Belle Boyd, "Cleopatra of the Secession," b. 1844.

Top Five Ways She Puts James Bond to Shame:

1. Was a spy for the Confederates during the Civil War, starting when she shot a Union soldier at age 17--way to harness that teen angst.

2. No time for Stockholm Syndrome: Persuaded at least two Union captors to marry her and switch sides.

3. Was imprisoned twice, arrested seven times, and caught over 30 times--but still rode across battle lines to deliver her ciphers.

4. Touted as having the "best pair of legs in the Confederacy," she carefully exited carriages so as to flash her--gasp!--ankles as she entered enemy territory.

5. AND she had a book deal! She moved to England after the war, where she went on the road to sell her memoir, Belle Boyd in Camp & Prison.