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An Officer and a Gentleman
Griff Roberts and the Desert Group find themselves the only British soldiers guarding a huge tract of Egyptian desert. When foreign powers begin to encroach on the land and to raid the caravans, it is up to the beleaguered garrison of Fort Farafra to do something about it. Fighting ambush, nature and violent sandstorms, the camel riding soldiers are tested to their very limit.
Griff Hosker's An Officer and a Gentleman delivers a gripping blend of suspense and historical authenticity in a fresh setting. Set in the unforgiving Egyptian desert in the late 19th century, the narrative follows Griff Roberts and the Desert Group as they confront foreign incursions and natural adversity, including violent sandstorms. Hosker's meticulous research shines through, immersing readers in the era's challenges with vivid detail. The novel's beautifully paced action and well-developed characters make it hard to put down, with dread reaching a high point as the protagonist struggles to out-maneuver his formidable adversary..This is a compelling fusion of history and drama in a time and place that was new to me. -- Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Versailles Formula
Griff Hosker's An Officer and a Gentleman delivers a gripping blend of suspense and historical authenticity in a fresh setting. Set in the unforgiving Egyptian desert in the late 19th century, the narrative follows Griff Roberts and the Desert Group as they confront foreign incursions and natural adversity, including violent sandstorms. Hosker's meticulous research shines through, immersing readers in the era's challenges with vivid detail. The novel's beautifully paced action and well-developed characters make it hard to put down, with dread reaching a high point as the protagonist struggles to out-maneuver his formidable adversary..This is a compelling fusion of history and drama in a time and place that was new to me. -- Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Versailles Formula
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2025
105 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Griff Hosker
310 books433 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
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 21, 2025
Griff Hosker's 'An Officer and a Gentleman' delivers a gripping blend of suspense and historical authenticity in a fresh setting. Set in the unforgiving Egyptian desert in the late 19th century, the narrative follows Griff Roberts and the Desert Group as they confront foreign incursions and natural adversity, including violent sandstorms. Hosker's meticulous research shines through, immersing readers in the era's challenges with vivid detail. The novel's beautifully paced action and well-developed characters make it hard to put down, with dread reaching a high point as the protagonist struggles to out-maneuver his formidable adversary..This is a compelling fusion of history and drama in a time and place that was new to me.
May 19, 2025
An Officer in the Desert
Griff Roberts has returned home for rest and recuperation. However, he is soon asked to "volunteer" for a mission in the Middle East, serving as part of a security force for a group of archaeologists at a new dig site. His newly married wife is also part of the expedition.
This story is historical fiction, and the talented author excels at every twist and turn on each page. The history of the desert setting keeps your interest piqued, featuring the adventures of colorful characters in an adventurous landscape.
I hope the author continues the story of Griff Hosker, as it has been excellent so far.
Griff Roberts has returned home for rest and recuperation. However, he is soon asked to "volunteer" for a mission in the Middle East, serving as part of a security force for a group of archaeologists at a new dig site. His newly married wife is also part of the expedition.
This story is historical fiction, and the talented author excels at every twist and turn on each page. The history of the desert setting keeps your interest piqued, featuring the adventures of colorful characters in an adventurous landscape.
I hope the author continues the story of Griff Hosker, as it has been excellent so far.
September 9, 2025
I have read several of Hosker's books and nearly all have been entertaining, easy reads with just enough action and historical accuracy to keep them interesting. I rushed this book in the end, there was nothing inherently wrong with it but I had the feeling that I had read it before. The action, the language, the love interest was all a bit 'boys own' and predictable. I think the author can probably do better.
April 28, 2025
Entertaining But…
I have been a fan of Hosker’s for many years but he’s becoming very predictable throughout his numerous genres. The Soldier of the Queen series has been enjoyable reading but this latest edition doesn’t”t measure up, in my opinion.
Perhaps it’s time to take a break Griff, there;s a need to get a fresh start.
I have been a fan of Hosker’s for many years but he’s becoming very predictable throughout his numerous genres. The Soldier of the Queen series has been enjoyable reading but this latest edition doesn’t”t measure up, in my opinion.
Perhaps it’s time to take a break Griff, there;s a need to get a fresh start.
May 9, 2025
A worthy addition to the tale of the Queen’s Soldier
Griff Hosker writes novels that bring the reader back in time to revisit events that took place millennia or mere decades ago. He brings to life the soldiers and leaders who lived the pivotal events that formed our present world. Hopefully, this will not be the last we see of Griff Roberts.
Griff Hosker writes novels that bring the reader back in time to revisit events that took place millennia or mere decades ago. He brings to life the soldiers and leaders who lived the pivotal events that formed our present world. Hopefully, this will not be the last we see of Griff Roberts.
March 29, 2025
another great read
Yet again a fantastic story,long awaited short reading in two days
Griff I love all your books but they don’t last long
New readers I commend all his books to you but be prepared to be addicted,again,well done
Yet again a fantastic story,long awaited short reading in two days
Griff I love all your books but they don’t last long
New readers I commend all his books to you but be prepared to be addicted,again,well done
May 3, 2025
Lucinda’s Beau
This was a well-written story about life in and around the British Army as it began to struggle to hold onto the Empire. Family - personal and professional - is everything.
This was a well-written story about life in and around the British Army as it began to struggle to hold onto the Empire. Family - personal and professional - is everything.
March 31, 2025
Experience a dessert war
The story needs to be read in a single day,preferably with a glass of scotch whisky in your hand,it is fast and frenetic.
The story needs to be read in a single day,preferably with a glass of scotch whisky in your hand,it is fast and frenetic.
April 2, 2025
BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT
So enjoyable i read all 5 in a row. I could not put the down. I can't wait for the next one.
So enjoyable i read all 5 in a row. I could not put the down. I can't wait for the next one.
April 7, 2025
Fantastic !!
Griff Hosker has done it again !
I didnt want to put the book down.
I look forward to the next in the series.
Griff Hosker has done it again !
I didnt want to put the book down.
I look forward to the next in the series.
April 13, 2025
Germany heightens tensions in the middle east!
True love doesn't run smooth when duty intercepts our lovebirds! Turks are lead by German officers in pre war architecture conflicts!
True love doesn't run smooth when duty intercepts our lovebirds! Turks are lead by German officers in pre war architecture conflicts!
April 14, 2025
A Great Read
Another great story of the British Empire and Griffin Hosker. I looking forward to his next adventure with his new wife !
Another great story of the British Empire and Griffin Hosker. I looking forward to his next adventure with his new wife !
September 23, 2025
good book
Well written. Enjoyed the book immensely the author was interesting to read. Good book all round. Will read this author again
Well written. Enjoyed the book immensely the author was interesting to read. Good book all round. Will read this author again
February 15, 2026
Yorker an Amazing Author.
I can't put his books down . Griff Hosker can't be beat , read about the Vikings the Norsemen the begining of England. FANTASTIC
I can't put his books down . Griff Hosker can't be beat , read about the Vikings the Norsemen the begining of England. FANTASTIC
February 11, 2026
Another great series by Griff Hosker, my only real complaint is the ending feels a bit rushed. I like how this series started with Jack Roberts enlisted as a young man & the transition from his Army career to his son’s, Griff, commission to 2LT. These stories bring a nostalgic sense of feeling to my own military career & the bond between Soldiers.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews