Ray Verdon has spun a wonderful historical yarn. I laughed out loud, and learned, and marvelled, and remembered, and was intrigued from cover to cover. Not Exactly a War Hero is set in my literary territory, featuring the scandalous Mac Gleason, who appeared in my book Covered Bridge, and he’s matched with the Great Mondou; two utterly engaging, memorable and worthy protagonists. It’s a terrific tall tale that just had to be told.

— Brian Doyle , Governor General’s Literary Award Winner