The year is 1776, and sixteen-year-old Henri Gruel, the son of a minor French nobleman, is on a secret mission for King Louis of France, to act as spy against his own house guest, the renowned Dr. Benjamin Franklin, who is visiting from America. At first Henri is honored when the mysterious Father Hilliard enlists him in the king's name. However, once Franklin arrives, full of intellect, honesty and good humor, Henri finds his conscience more and more tested.

Before long, the young Frenchman and the elder scientist become fast friends, and Franklin invites Henri to accompany him to Paris. Once there, the young man is drawn into a web of intrigue and mystery such as he has never known. Ultimately, with his loyalties divided and with Franklin accused of a heinous murder, Henri must somehow navigate the danger and double-dealing all around him--and finally decide whose side he is on.

THE FRANKLIN AFFAIR is a novel drawn from Benjamin Franklin's actual experiences while in France, working for the cause of American independence. Filled with real historical personages and genuine locales, it weaves a tapestry where scientists mingle with spies, young boys confront deadly assassins, and where nothing is what it seems. It is a tale of politics, betrayal, danger and unshakable friendship.0