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Horse and Pistol
An only child of Anglo-French descent, young James Bretherton has known a life of privilege; well-educated and mild mannered, his path is filled with promise. But when James suddenly finds himself orphaned and penniless, his future looks decidedly bleak. It is only when Fate intervenes in the guise of two English mercenaries, that James is given hope. Embarking on a new life as a soldier, he soon becomes embroiled in the religious war between Catholics and Protestants, The Empire and the German States; the war that was known as The Thirty Years war.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2024
155 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Griff Hosker
305 books423 followersI was born in 1950 in Lancashire and attended a boy’s grammar school. After qualifying as an English and Drama teacher in 1972, I worked in the North East of England for the next 35 years. During that time I did write, mainly plays, pantos and musicals for the students at the three schools in which I worked.
When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.
My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.
griff-signature-360x57
When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.
My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.
griff-signature-360x57
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 9, 2024
It wasn't until I finished the book that I saw the list of publications by Griff Hosker. I was astounded; there's close to 200! That one person can write that many books at such a rate and maintain quality is Herculean. Whether Hosker can do such is something I don't know ... yet. What I do know is that Horse & Pistol was enjoyable, albeit short (238 pages).
The novel is in the first person (except for one chapter) of James Bretherton, a Northern lad from a well-to-do family who suddenly finds himself orphaned and penniless. He takes a job as a mercenary soldier for the Dutch, fighting his way through battles in what is known as The Thirty Years War. Horse & Pistol shows James' maturation from a martial neophyte to a respected leader of men.
The book is entertaining and quickly finished. There is character development in James as well as a few compatriots. The battle scenes are a bit confusing, and some diagrams would have been helpful. I ordered a second book by Hosker and hope it is as fun to read as Horse & Pistol.
The novel is in the first person (except for one chapter) of James Bretherton, a Northern lad from a well-to-do family who suddenly finds himself orphaned and penniless. He takes a job as a mercenary soldier for the Dutch, fighting his way through battles in what is known as The Thirty Years War. Horse & Pistol shows James' maturation from a martial neophyte to a respected leader of men.
The book is entertaining and quickly finished. There is character development in James as well as a few compatriots. The battle scenes are a bit confusing, and some diagrams would have been helpful. I ordered a second book by Hosker and hope it is as fun to read as Horse & Pistol.
March 2, 2024
Always a good read…
Mr. Hosker’s books are always a good read. This one seemed a little rushed, especially at the epilogue. Mr. Hosker, I love how you write, and all the stories that I follow. Don’t lose your gift of writing by rushing through books to get another one out just for the publishers needs. I feel you will lose some of your dedicated followers by cutting your books short on your excellent writing potential. I see a little bit of a change between the first books you started writing and the latest one. All are very good so please don’t get me wrong, but your books don’t seem to capture the reader as much as your earlier versions. To the publisher, just let the man write!!! LOL Thank you again for entertaining us with such unique and interesting stories.
Mr. Hosker’s books are always a good read. This one seemed a little rushed, especially at the epilogue. Mr. Hosker, I love how you write, and all the stories that I follow. Don’t lose your gift of writing by rushing through books to get another one out just for the publishers needs. I feel you will lose some of your dedicated followers by cutting your books short on your excellent writing potential. I see a little bit of a change between the first books you started writing and the latest one. All are very good so please don’t get me wrong, but your books don’t seem to capture the reader as much as your earlier versions. To the publisher, just let the man write!!! LOL Thank you again for entertaining us with such unique and interesting stories.
May 29, 2025
A paired back and very easy to read novel set in a relatively unused (in literary terms) period of history.
Factually mostly accurate, particularly with weapons and tactics, although I think I saw some anachronistic words in the character's speech.
Curiously the MC had little to do with women and/or sex (most men of any period I believe have had a preoccupation with them) until the final chapters.
He was curiously detached from any religion at a time when god-bothering was still considered the norm.
Factually mostly accurate, particularly with weapons and tactics, although I think I saw some anachronistic words in the character's speech.
Curiously the MC had little to do with women and/or sex (most men of any period I believe have had a preoccupation with them) until the final chapters.
He was curiously detached from any religion at a time when god-bothering was still considered the norm.
November 6, 2024
Horse and Pistol
An excellent read and very enjoyable. I was so engrossed in the story that I woke at 3pm and had to continue reading of the exploits of this young man. Very clever of the writer to base most of the book in the wars in Holland and Europe with our hero fighting the overwhelming odds of the Spanish. Highly recommended.
An excellent read and very enjoyable. I was so engrossed in the story that I woke at 3pm and had to continue reading of the exploits of this young man. Very clever of the writer to base most of the book in the wars in Holland and Europe with our hero fighting the overwhelming odds of the Spanish. Highly recommended.
December 9, 2024
Exciting informative, never a dull moment
The book is so well written that just like everything else Griff has written the story immerses you inside it. I am an old Marine and own everything he has published, to the best of my knowledge, and have never been disappointed
The book is so well written that just like everything else Griff has written the story immerses you inside it. I am an old Marine and own everything he has published, to the best of my knowledge, and have never been disappointed
January 2, 2025
An enjoyable read. I would give it 4 1/2 stars if I could. As the author states it is not all action but an attempt to depict the life of someone who has to adopt the mercenary life.
Battle scenes are very well done
Battle scenes are very well done
February 9, 2025
Another HIT Series
Griff has now introduced us to a new period in English history with a great tale.
His "you are there" writing style shines in this book as we follow the main character through his adventures.
A must read for military history buffs!
Griff has now introduced us to a new period in English history with a great tale.
His "you are there" writing style shines in this book as we follow the main character through his adventures.
A must read for military history buffs!
March 1, 2025
Orphaned at a young age. James has skills but no support and family. 1600’s Europe is not an easy life. “Fortunately” he falls in with a pair of mercenaries that mentor him.
The Thirty Years war is fought over religion. Lives are fleeting and the fortunate few survive.
February 24, 2024
another Griff Hosker success
A great reading adventure. A picture of a history of a time under explored. I look forward to the next good read by Griff Hosker.
A great reading adventure. A picture of a history of a time under explored. I look forward to the next good read by Griff Hosker.
March 3, 2024
Wonderful
You can always count on Griff Hosker for a great story with an accurate portion of history. And he comes through again. Well worth it
You can always count on Griff Hosker for a great story with an accurate portion of history. And he comes through again. Well worth it
April 26, 2024
Another Excellent Book By This Author.
October 9, 2024
A good start to a new series
Once again, Griff Hosker doesn’t disappoint. If you are new to this author, I recommend that you read his books historically.
Once again, Griff Hosker doesn’t disappoint. If you are new to this author, I recommend that you read his books historically.
March 7, 2025
Great Read
Great lead character. Looking forward to the next episode. This is a typical Griff Hosker story. I read it quickly which is a sure sign of a good book.
Great lead character. Looking forward to the next episode. This is a typical Griff Hosker story. I read it quickly which is a sure sign of a good book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews