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The Tiger and the Thief
Although now hidden in a company of East India soldiers, Bill ‘Smudger’ Smith still harbours an intention to escape. These plans are put on hold however when his former life as a wharf rat comes back to haunt him. Bill is a skilled thief with a sharp talent for deception. When the Company needs one of their men to infiltrate the fortress of Seringapatam, it falls to Smudger to gather the necessary intel to take down Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore. Will he succeed in his mission? And what will it mean for his ultimate plans for freedom? Finding himself increasingly tied to his fellow soldiers, the Devil’s Dozen, will Bill be able to part from his new-found family? Or are his adventures with the East India Company destined to continue?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2025
119 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Griff Hosker
307 books438 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 19, 2025
This is the story of Bill Smith, now known as Smudger, a young thief from a poor section of London who stowed away on an British East India Company ship and now is a member of that Company’s Army. He is made part of a small group made up of men who were given a chance to get out of prison if they were willing to serve in the East India Company’s Army.
"We were the Devil’s Dozen and enjoyed the accolade. When we lined up the captain addressed us. “Welcome to the thirteen of you.” He smiled, “I hope that is not an unlucky number. As you can see you double the number of our platoon. This is not our normal home so do not become too comfortable here. We have been based in Calcutta, Mallavelli and Seringapatam. This platoon is well thought of. We have a reputation and that means that we are used by Lord Mornington and the East India Company to do specialised work."
Hosker continues this tale from East Indiaman https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It is the turn of the 19th century and Britain is emeshed in the Napoleonic Wars and anticipates France’s attempt to secure parts of India for their “empire.” This book focuses on the military actions that prevented that and how the British East India Company coordinated with the British Army in implementing that strategy.
"The captain snorted, “Then it is closer to Bombay. Why don’t they send men from there?” The major sighed, “Captain, we have been sent by two men, Lord Mornington and Major General Wellesley. Both are ambitious men and they do not want the resident of Bombay to take the credit for this. Besides which, both men know the skills of this platoon.”
“We are, in effect, their private army.”
The major laughed, “I suppose so. You and your men have shown that despite your rough edges, you get the job done.”"
Hosker lets the actions of the Brits and East India Company speak for themselves rather than offering any context.
These include:
Playing off one ruler against another
Getting concessions
Exacting treaties that give the Brits exclusive "trading rights"
There is ittle hesitation to use the military to enforce these actions or expand British "influence"
The story makes clear the disdain for both the indigenous Indians and the working-class Brits who came out to support the British government or the East India Company. Hosker notes the corruption that was endemic.
All of this is done without taking any time out to “preach.”
Very satisfactory.
"We were the Devil’s Dozen and enjoyed the accolade. When we lined up the captain addressed us. “Welcome to the thirteen of you.” He smiled, “I hope that is not an unlucky number. As you can see you double the number of our platoon. This is not our normal home so do not become too comfortable here. We have been based in Calcutta, Mallavelli and Seringapatam. This platoon is well thought of. We have a reputation and that means that we are used by Lord Mornington and the East India Company to do specialised work."
Hosker continues this tale from East Indiaman https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It is the turn of the 19th century and Britain is emeshed in the Napoleonic Wars and anticipates France’s attempt to secure parts of India for their “empire.” This book focuses on the military actions that prevented that and how the British East India Company coordinated with the British Army in implementing that strategy.
"The captain snorted, “Then it is closer to Bombay. Why don’t they send men from there?” The major sighed, “Captain, we have been sent by two men, Lord Mornington and Major General Wellesley. Both are ambitious men and they do not want the resident of Bombay to take the credit for this. Besides which, both men know the skills of this platoon.”
“We are, in effect, their private army.”
The major laughed, “I suppose so. You and your men have shown that despite your rough edges, you get the job done.”"
Hosker lets the actions of the Brits and East India Company speak for themselves rather than offering any context.
These include:
Playing off one ruler against another
Getting concessions
Exacting treaties that give the Brits exclusive "trading rights"
There is ittle hesitation to use the military to enforce these actions or expand British "influence"
The story makes clear the disdain for both the indigenous Indians and the working-class Brits who came out to support the British government or the East India Company. Hosker notes the corruption that was endemic.
All of this is done without taking any time out to “preach.”
Very satisfactory.
May 8, 2025
The second entry in this saga of a British thief who escapes to India and joins the company army as an enlisted man.
In this chapter he grows as a person and become a chosen man, sort of a lance corporal, as they small unit does mostly escort missions and he is assigned spy type missions by the mid grade and senior officers.
He also continues to add to his small personal wealth.
Well written and interesting.
In this chapter he grows as a person and become a chosen man, sort of a lance corporal, as they small unit does mostly escort missions and he is assigned spy type missions by the mid grade and senior officers.
He also continues to add to his small personal wealth.
Well written and interesting.
June 5, 2025
Becoming A Soldier
This story follows the journey of a young man who reflects on his difficult life as a thief on the streets of London. He finds a way to avoid punishment by enlisting in the East India Company. While stationed in India, he dreams of escaping his troubled past, but gradually realizes he is evolving into a good soldier.
The narrative is filled with nearly continuous action and provides a rich historical context about India during this period. This second book in the series is excellent, and I eagerly await the next installment.
This story follows the journey of a young man who reflects on his difficult life as a thief on the streets of London. He finds a way to avoid punishment by enlisting in the East India Company. While stationed in India, he dreams of escaping his troubled past, but gradually realizes he is evolving into a good soldier.
The narrative is filled with nearly continuous action and provides a rich historical context about India during this period. This second book in the series is excellent, and I eagerly await the next installment.
June 21, 2025
The Tiger and The Thief by Griff Hosker. Young MC Smudger is escaping the Law as a thief back in England, falls into work as a private in The East Indian Company. His platoon marches around 1799 India where battles are fought against Tipu Sultan, Peshwa is rescued, and European incursions are stopped.
Great fun historical fiction.
July 3, 2025
A great exciting journey from London to the jungles of India
Another exciting story by Griff Hosker. Following an English rogue travelling the wide ocean. Then being part of a journey into the heart of India late 17th Century.
Well characterised , sound linking with historical events.
Well worth the read .
Another exciting story by Griff Hosker. Following an English rogue travelling the wide ocean. Then being part of a journey into the heart of India late 17th Century.
Well characterised , sound linking with historical events.
Well worth the read .
November 15, 2025
Rollicking great read!
Thoroughly enjoyed this the second book in the series, and can’t wait for the third book to come out at the end of the month. The story is told very naturally, and the devil’s dozen manages somehow to survive through one battle after another – one impossible situation after another…
Well done!
Thoroughly enjoyed this the second book in the series, and can’t wait for the third book to come out at the end of the month. The story is told very naturally, and the devil’s dozen manages somehow to survive through one battle after another – one impossible situation after another…
Well done!
May 4, 2025
what to say
Nothing really to say other than another great chapter to an ongoing series, a great story with great characters that you can identify with ad the saga continues
Well done again griff keep them coming
Nothing really to say other than another great chapter to an ongoing series, a great story with great characters that you can identify with ad the saga continues
Well done again griff keep them coming
May 15, 2025
Brilliant
I felt I was with the platoon going all over India. I could feel the heat , taste the food sense the trepidation and danger of the fighting. . Love the twists and turns of the tale.
I felt I was with the platoon going all over India. I could feel the heat , taste the food sense the trepidation and danger of the fighting. . Love the twists and turns of the tale.
May 17, 2025
The warriors of East India Trading Company become a band of brothers!
This is how the presence of colonialism came to be in India! Bringing peace and safe passage to benolovent leaders. Out maneuvering France and Russia!
This is how the presence of colonialism came to be in India! Bringing peace and safe passage to benolovent leaders. Out maneuvering France and Russia!
May 22, 2025
A good read .
Likeable characters, fast paced, great action sections. Well worth reading. Another Griff
masterpiece. Keep story going there are a lot more adventures in these characters.
Likeable characters, fast paced, great action sections. Well worth reading. Another Griff
masterpiece. Keep story going there are a lot more adventures in these characters.
August 15, 2025
great
Not usually a fan of this period but once again Griff has created a characters to capture the imagination whist recreating the history of the time with lots of action. I see more adventures ahead for Smudger, when the author finds the time that is.
Not usually a fan of this period but once again Griff has created a characters to capture the imagination whist recreating the history of the time with lots of action. I see more adventures ahead for Smudger, when the author finds the time that is.
May 4, 2025
Great Read
Could not put the book down. There is lots of action and a well written story. Highly recommend reading this wonderful story.
Could not put the book down. There is lots of action and a well written story. Highly recommend reading this wonderful story.
May 11, 2025
Cracking read
Great reads involving non stop action. This rough and ready patrol work together to help each other survive. The close encounters with death keeps you captivated.
Great reads involving non stop action. This rough and ready patrol work together to help each other survive. The close encounters with death keeps you captivated.
June 22, 2025
Good story
I enjoy the series and suggest reading this without reading the first book. I want to check out just what East Indian company was.
I enjoy the series and suggest reading this without reading the first book. I want to check out just what East Indian company was.
June 26, 2025
- Good two-book series. Looking forward to future adventures in this storyline.
September 16, 2025
this was the best one so far in the series great
February 24, 2026
Was a fun and informative read. Author does a great job of weaving the fictional platoon into actual events. On to the third installment
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews