What do you think?
Rate this book
Lieutenant Peter Harding #1-4
The Complete Lieutenant Harding WWII Thrillers Books 1-4
Meet Lieutenant Peter Harding as he proves himself in submarine warfare against the cunning of the German U-boats as the tumultuous events of the Second World War unfold.
BOOK 1: SHADOW (prequel)
1940. Peter Harding joins HM Submarine Shadow for his first tour of duty. Shadow is not a happy ship, ruled by an overbearing, unlikeable commander. But Harding learns rapidly, and the fortunes of war dictate changes in both his and Shadow’s future.
From infiltrating the fjords of Occupied Norway to stalking U-boats on the Mediterranean convoy runs, Shadow becomes both hunter and hunted in the deadly undersea war.
BOOK 2: COMMAND
Frozen fingers, broken bones, shattered hearts . . . the situation could not get worse.
Or so Lieutenant Peter Harding thought. The Trigger has just left British shores and is on its way to northern Norway when the relentless storm hits. Harding’s crew are barely surviving the Arctic conditions which face them. The ship is slowly dying and cracks are beginning to show, in both the ship and in relations between the men on board.
The navy of Nazi Germany are under orders to destroy The Trigger, but how much will it take before Harding and his men surrender to the enemy?
BOOK 3: TRIGGER
Deep beneath the placid Mediterranean, the submarine Trigger stalks the enemy convoys . . .
Lieutenant Peter Harding is one of the most successful commanders in the Fleet. But no man’s nerve can last forever — and Harding’s is beginning to crack. But the Admiralty has its own ways of securing Harding's continued service. And it has one further task for Trigger and her crew.
BOOK 4: TALON
The war in Europe is over. But on the other side of the world Lieutenant John Gascoigne takes command of HMS Talon, a submarine patrolling the treacherous waters of the Java Sea. Gascoigne is a man haunted by past loyalties; by the ever-present ghost of a woman he loves, but can never have.
The constant successes of the American submarine commanders, his allies and rivals, only fuel his resentment of the present. Gascoigne is desperate for success in Talon, and he will take any risk to get results. But a Japanese destroyer is a formidable target — even when dead in Talon’s sights . . .
BOOK 1: SHADOW (prequel)
1940. Peter Harding joins HM Submarine Shadow for his first tour of duty. Shadow is not a happy ship, ruled by an overbearing, unlikeable commander. But Harding learns rapidly, and the fortunes of war dictate changes in both his and Shadow’s future.
From infiltrating the fjords of Occupied Norway to stalking U-boats on the Mediterranean convoy runs, Shadow becomes both hunter and hunted in the deadly undersea war.
BOOK 2: COMMAND
Frozen fingers, broken bones, shattered hearts . . . the situation could not get worse.
Or so Lieutenant Peter Harding thought. The Trigger has just left British shores and is on its way to northern Norway when the relentless storm hits. Harding’s crew are barely surviving the Arctic conditions which face them. The ship is slowly dying and cracks are beginning to show, in both the ship and in relations between the men on board.
The navy of Nazi Germany are under orders to destroy The Trigger, but how much will it take before Harding and his men surrender to the enemy?
BOOK 3: TRIGGER
Deep beneath the placid Mediterranean, the submarine Trigger stalks the enemy convoys . . .
Lieutenant Peter Harding is one of the most successful commanders in the Fleet. But no man’s nerve can last forever — and Harding’s is beginning to crack. But the Admiralty has its own ways of securing Harding's continued service. And it has one further task for Trigger and her crew.
BOOK 4: TALON
The war in Europe is over. But on the other side of the world Lieutenant John Gascoigne takes command of HMS Talon, a submarine patrolling the treacherous waters of the Java Sea. Gascoigne is a man haunted by past loyalties; by the ever-present ghost of a woman he loves, but can never have.
The constant successes of the American submarine commanders, his allies and rivals, only fuel his resentment of the present. Gascoigne is desperate for success in Talon, and he will take any risk to get results. But a Japanese destroyer is a formidable target — even when dead in Talon’s sights . . .
1212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2023
About the author
Antony Melville-Ross
28 books14 followersANTONY MELVILLE ROSS was a thriller writer of unusual quality. He was an excellent craftsman who constructed his stories with skill and wrote clear uncluttered prose, and his work has a ring of authenticity which in fact owed as much to personal experience as to the liveliness of his imagination and to his gifts as a storyteller.
The six novels that he published between 1978 and 1985 arise equally from his service as a sub- mariner in the Second World War, in which he was awarded the DSC and rose to command his own boat, and the Cold War world of the Secret Service into which he transferred soon after the end of the war. He wrote them in inverse order, beginning with the spy novels and then going on to submarines. His first book, Blindfold (1978), was at once recognised by such discriminating critics as TJ Binyon and Sheridan Morley, who compared it to Ian Fleming's debut with Casino Royale. Like Fleming, Melville Ross made good use of exotic backgrounds - the Libyan desert, the Colombian jungle - as well as the familiar thriller territory of London and New York. But he made less use of, indeed was not so much at home in, the world of beautiful people, of the best clubs, the best restaurants. There is perhaps less glamour but there is no less excitement. Two Faces of Nemesis (1979) consolidated the reputation established by Blindfold but it is Tightrope (1981) that shows his complete mastery of complicated plotting and a compulsive narrative power.
Trigger (1982) was the first of the submarine stories. Set in the Mediterranean in 1943, it was at least partly based on his service under a legendary fire-eater decorated with the VC who was by no means the easiest of commanding officers. The book was as widely praised for its expertise, communicated to the reader without apparent effort, as for the suspense he knew so well how to achieve. 'He has that rare thriller writer's skill of making the reader know what to do in a crisis, as when enemy destroyers are sweeping overhead,' as one reviewer put it. The same qualities were evident in Talon (1983) and Shadow (1985). The tension and the trust between men living together in the closest of quarters and the greatest of danger pervades every line. So does the discipline and the professionalism that Melville Ross brought to his work as an author.
The six novels that he published between 1978 and 1985 arise equally from his service as a sub- mariner in the Second World War, in which he was awarded the DSC and rose to command his own boat, and the Cold War world of the Secret Service into which he transferred soon after the end of the war. He wrote them in inverse order, beginning with the spy novels and then going on to submarines. His first book, Blindfold (1978), was at once recognised by such discriminating critics as TJ Binyon and Sheridan Morley, who compared it to Ian Fleming's debut with Casino Royale. Like Fleming, Melville Ross made good use of exotic backgrounds - the Libyan desert, the Colombian jungle - as well as the familiar thriller territory of London and New York. But he made less use of, indeed was not so much at home in, the world of beautiful people, of the best clubs, the best restaurants. There is perhaps less glamour but there is no less excitement. Two Faces of Nemesis (1979) consolidated the reputation established by Blindfold but it is Tightrope (1981) that shows his complete mastery of complicated plotting and a compulsive narrative power.
Trigger (1982) was the first of the submarine stories. Set in the Mediterranean in 1943, it was at least partly based on his service under a legendary fire-eater decorated with the VC who was by no means the easiest of commanding officers. The book was as widely praised for its expertise, communicated to the reader without apparent effort, as for the suspense he knew so well how to achieve. 'He has that rare thriller writer's skill of making the reader know what to do in a crisis, as when enemy destroyers are sweeping overhead,' as one reviewer put it. The same qualities were evident in Talon (1983) and Shadow (1985). The tension and the trust between men living together in the closest of quarters and the greatest of danger pervades every line. So does the discipline and the professionalism that Melville Ross brought to his work as an author.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 5, 2023
British sub war — WWII
These aren’t actually “four utterly gripping naval adventures”, but rather one 1200 page novel following two Royal Navy submarine officers over the six years Britain fought Germany, Italy, and Japan during the Second World War.
Ranging from the Arctic Ocean to the Mediterranean to the South Pacific, the engagements fought both against the enemy and the weather, as well as against their own nerves after too many close calls, are gripping; their relationships with their fellow officers, their men, and with women that they meet and come to love as important as the battle scenes.
Not all of the book is completely realistic. The treatment provided to Lieutenant Peter Harding for what was then called combat stress and we now call post-traumatic stress disorder would not have happened in the 1940s (nor any time since). As a former (US) Navy Subject Matter Expert in combat stress, I know better. I rather wish that the author hadn’t gone there.
Still, this very long novel (divided into its four parts) is worth reading.
Recommended.
These aren’t actually “four utterly gripping naval adventures”, but rather one 1200 page novel following two Royal Navy submarine officers over the six years Britain fought Germany, Italy, and Japan during the Second World War.
Ranging from the Arctic Ocean to the Mediterranean to the South Pacific, the engagements fought both against the enemy and the weather, as well as against their own nerves after too many close calls, are gripping; their relationships with their fellow officers, their men, and with women that they meet and come to love as important as the battle scenes.
Not all of the book is completely realistic. The treatment provided to Lieutenant Peter Harding for what was then called combat stress and we now call post-traumatic stress disorder would not have happened in the 1940s (nor any time since). As a former (US) Navy Subject Matter Expert in combat stress, I know better. I rather wish that the author hadn’t gone there.
Still, this very long novel (divided into its four parts) is worth reading.
Recommended.
January 23, 2024
I just finished the series with an overall pleasant reaction. Book 1 starts the career of Harding and shipmates rather slowly. I am glad to have persisted because I was thereafter absorbed in the story.
[spoiler alert]
Melville-Ross explores the impact war has on various matters: fidelity, moral 'flexibility' regarding vows and pledges, distant relationships, loss of one's dearest, luck being a well-known parameter of one's success (the German torpedo striking Trigger being a dud because of an inverted impeller instead of being a death blow), hedgehog success, and more.
It was a small disappointment that the American journalist apparently never heard from Peter. She was lost in the many elements of the story. One is left to one's devices to fill in the blanks.
Nevertheless, it was a consuming naval story
[spoiler alert]
Melville-Ross explores the impact war has on various matters: fidelity, moral 'flexibility' regarding vows and pledges, distant relationships, loss of one's dearest, luck being a well-known parameter of one's success (the German torpedo striking Trigger being a dud because of an inverted impeller instead of being a death blow), hedgehog success, and more.
It was a small disappointment that the American journalist apparently never heard from Peter. She was lost in the many elements of the story. One is left to one's devices to fill in the blanks.
Nevertheless, it was a consuming naval story
December 11, 2023
Because I've read many very well written, interesting and captivating novels, I rarely ever give 5 stars.
But this group was a very unexpected delight that captured my attention and even managed to get my imagination going.
What a delight- what looked like a dreary war novel turned out to be a lifelike presentation of the experiences of several heroes and heroines. Crossing the World, dealing with life and death was produced realistically giving cause for sincere reflection throughout my reading. I salute the author and thank him most sincerely.
But this group was a very unexpected delight that captured my attention and even managed to get my imagination going.
What a delight- what looked like a dreary war novel turned out to be a lifelike presentation of the experiences of several heroes and heroines. Crossing the World, dealing with life and death was produced realistically giving cause for sincere reflection throughout my reading. I salute the author and thank him most sincerely.
March 13, 2026
A BRILLIANT BOX SET
After serving as a Sparks in a T-Boat in the early 60's this Box set really brought my memory to life, brilliantly written and all 4 books totally absorbing, I was most disappointed when I reached the end, but on reflection that was the full story, Peter (sorry, Lt.Harding) would never have been allowed to continue his career in the Fleet Air Arm with his horrific injuries from the Japanese attack on his plane.
I will search Antony Melville -Ross's library for my next read, Thank-you for a very exciting 20 hours of reading.
After serving as a Sparks in a T-Boat in the early 60's this Box set really brought my memory to life, brilliantly written and all 4 books totally absorbing, I was most disappointed when I reached the end, but on reflection that was the full story, Peter (sorry, Lt.Harding) would never have been allowed to continue his career in the Fleet Air Arm with his horrific injuries from the Japanese attack on his plane.
I will search Antony Melville -Ross's library for my next read, Thank-you for a very exciting 20 hours of reading.
February 20, 2025
Absolutely superb!
I have read all four in this series over the past 3 weeks. One of the best set of books I have read in my 60 odd years of enjoying books. Totally believable, extremely well written, transported me to WW2 and life on submarines. I shall miss many of the characters who have become like old friends in the short time I have 'known' them.
Totally and utterly recommend!
I have read all four in this series over the past 3 weeks. One of the best set of books I have read in my 60 odd years of enjoying books. Totally believable, extremely well written, transported me to WW2 and life on submarines. I shall miss many of the characters who have become like old friends in the short time I have 'known' them.
Totally and utterly recommend!
August 13, 2025
Excellent Historical Fiction
I would not recommend this book to anyone who dies not like to be sucked into the lives of the characters in this book or any other book written by this author. He knows how to set the reader up to get angry, cry, laugh, or just be amused.
His characters sound real, and his plots believable, he lays out the historical background in such a way that it pulls you into it with skill and interest.
I would not recommend this book to anyone who dies not like to be sucked into the lives of the characters in this book or any other book written by this author. He knows how to set the reader up to get angry, cry, laugh, or just be amused.
His characters sound real, and his plots believable, he lays out the historical background in such a way that it pulls you into it with skill and interest.
December 17, 2023
Great read.
These four books are a terrific read. The characters are extremely well developed. And there are a bunch of them. All you wish you could know more. Adventure,action, heroism, mean spirited, comedy, love,sex, family. Every kind of person and emotion. Really terrific books.
These four books are a terrific read. The characters are extremely well developed. And there are a bunch of them. All you wish you could know more. Adventure,action, heroism, mean spirited, comedy, love,sex, family. Every kind of person and emotion. Really terrific books.
January 4, 2024
World War II from inside a British submatine
The four books span the opening of Britain's solo sea war to after Japan's surrender. We see the maturation of two very different young naval officers as their careers and romances shift over time and oceans. The character developments become old friends. The action sequences seem to flow in real time. It is quite an adventure story.
The four books span the opening of Britain's solo sea war to after Japan's surrender. We see the maturation of two very different young naval officers as their careers and romances shift over time and oceans. The character developments become old friends. The action sequences seem to flow in real time. It is quite an adventure story.
April 3, 2024
Realistic And Knowledgable Series
Characters were worth following and likable. After reading a dozen or more WW2 series by British authors...boy, did no one stay loyal to their spouse? Aside from that, the storyline was good, the action sufficiently spaced with character development to keep it interesting.
Characters were worth following and likable. After reading a dozen or more WW2 series by British authors...boy, did no one stay loyal to their spouse? Aside from that, the storyline was good, the action sufficiently spaced with character development to keep it interesting.
November 20, 2023
Terrific Writing with realistic and authentic story telling of difficult times
Found difficulty in putting the books down and at the end difficult to accept the end was it.Thank you for such riveting writing
Found difficulty in putting the books down and at the end difficult to accept the end was it.Thank you for such riveting writing
November 29, 2023
Super read
I could I put this book down I was totally engrossed should have liked to have read more adventurous of Peter Harding in the island I am sure it would
Have been a
Super read
Bill roath
I could I put this book down I was totally engrossed should have liked to have read more adventurous of Peter Harding in the island I am sure it would
Have been a
Super read
Bill roath
January 10, 2024
Great set of books. Fast moving, believable characters and stories about WW 2 actions to which most of us older generation can relate to. Should you like to lose yourself in the adventures of characters fighting during WW2, this set of books is for you.
January 31, 2024
quite a decent read
It was quite good but I would like to have read a bit more about Harding as that’s what these books were about and about his survival after he was shot down and being reunited with his wife and his recovery
It was quite good but I would like to have read a bit more about Harding as that’s what these books were about and about his survival after he was shot down and being reunited with his wife and his recovery
February 15, 2024
Superb books
All four books were excellent. Very believable stories. Excellent characters and timeline. Chapters were a good length. Each book followed on very well. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in the war at sea, especially submarines.
