads – Excerpt
February 17 – Liliyana Shadowlyn – Spotlight
February 18 – The Indie Express – Review
February 19 – Book Corner News and Reviews – Spotlight
February 20 – Sarandipity’s – Interview
February 23 – Momma and Her Stories – Excerpt
February 24 – Nana’s Book Reviews – Spotlight
February 25 – Novel News Network – Review
February 26 – Crossroad Reviews – Spotlight
February 27 – The Avid Reader – Interview
March 2 – Always Reading – Excerpt
March 3 – Texas Book Nook – Review
March 4 – The Faerie Review – Spotlight
March 5 – On a Reading Bender – Review
March 6 – Our Town Book Reviews – Spotlight
March 7 – RABT Reviews – Wrap Up
Elena Hartwell | Elena Taylor
