Vindicta

by Roger Hunt

A Scottish monk takes revenge on Napoleon

It is 1808. Napoleon is nearing the zenith of his power. Desperate to dent his supremacy, the British government sends James Robertson, a middle-aged, overweight monk on a secret mission to persuade a Spanish general to betray Napoleon. Meanwhile. Jacques Marquet, a passionate supporter of the Revolution, is appointed chief spy-catcher for northern Germany, despite his career being blighted by his aristocratic birth.

Landed on the north German coast, Robertson narrowly avoids capture. In Hamburg he is spotted by Marquet but on this occasion managed to evade him. The monk discovers that the Spanish general and his troops have moved into Denmark and travels north.

A desperate game of cat and mouse then unfolds as Robertson tries to persuade the general to defect, while all the time avoiding capture by Marquet. The journey will take him through Denmark, Germany and into Bavaria as the Scottish monk continues his fight against Napoleon.

Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2025

Reviews

[Theresa Coligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable debut novel. Historical fiction is not my go-to genre but the fact that Vindicta is based on real life events during 1808 makes it an even more fascinating and engaging read.
Almost cinematic in its scope and visual detail, short chapters feel like different scenes in a movie transporting you first to Hanover, then to Oxfordshire, then to the Foreign Office in London and so on.
They also give the novel a lot of pace and a sense of urgency, especially as the story unfolds. You definitely want to keep reading!
The story itself is a ripping yarn and yet, almost unbelievably, based on a true story. The story of a portly, middle-aged Scottish monk being sent undercover through Germany and Denmark in an attempt to outwit Napoleon and get Spain to revolt against him.
The novel gives you amazing insights into the history of the period. I had no idea that only 3 years after the Battle of Trafalgar, England was in a precarious position with so few European allies, whilst the audacious Napoleon was reigning supreme.
Moreover the plotting, machinations, espionage, counter-espionage, betrayals and incredibly courageous acts keep you hooked right up to the last page.
I honestly loved Vindicta and would highly recommend it, whether or not historical fiction is typically your chosen genre.

[Roger Hunt]

Have just finished Vindicta. I don't read many historical novels, but I really enjoyed this one. I thought the tension was going to slacken a bit towards the end once the Spaniards had been rescued, but you managed to keep it going with what looked like Marquet's successful pursuit of Robertson. And the end was truly a surprise, although I am not sure how likely it was that a man driven by his hatred as Marquet was would take that option. (now you'll tell me it's true!)
You have clearly done a huge amount of research, but have resisted the temptation to bung everything in! I would be interested to know how much is fact and how much fiction, and which characters were real people. Perhaps an Afterword in the next edition!
A lot of first time novelists overwrite and use too many adjectives. You have a good crisp style. Also reasonably short chapters which I like.
The maps at the beginning were useful, although I couldn't work out where Heligoland was.
All in all I thought the book was excellent - I read fiction when I go to bed and I found myself looking forward to picking it up, which is not always the case. Well done you! To be continued?

[Noel Halford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is an enthralling account of one of the great espionage stories of the Napoleonic wars.
Roger Hunt clearly has thoroughly researched the background of this outstanding historic novel which certainly increased my knowledge of the Napoleonic era.
His depiction of the characters which make up this fascinating story made this an adventure to be remembered.
With its fast pace and suspenseful ending, Vindicta is an absorbing read.
It will have immense appeal to all who enjoy historical accounts of political intrigue, espionage and battlefield conflict.
One wonders if there will be a sequel as I never wanted to finish reading this book.

[Reader]

I am not a regular reader of historical fiction so this review is from an amateur perspective. The story is well told with plenty of character definition and description of locations. I expected to take my time but after the scene was set, I found it more difficult to put down than I expected. And the outcome is not at all clear until the very end which helps hold the reader in suspense. I would definitely read more from this author.

[Lindsay Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is 1808 and Napoleon is rattling cages. In Vindicta, Roger Hunt brings to life historical people and events, a Benedictine monk on British State business as he ducks and dives through a dangerous Europe pursued by Napoleon's top spy catcher Marquet. Betrayal and an appointment with the firing squad are one mistake away. No spoilers but you are left wanting to know what next?? A thoroughly good read.

[David Neale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling read that is based on the true story of a Scottish monk pitting his wits against his French counterpart as he sets about making contact on behalf of the British government, with a Spanish general trapped in Denmark.

Full of intrigue and espionage - will the 10,000 Spanish troops be evacuated from under the eyes of their French and Danish guards or not.

I recommend this book - it will keep you engaged right up to the finale.

[Simon W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very easy read with nice short chapters and the plot gallops along. It's a fascinating moment in history with Napoleon ruling the European continent and Britain ruling the sea - a well-matched contest as it turns out. Roger Hunt has clearly done extensive research as the novel is packed full of authentic historical detail - I learnt a lot from reading it.

[Sarah Peldmanis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoying it!

[Clare Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A meticulously researched historical novel, showing the European war theatre of the Napoleonic era in panoramic detail.
Definitely one for aficionados of European history and battlefield fiction

[Diane Dalgarno · Rating 5 out of 5]

An immersive experience. So well researched. Thoroughly enjoyed the characters, a thrilling plot and real twist at the end. An added bonus was getting to know some fascinating history!

[Penny Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on fact, this is a gripping spy story full of accurate historic detail. A must read for anyone interested in the Napoleonic wars.

[Rupert Bedford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Vindicta by Roger Hunt. It begins with a great opening and ends well with everything in between. Clearly Roger has done a great deal of research around this subject.
Rupert Bedford