All four books were excellent. Very believable stories. Excellent characters and timeline. Chapters were a good length. Each book followed on very well. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in the war at sea, especially submarines.
February 26, 2024
One of the better written series that I thoroughly enjoyed. But I did find it a bit of a stretch that, firstly, Harding never got promoted from Lt and, secondly, being transferred to the FAA after a stellar career in submarines.! But the four books kept me quiet for a few days. Excellent.
April 19, 2024
Very well written with only a few close characters to remember
This was an excellent series from start to finish, good people and characters. Most enjoyable in the least. Well worth the read for all.
Marl
This was an excellent series from start to finish, good people and characters. Most enjoyable in the least. Well worth the read for all.
Marl
September 25, 2024
Transfixing
The roller-coaster of war, at sea, above and below, the air above and the humanity and inhumanity of war entwined. Riveting and Spellbinding with deep, deep insights into the human condition, self doubts and relationships. Eleven out of Ten !!!
The roller-coaster of war, at sea, above and below, the air above and the humanity and inhumanity of war entwined. Riveting and Spellbinding with deep, deep insights into the human condition, self doubts and relationships. Eleven out of Ten !!!
December 23, 2024
great series
This is a great series. Read them if you’re a WWII buff, sailor or just love war stories. Follows the careers of some submarines and their lives on the se as well as land. Very good
This is a great series. Read them if you’re a WWII buff, sailor or just love war stories. Follows the careers of some submarines and their lives on the se as well as land. Very good
May 1, 2025
Excellent WWII Submarine adventures
Four well written books include naval warfare, personal growth, and humorous sailor in port stories. It's hard to put down without reading straight through.
Four well written books include naval warfare, personal growth, and humorous sailor in port stories. It's hard to put down without reading straight through.
September 21, 2023
Very good read
Enjoyable from start to finish, good story well written a credit to the author, thank you, looking forward to more of the same.
Enjoyable from start to finish, good story well written a credit to the author, thank you, looking forward to more of the same.
October 11, 2023
if you ‘re a WWII buff, you’ll love this series!
These books have more plot twists than a Sebring race. They encompass every theater of WWII and the characters are amazing! Enjoy!
These books have more plot twists than a Sebring race. They encompass every theater of WWII and the characters are amazing! Enjoy!
November 29, 2023
Terrific
I thoroughly enjoyed this set…couldn’t put them down reading all four straight through. I’ve already downloaded another set of the author’s stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed this set…couldn’t put them down reading all four straight through. I’ve already downloaded another set of the author’s stories.
December 18, 2023
This is so good it deserves to be made into a movie. Peter Harding is a compelling character and the story is so lifelike it needs to be on the big screen
January 29, 2024
Brilliant
One of the best series I have read in a long while. Difficult to put down and detail and storyline are beautiful.
One of the best series I have read in a long while. Difficult to put down and detail and storyline are beautiful.
April 5, 2024
Rivetting
One of the most accurate and absorbing books I have read in a long while. Truly up there with the likes of Alistair Maclean.
One of the most accurate and absorbing books I have read in a long while. Truly up there with the likes of Alistair Maclean.
May 13, 2024
A good read
A good read with believable caratures and good story lines that take you through submarine action in three theaters of World War 2.
A good read with believable caratures and good story lines that take you through submarine action in three theaters of World War 2.
September 8, 2024
Giid story althought a bit to much inner turmoil. Good characters and action.
October 13, 2024
splendid read
Total page turner, very entertaining. I felt as though I was a member of the crew. I definitely would read it a second time.
Total page turner, very entertaining. I felt as though I was a member of the crew. I definitely would read it a second time.
November 21, 2024
Absolutely gripping.
Exciting times written by a man who knows what he's talking about. Heroes by the dozen who just "got on with the job". We owe them so much.
Exciting times written by a man who knows what he's talking about. Heroes by the dozen who just "got on with the job". We owe them so much.
December 28, 2024
A cracking long read and well worth reading. Much enjoyed
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews