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A TERRIBLE LOYALTY--BOOK 4: A World War II Submarine Novel

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U.S. submarines operating out of Australia have been making covert deliveries of critically needed weapons, ammunition, radios, and medical supplies to American and Filipino guerrillas in the Philippines. Suddenly, one of the subs is ambushed and sunk just as it was nearing the rendezvous. The same happens to the next submarine. Clearly, the Japanese now have an intelligence source that tips them off to the times, dates, and places for the rendezvous, and no third submarine can be sent until the mystery is solved. The U.S. naval officers in Australia believe that the spy is someone among the guerrillas, while the charismatic American leader of 16,000 guerrillas strongly suspects the spy is in Australia. Both sides turn to Pearl Harbor for assistance and Oliver Wirtz, the Executive Officer of the U.S.S. Sea Otter, is sent to meet the guerrilla leader and assist him in uncovering the spy. Once the problem is resolved, the Sea Otter will make the next supply run. Meanwhile, back at Pearl Harbor, the Office of Naval Intelligence and the FBI discover that the Japanese plan to abduct, torture for information, and kill a key naval officer, but are unable to determine the target. CINCPAC believes himself to be the planned victim, and his staff agrees, but steps are taken to protect all admirals on Oahu as a precaution. However, Rachael Bowie and Tracy Fillmore have good reason to suspect that Alice Detrick, head of the Navy’s top secret codebreaking operation, is the target.

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2023

189 people are currently reading
14 people want to read

About the author

William Roskey

13 books10 followers

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5 stars
363 (65%)
4 stars
130 (23%)
3 stars
48 (8%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
7 reviews
May 29, 2023
Although part of the submarine series, this book is almost entirely land-based. The story focuses on espionage. Very entertaining, the fast-moving plots twisted just enough. Minor characters from earlier books are coming into focus, but this is truly a stand-alone tale.

Roskey's series continues to plumb the depths of the psychological injuries silently suffered in war. Now, we talk openly of these things, but for that generation, there were often no words and certainly no therapists. They literally soldiered on. It is these sections of the books that touch me most, so authentic to experiences my father, grandfather, and other World War II veterans relayed to me. Well done and worth reading.
69 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2023
Doubts & Fears

An excellent read!
Mr. Roskey's novel is framed over actual combat issues and decisions faced during World War II in the Pacific theater of operations.
His characters are believably human who agonize over the morality of their decisions , and the cost of the successful completion of their mission both in human life and to their souls.
Mr. Roskey is not a preacher, but he does have a Message !
Profile Image for Monroe Bryant.
414 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2023
A nice story but….

ASI said, it’s a nice story line but… way tooooo long. No need to repeat every action over and over. How many times do we have to read that The Ghost had 16,000 men, or that the kidnapping was maybe by the Australians. This just seems to be fill for more words. And, the punctuation is terrible. It distracts from the story; quotation marks not where they are supposed to be and where they are not. Don’t think I’ll read anymore of this author.
2 reviews
October 8, 2023
excellent read

I served on a submarine base in the 1980 s and have been fascinated by submarines most of my life. Mr Roskey has written a mesmerizing storyline that portrays the intensity of war in the Pacific during WWII. Not just in the sense of what the submarine crews experienced, along with other service branches, but also how it affected their personal lives and the overall feeling of our country at that time. I highly recommend reading this series it is well worth it.
19 reviews
March 30, 2023
keep writing

Not what I was expecting. Story was good but wasn’t much of a sea story. There are so many different scenarios woven into the many subplots, I can’t wait for the next episode. Write faster. Go Bill go.


3 reviews
April 5, 2023
Great read.

I was born in '43 , my dad was Navy BM 1 and I have always read every WW 2' book I can find on that era. Have read all 4 this series and find them to be excellent!! Did 5 years in the Navy but no battle time!! Look forward to your next book.
53 reviews
April 21, 2023
Great Series

What a great series. The author is obviously a researcher of great skill and is very thorough in his research. His facts are historically correct and the story line is spell binding. Can't wait for the next instalment.
9 reviews
May 6, 2023
yes….enjoying them…each one pls continue, thanks

Enjoy the characters and variety of plots. Also the interjection of spiritual, soul searching and it’s application to times of need and deep r3flectiom
1 review
May 21, 2023
This is a very good book. When you get involved with the story it is difficult to put it down. You see where it is going but you almost can't wait to get there. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more.
117 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2023
Book 4

Interesting but most of the activity is on land with minimal submarine action. Too much repetition of the praise descriptions. I wish the story remained with submarine and didn’t go so far with the land adventures.
2 reviews
August 13, 2023
A wonderful story

Terrifically told story, I actually cared about the characters (from prev books in the series) and hoped they would be ok. Looking fwd to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Dennis E. Flynn.
137 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2023
Another great story.

I love how the stories go from sub to ground adventures and command but all blend smoothly into one great book. Many authors cannot do this so smoothly. Great job William and thanks.
21 reviews
July 10, 2024
Detail

The detail and connection of scenes is what keeps me interested . The research must have been tremendous. I love everything especially gaining an appreciation for our country and the ones serving to keep us free.
Profile Image for Michael E.  Anderson.
75 reviews
November 14, 2024
Interesting and kept you occupied all the way through

Some of the story takes place on base And can get a little wordy I certainly don't have any those I certainly don't have any of those men All women That had to go through that. Of history
3 reviews
April 29, 2025
great, interesting and highly enjoyable read — the best of the series so far.

Much better writing, great characters, believable action and events. Hopefully the stories and characters will continue to evolve and improve.
Profile Image for Oxmyx.
4 reviews
March 8, 2023
Needs editing

Verbose and repetitive. Needs editing. I've enjoyed the series with the exception of this installment. I hope the next one is better.
1 review
May 6, 2023
These were great books. I couldn't put them down. I'm waiting for the 5th book.
9 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2023
I have all four books in this series, and enjoyed them immensely. While there is precious little about submarines therein, there are some interesting subplots that take you by surprise. I hope Mr. Roskey has another in the works.
6 reviews
July 24, 2023
Awedome

These books are very captivating. This 4th book added a whole dimension of characters. Perhaps another book about the Ghosts Soldiers can be considered!
2 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2023
An Amazing series

Book 4 of the Terrible Loyalty series was amazing. Each book becomes more compelling than the other. I can't wait for the next book.
10 reviews
September 10, 2023
sleep less nights

Don’t read this book if you need a good nights sleep. There are not many books that have
Kept me walks until the sun comes I







9 reviews
May 26, 2025
Great Read

Unusual but compelling story line...felt like I was actually in on the action with interesting characters. Think this is one of the best in the series.
Profile Image for Ernest Driscoll.
3 reviews
June 24, 2025
Fiction is just that!

Let's just take the average man off the street and give him a crash course in being a trained commando - successfully. A bit much...
24 reviews
September 3, 2025
great book series

This author knows how to keep you interested in the story. You never know which way it will go. It’s hard to put the book down once you start it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews