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.

Cassie Chadwick, "Queen of Ohio," b. 1859. One of Cleveland's most infamous con artists.

Five Reasons She Still Steals Our Hearts:

1. Met husband no. 2 at a brothel, which she may have owned herself. She told him she was an "instructor of etiquette." Charm school ain't what it used to be.

2. Had ability to faint on command in order to save face and feign embarrassment--i.e. when said gentleman informed her that her "school" was a well-known bordello. Kudos for hubris.

3. Pulled off her biggest scam by claiming she was the illegitimate daughter of the millionaire bachelor Andrew Carnegie. Nothing says "I Love You" like a million-dollar promissory note.

4. Upon her last arrest, was found lying in bed with her money belt securely fastened--you can always try to take it with you.

5. Hauled trunkfuls of dresses and animal skin rugs to her prison cell, which the warden allowed her to decorate. Eat your heart out, Martha.