Captain Thomas Kydd and his ship, the L’ Aurore, have just arrived in
Barbados in the hopes of gaining reinforcements for the fleet in Buenos
Aires. Admiral Cochrane tells him that he is too late; reinforcements
from England have already passed through. Since Kydd and his ship are
no longer needed to the south, the admiral attaches him to his fleet.
The purpose of the fleet was to prevent the French from taking control
of any of the British islands. While on singular patrol, they hear
explosions. Sailing rapidly to the sound they find nothing, but hear a
massive explosion. Coming to the site of it, they see nothing, but find
a single sailor hanging onto a piece of wood. Suddenly Kydd realises
that there is a volcano below them about to explode!
After a few patrols out of Barbados, the L’ Aurore is sent to join the
fleet at Jamaica. Kydd is quite excited about the prospect of working
out of Jamaica. He finds out that his task will be to take on
privateers. With that comes the possibility of prize money. One
privateer that they capture is made into a tender for the L’ Aurore and
thereby will help in their assignment.
Napoleon’s decree against trade has the sugar plantation owners in a
dither. How will they ever sell their sugar now? Desperate, ships
still sail, only to be picked off by a couple of French frigates. L’
Aurore, in conjunction with the Anson, is tasked with putting an end to
the Frenchies. Although successful on this occasion, the French still
are causing consternation. What to do?
Kydd’s private secretary and good friend, Nicholas Renzi has an idea,
but can he ferret out the necessary information? Only author Julian
Stockwin has the answer to that question. He has crafted another
swashbuckling historical naval thriller. A thoroughly enjoyable read. I
look forward to the sequels.
Friday, August 17, 2018
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Crowbone
Orm has brought Crowbone a bundle of silver, telling him that he wants
him to get a ship and crew together. Orm also tells Crowbone to stay
safe, for he is the future King if Norway. On the trip, Crowbone learns
that there is a special message awaiting him on Mann.
Little does he know that there are others in search of this enigmatic message. A chance meeting with a dying man leads to Crowbone gaining another crew and ship. All become Oathsworn, however some of the new men are Christian who don’t like the Odin oath, but do swear to be Crowbone’s men in the faith of Christ.
Crowbone later learns that the man who set the story in motion was a priest from Orm’s past. He also knew the priest and knew that he was a trouble maker. But, Crowbone wondered, could he still trust Orm?
The Oathsworn’s luck turns for the worse when during a storm, their boat is badly damaged while landing. Fortunately they land in Ireland and are taken to the High King, with whom they make a good connection. They help him in battle. After winning the battle, Crowbone is granted ships and men to crew them so that he can continue his quest.
On their way in search of Crowbone’s quest, they are joined by a priest who is determined to convert Crowbone to Christianity.
What do Crowbone’s actions as he progresses on his quest have to do with his future? Will he resolve his differences with Orm? You must read on to find out. Robert Low’s historical thriller is based on fact and Viking legend and is a thoroughly entertaining read. I found it hard to put down. This is the last of the Oathsworn series.
Little does he know that there are others in search of this enigmatic message. A chance meeting with a dying man leads to Crowbone gaining another crew and ship. All become Oathsworn, however some of the new men are Christian who don’t like the Odin oath, but do swear to be Crowbone’s men in the faith of Christ.
Crowbone later learns that the man who set the story in motion was a priest from Orm’s past. He also knew the priest and knew that he was a trouble maker. But, Crowbone wondered, could he still trust Orm?
The Oathsworn’s luck turns for the worse when during a storm, their boat is badly damaged while landing. Fortunately they land in Ireland and are taken to the High King, with whom they make a good connection. They help him in battle. After winning the battle, Crowbone is granted ships and men to crew them so that he can continue his quest.
On their way in search of Crowbone’s quest, they are joined by a priest who is determined to convert Crowbone to Christianity.
What do Crowbone’s actions as he progresses on his quest have to do with his future? Will he resolve his differences with Orm? You must read on to find out. Robert Low’s historical thriller is based on fact and Viking legend and is a thoroughly entertaining read. I found it hard to put down. This is the last of the Oathsworn series.
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Salt Lane
DS Alex Cupidi has just been on TV requesting the public’s help in
identifying a woman found dead in a canal in Kent. The following
morning they have an identity. Cupidi and DC Jill Ferriter travel to
London to inform the son. They are shocked and confused when the son
tells them that his mother had stayed with them the night before.
On the way back they are sent to a farm where a body has been found on a slurry pit. The police now have two murder cases on their hands. It turns out that the second victim was an illegal immigrant.
With the body in the canal in mind, Cupidi checks with the Drainage Board to find out how far the body could have floated. She finds out it wouldn’t have. Someone with local knowledge knew that where the body was found, was a quiet area.
As the investigation progresses, Cupidi learns more about illegal immigrants, and what they will do to stay. When a third body turns up, Cupidi and Ferriter are sure there is a connection.
William Shaw’s latest thriller is fast paced, full of action and definitely hard to put down. This page turner kept me engaged throughout. I can hardly wait to read the sequel.
On the way back they are sent to a farm where a body has been found on a slurry pit. The police now have two murder cases on their hands. It turns out that the second victim was an illegal immigrant.
With the body in the canal in mind, Cupidi checks with the Drainage Board to find out how far the body could have floated. She finds out it wouldn’t have. Someone with local knowledge knew that where the body was found, was a quiet area.
As the investigation progresses, Cupidi learns more about illegal immigrants, and what they will do to stay. When a third body turns up, Cupidi and Ferriter are sure there is a connection.
William Shaw’s latest thriller is fast paced, full of action and definitely hard to put down. This page turner kept me engaged throughout. I can hardly wait to read the sequel.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
The Prow Beast
Young Crowbone has come to visit Orm and his few Oathsworn at Hestreng.
Crowbone is now known as Olaf Tryggvasson, Prince of Norway. Crowbone
warns Orm of Randr Sterki, who plans revenge on both of them. Orm
doesn’t want to fight.
Not long after Crowbone’s visit, Jarl Brand brings his son for Orm to foster. It is a significant recognition of Orm’s status. Also with Brand was Queen Sigurth, pregnant and very demanding. She was returning to be with King Eirik. The day after news arrives indicating that Brand’s home has been raided. Brand plans to hurry to the king, and fight for him. However, that means leaving Sigurth with Orm.
Orm sends his community up into the mountains and prepares to do battle with Randr Sterki. When Sterki attacks, he brings Roman Fire, which destroys Orm’s boat. Orm and his friend Finn barely survive, but what of their community? Fortunately they have escaped and Orm and Finn make it back to them. Then comes the realisation that Sterki is working to not just destroy Orm, but also to ensure that Sigurth doesn’t survive nor produce a son who would be heir before King Eirik’s original heir, Styrbjorn.
Now the community must struggle to get to safety. They will be set upon by their enemies several times. Fortunately Sigurth gives birth to a healthy son, to be named Olaf. It is at this time that Orm’s fostering was kidnapped. Can Orm and his community survive the attacks and get the boy back?
Once again, author Robert Low, has provided the reader with a rollicking tale of adventure, action and death based on stories of Viking life. A thoroughly enjoyable read, and hard to put down.
Not long after Crowbone’s visit, Jarl Brand brings his son for Orm to foster. It is a significant recognition of Orm’s status. Also with Brand was Queen Sigurth, pregnant and very demanding. She was returning to be with King Eirik. The day after news arrives indicating that Brand’s home has been raided. Brand plans to hurry to the king, and fight for him. However, that means leaving Sigurth with Orm.
Orm sends his community up into the mountains and prepares to do battle with Randr Sterki. When Sterki attacks, he brings Roman Fire, which destroys Orm’s boat. Orm and his friend Finn barely survive, but what of their community? Fortunately they have escaped and Orm and Finn make it back to them. Then comes the realisation that Sterki is working to not just destroy Orm, but also to ensure that Sigurth doesn’t survive nor produce a son who would be heir before King Eirik’s original heir, Styrbjorn.
Now the community must struggle to get to safety. They will be set upon by their enemies several times. Fortunately Sigurth gives birth to a healthy son, to be named Olaf. It is at this time that Orm’s fostering was kidnapped. Can Orm and his community survive the attacks and get the boy back?
Once again, author Robert Low, has provided the reader with a rollicking tale of adventure, action and death based on stories of Viking life. A thoroughly enjoyable read, and hard to put down.
Monday, August 6, 2018
Red Icon
In 1915, Tsar Nicholas gave Inspector Pekkala the task of convincing
Rasputin not to take the Russian icon “The Shepherd”, otherwise the
Russian people might see it as a bad thing for Russia. Rasputin, in
turn must convince the Tsarina he shouldn’t take it.
However, Rasputin already has it in his possession, and it isn’t long after that that the Tsarina tells Pekkala that the icon is missing. She also doesn’t want Pekkala investigating it. Before long, a priest steps forward and admits to stealing the icon and burning it. The tsar then tells Pekkala that the case is closed.
Thirty years later, two Russian soldiers find the icon in a coffin when they take refuge in a church in Germany. Stalin wants to know how it came to be there and if it truly is the original icon. An art historian confirms that it is the original. Now Pekkala and his helper, Major Kirov need to delve further into the mystery.
They travel to a prison far to the east to interview the priest who claimed to have destroyed the icon. He tells them the true tale of what he did with it. Pekkala now wants to know what happened in the intervening years.
Pekkala begins his quest in Finland; there he finds some answers. Back from Finland, Pekkala and Kirov are called back to the priest’s prison because he has been poisoned by some unknown poison. It had come in a package he had assumed was from Pekkala.
How deadly is the poison and can Pekkala and Kirov find the icon before more of the deadly poison is utilised? Author Sam Eastland‘ slate at thriller is fast paced and intriguing. It was hard to put down and thoroughly enjoyable.
However, Rasputin already has it in his possession, and it isn’t long after that that the Tsarina tells Pekkala that the icon is missing. She also doesn’t want Pekkala investigating it. Before long, a priest steps forward and admits to stealing the icon and burning it. The tsar then tells Pekkala that the case is closed.
Thirty years later, two Russian soldiers find the icon in a coffin when they take refuge in a church in Germany. Stalin wants to know how it came to be there and if it truly is the original icon. An art historian confirms that it is the original. Now Pekkala and his helper, Major Kirov need to delve further into the mystery.
They travel to a prison far to the east to interview the priest who claimed to have destroyed the icon. He tells them the true tale of what he did with it. Pekkala now wants to know what happened in the intervening years.
Pekkala begins his quest in Finland; there he finds some answers. Back from Finland, Pekkala and Kirov are called back to the priest’s prison because he has been poisoned by some unknown poison. It had come in a package he had assumed was from Pekkala.
How deadly is the poison and can Pekkala and Kirov find the icon before more of the deadly poison is utilised? Author Sam Eastland‘ slate at thriller is fast paced and intriguing. It was hard to put down and thoroughly enjoyable.
Saturday, August 4, 2018
The White Raven
Orm and the Oathsworn are back home awaiting the completion of their
new ship, Fjord Elk. They are getting itchy feet, wanting to go raiding
again. When a neighbouring farm is attacked, it is agreed that
retribution is necessary.
The first place they attack is Klerkon’s settlement, the leader who had raided their neighbour. Here they find a boy who claims to be a prince. Klerkon has named him Crowbone, but Crowbone shows the Oathsworn where to find Klerkon’s gold. The group moves on to Novgorod as it gets colder. Their they meet up with a young former companion who is studying business. Jon takes Orm to meet his old nemesis, Martin.
While in Novgorod, Crowbone kills a man, resulting in the arrest of him and the Oathsworn who were with him at the time. Fortunately their confinement isn’t long and they are freed, however they must now help the local prince gain a cache of silver that only Orm knows the way to.
It is a very bitter cold through which the group travels. Crowbone and Orm are taken by treachery away from their companions. Fortunately for them, they are rescued not long afterwards. As the group treks on towards their goal, the bitter cold takes their horses and some of the men. In their weakened state they are attacked by a group of Men Haters. They manage to survive that and trek on.
However, will they survive the cold and treachery that awaits them? Author Robert Low’s tale is based on factual events and is told in an exciting fashion. A thoroughly enjoyable read, which I found hard to put down.
The first place they attack is Klerkon’s settlement, the leader who had raided their neighbour. Here they find a boy who claims to be a prince. Klerkon has named him Crowbone, but Crowbone shows the Oathsworn where to find Klerkon’s gold. The group moves on to Novgorod as it gets colder. Their they meet up with a young former companion who is studying business. Jon takes Orm to meet his old nemesis, Martin.
While in Novgorod, Crowbone kills a man, resulting in the arrest of him and the Oathsworn who were with him at the time. Fortunately their confinement isn’t long and they are freed, however they must now help the local prince gain a cache of silver that only Orm knows the way to.
It is a very bitter cold through which the group travels. Crowbone and Orm are taken by treachery away from their companions. Fortunately for them, they are rescued not long afterwards. As the group treks on towards their goal, the bitter cold takes their horses and some of the men. In their weakened state they are attacked by a group of Men Haters. They manage to survive that and trek on.
However, will they survive the cold and treachery that awaits them? Author Robert Low’s tale is based on factual events and is told in an exciting fashion. A thoroughly enjoyable read, which I found hard to put down.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
The Dark Angel
Ruth Galloway has been invited to investigate some mysterious bones in
Italy by a renowned Italian archaeologist, Angelo Morelli. It is
perfect timing for her to get away for a bit of a holiday with her
daughter, Kate.
When Ruth arrives in Italy, Morelli explains his dilemma; the skeleton had been found intact, but when Morelli was about to unveil it, his phone rang. Moments later another phone rang, this time the phone was found buried in the skeleton’s hand!
Morelli admits to Ruth that Italians don’t want to find another Roman burial; they have enough of them. He then shockingly tells her that he thinks someone is trying to kill him.
The following Sunday, Ruth is with the mother of Morelli when they discover the local priest in the church. He has been murdered. Ruth mentions to the local police chief an odd thing about the death, which is similar to what was discovered with the skeleton. It is the following day when DCI Nelson shows up. He has come because of his concern for Ruth and Kate following an earthquake in Italy.
It is Nelson’s suggestion to the local chief of police that allows the prime suspect for the murder of the priest to go free. So then, who could the killer be?
Elly Griffith’s novel has a very exciting conclusion with some surprises in store for the reader. Although the setting up of the conclusion is slowly building anticipation, the final chapters are hard hitting. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
When Ruth arrives in Italy, Morelli explains his dilemma; the skeleton had been found intact, but when Morelli was about to unveil it, his phone rang. Moments later another phone rang, this time the phone was found buried in the skeleton’s hand!
Morelli admits to Ruth that Italians don’t want to find another Roman burial; they have enough of them. He then shockingly tells her that he thinks someone is trying to kill him.
The following Sunday, Ruth is with the mother of Morelli when they discover the local priest in the church. He has been murdered. Ruth mentions to the local police chief an odd thing about the death, which is similar to what was discovered with the skeleton. It is the following day when DCI Nelson shows up. He has come because of his concern for Ruth and Kate following an earthquake in Italy.
It is Nelson’s suggestion to the local chief of police that allows the prime suspect for the murder of the priest to go free. So then, who could the killer be?
Elly Griffith’s novel has a very exciting conclusion with some surprises in store for the reader. Although the setting up of the conclusion is slowly building anticipation, the final chapters are hard hitting. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
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