What do you think?
Rate this book
Harry Gilmour Novels #2
The Skipper's Dog's Called Stalin
Spring, 1941. France has fallen but the Free French naval forces are in no mood to surrender. Royal Navy Sub-Lieutenant Harry Gilmour is also ready for action, despite the horrors of his first taste of submarine warfare.
When he is appointed as British Navy Liaison Officer aboard the Free French submarine Radegonde, he finds it anarchic, disorientating—and very French. Within its claustrophobic confines, suspicion and misunderstanding are rife.
So when Radegonde is sent on a mission to Martinique, it’s vital that these proud men learn to work together, especially as it seems everyone from Churchill to de Gaulle—not to mention Hitler—has a stake in the outcome.
Will Harry be able to navigate these dangerous waters safely and return with hard-won wisdom, or will old enemies arise to sink him?
When he is appointed as British Navy Liaison Officer aboard the Free French submarine Radegonde, he finds it anarchic, disorientating—and very French. Within its claustrophobic confines, suspicion and misunderstanding are rife.
So when Radegonde is sent on a mission to Martinique, it’s vital that these proud men learn to work together, especially as it seems everyone from Churchill to de Gaulle—not to mention Hitler—has a stake in the outcome.
Will Harry be able to navigate these dangerous waters safely and return with hard-won wisdom, or will old enemies arise to sink him?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2016
323 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 26, 2019
Great follow up to the first Harry Gilmour novel. It is one of those books that you want to get to finish, but also do not want the book to end. Will read the next book in the series soon!!
July 1, 2019
A great continuation of the the series! This time focusing on some of the politics but still holding the same flair and great writing the the first book had in it. Really looking forward to the next one! 5 Stars!
September 11, 2020
The second book in the series and the second one I have i have read. The difference between a journalist and an untrained writer, who want so to be a writer, is shown in this and the first book, written by David Black. A master of the word, with just enough, not-every-day-words thrown in for added interest.
Excellently put together, i was riveted from start to finish with both books. Would I recommend them? Too right I would.
But and here is the but, I hate to say it: you would need an interest in the sea, the 2nd World war and last but not leads at, submarines. Don’t let me put you off, though. Both books are damn fine yarns that grip you and hold you on the edge of your seat.
His research must have been a huge task, for even the smallest details about a submariner`s life I felt was researched well. It was all very believable.
He even managed to throw in a bit of, but not too much romance.
Excellently put together, i was riveted from start to finish with both books. Would I recommend them? Too right I would.
But and here is the but, I hate to say it: you would need an interest in the sea, the 2nd World war and last but not leads at, submarines. Don’t let me put you off, though. Both books are damn fine yarns that grip you and hold you on the edge of your seat.
His research must have been a huge task, for even the smallest details about a submariner`s life I felt was researched well. It was all very believable.
He even managed to throw in a bit of, but not too much romance.
March 23, 2019
"THE SKIPPER'S DOG'S CALLED STALIN" is the second novel in the Harry Gilmour series, which highlights the lives of Allied submariners during the Second World War.
In essence, the novel deals with the experiences Royal Navy Sub-Lieutenant Harry Gilmour had during the spring and summer of 1941 as a liaison officer aboard a Free French submarine, Radegonde. Gilmour, who could speak and comprehend French passably from his time at university, was charged - along with 2 Royal Navy sailors who were also detailed to serve under him (one was a Leading Telegraphist and the other a Leading Signalman) with keeping talbs on the commander and crew of Radegonde. What had begun as a wary relationship between Gilmour and his French counterparts gradually developed into one of trust and respect. A trust and respect that was gained from the various mine laying missions Radegonde carried out along the Norwegian coast. During one of those missions, one of the mines became fouled up and, at great risk to himself, Gilmour managed to resolve a sticky situation that could easily have destroyed Radegonde.
Later in the novel, Radegonde is sent out to Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a party of French marines, whom it would go on to carry far out into the Atlantic to carry out a mission to the island of Martinique in the Caribbean (now under the control of Vichy France) whose prospects of success were extremely doubtful. Adventures abound and the reader will be amply rewarded with many thrilling, colorful, and dramatic actions as the novel reaches its denouement.
I now look forward to reading the third novel of a series that superbly depicts the highs and lows of being a Royal Navy submariner in wartime.
In essence, the novel deals with the experiences Royal Navy Sub-Lieutenant Harry Gilmour had during the spring and summer of 1941 as a liaison officer aboard a Free French submarine, Radegonde. Gilmour, who could speak and comprehend French passably from his time at university, was charged - along with 2 Royal Navy sailors who were also detailed to serve under him (one was a Leading Telegraphist and the other a Leading Signalman) with keeping talbs on the commander and crew of Radegonde. What had begun as a wary relationship between Gilmour and his French counterparts gradually developed into one of trust and respect. A trust and respect that was gained from the various mine laying missions Radegonde carried out along the Norwegian coast. During one of those missions, one of the mines became fouled up and, at great risk to himself, Gilmour managed to resolve a sticky situation that could easily have destroyed Radegonde.
Later in the novel, Radegonde is sent out to Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a party of French marines, whom it would go on to carry far out into the Atlantic to carry out a mission to the island of Martinique in the Caribbean (now under the control of Vichy France) whose prospects of success were extremely doubtful. Adventures abound and the reader will be amply rewarded with many thrilling, colorful, and dramatic actions as the novel reaches its denouement.
I now look forward to reading the third novel of a series that superbly depicts the highs and lows of being a Royal Navy submariner in wartime.
April 7, 2019
Another pleasant surprise
This one with a unique French twist, Although the same World War Two with the main character as British lesion officer.
This one with a unique French twist, Although the same World War Two with the main character as British lesion officer.
April 9, 2019
The second book in the series of Harry Gilmour. I devoured the first one and really liked the story, the way the story was told and the history behind it.
This second book seemed to struggle some to get off in direction that held my attention. Maybe it seemed that Harry was very predictable, as was the story. You could see what was going to happen 20 pages ahead. The pace was slower and the story seemed to have some holes in it (like about his girlfriend). A lot more of the political side of what was going on and the inconvenience of it all. If I had read this book first I would not have gone back and read the first one. I do not regret spending the dollar and getting it right away rather than going to the library to get it.
This second book seemed to struggle some to get off in direction that held my attention. Maybe it seemed that Harry was very predictable, as was the story. You could see what was going to happen 20 pages ahead. The pace was slower and the story seemed to have some holes in it (like about his girlfriend). A lot more of the political side of what was going on and the inconvenience of it all. If I had read this book first I would not have gone back and read the first one. I do not regret spending the dollar and getting it right away rather than going to the library to get it.
July 30, 2017
Another excellent read
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book about Harry Gilmour and his daring do on and under the high seas. The books style makes it an easy read even with the more technical submarine language. This type of book although fictional helps to remind readers how frightening and challenging action at sea was cut the way and in some ways educational as well. It has enough action to recommend it to teen adults interested in heroics on the high seas. I would recommend it to all types of audiences and will definitely be downloading the next book in the series even though it is not my usual type of reading matter.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book about Harry Gilmour and his daring do on and under the high seas. The books style makes it an easy read even with the more technical submarine language. This type of book although fictional helps to remind readers how frightening and challenging action at sea was cut the way and in some ways educational as well. It has enough action to recommend it to teen adults interested in heroics on the high seas. I would recommend it to all types of audiences and will definitely be downloading the next book in the series even though it is not my usual type of reading matter.
August 13, 2017
What a great series this is turning into. This second installment brings with it further development of Gilmore's character and background. The description of life under the sea, which could easily become overly complicated is told with just the right amount of technical explanation to make it real and gripping without getting bogged down. There is a sub plot of life back home which is interwoven in a great way which adds to his life at sea rather than a completely separate thread. Overall a very enjoyable read and I look forward to the rest of the series.
April 6, 2019
Couldn't rate it a six... but wish I could have
I would easily classify this book, and its predecessor, in the line of Nicholas Monsarrat's "The Cruel Sea"
One of the best naval books abou World War II ever written. To be honest, I didn't think it could be done twice, with the same characters moving forward, but it was.
The ships, the men, the women that loved them (and then didn't) are made real in this. Their doubts, fears, grief over loss and the grief over lucky victory.
Mr. Black - you are an excellent storyteller!
I would easily classify this book, and its predecessor, in the line of Nicholas Monsarrat's "The Cruel Sea"
One of the best naval books abou World War II ever written. To be honest, I didn't think it could be done twice, with the same characters moving forward, but it was.
The ships, the men, the women that loved them (and then didn't) are made real in this. Their doubts, fears, grief over loss and the grief over lucky victory.
Mr. Black - you are an excellent storyteller!
May 11, 2020
An Interesting Dive Into Another World
Book 2 of the series takes Harry Gilmour aboard a French Submarine on patrol. As an American reading this I spent much of the first book trying to get hold of all the British submarine and navy terminology, and in the second to learn something of the French way of doing things.
After a somewhat slow start, I thought the story progressed well and the main character development was good. I am looking forward to starting the next in the series soon.
Book 2 of the series takes Harry Gilmour aboard a French Submarine on patrol. As an American reading this I spent much of the first book trying to get hold of all the British submarine and navy terminology, and in the second to learn something of the French way of doing things.
After a somewhat slow start, I thought the story progressed well and the main character development was good. I am looking forward to starting the next in the series soon.
August 12, 2019
I Was A WWII British Submarine Officer
David Black’s intimate knowledge of WWII British submarine warfare and life aboard for those who served is shared in such intimate storytelling that I became a fellow officer to the characters in the book. Your heart will pound. Your mind will race. I should have a Royal Navy Officers uniform in my closet from the vicarious life I lived while reading this wonderful offering from David Black. - Mason
David Black’s intimate knowledge of WWII British submarine warfare and life aboard for those who served is shared in such intimate storytelling that I became a fellow officer to the characters in the book. Your heart will pound. Your mind will race. I should have a Royal Navy Officers uniform in my closet from the vicarious life I lived while reading this wonderful offering from David Black. - Mason
September 29, 2019
Excellent sea yarn very written, realistic dialog, a great story. Well researched and accurate to the period. Like his style and am looking forward to reading all his work.
Any fan of the ww two period will enjoy this well done fast paced book. Love the Harry Gilmour character which was well developed throughout the book. Harry is credible interesting and a quality young man who finds himself engulfed in Royal Naval tradition in the thick of the war.
Any fan of the ww two period will enjoy this well done fast paced book. Love the Harry Gilmour character which was well developed throughout the book. Harry is credible interesting and a quality young man who finds himself engulfed in Royal Naval tradition in the thick of the war.
November 1, 2019
I found quite a bit of the story fairly disjointed and unlike many other reviewers, I’m afraid I found Harry’s role on the French submarine just annoying.
The second half of the book consisted of a series of minor political machinations and a ridiculous occupation of Martinique. To be honest I found it a boring.
I might have given the series another chance, but the ‘Postscript’ was the final straw and I will not be bothering with the next book.
The second half of the book consisted of a series of minor political machinations and a ridiculous occupation of Martinique. To be honest I found it a boring.
I might have given the series another chance, but the ‘Postscript’ was the final straw and I will not be bothering with the next book.
May 1, 2021
This is only the second in the series, but I find myself addicted to them. The author is a very talented wordcrafter with a series crafted around real events.
The book moves along at a good pace. There is tension between Harry's family and him. There is a fish out of water learning curve for him, especially being the only English speaking officer amidst a French speaking crew.
I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
The book moves along at a good pace. There is tension between Harry's family and him. There is a fish out of water learning curve for him, especially being the only English speaking officer amidst a French speaking crew.
I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
March 1, 2024
Harry is seconded to the Free French as a liaison officer. It is early in the war so England stands alone. He finds that life as a French Submariner is quite different, even better than on a British boat. On another secret mission this time to the US, then to Martinique. Traitorous Vichy French and lots of gold, and not the piratical kind, keep the plot boiling in this second installment of an interesting WW2 series.
March 21, 2019
Not quite as good as the first book, this story lacked the combat thrills of the first. This one moves along the story of Harry Gilmour though it leaves several situations up in the air. I'm looking forward to the third book, which hopefully finds RNVR Sub-Lieutenant Gilmour back serving in a Royal Navy submarine.
April 30, 2019
What a continuation, still the same suspense and grit But this time digging deeper into some of the great detail of the political workings of the time. Great combative flair and real gritty cliffhanging moments . I can’t wait for me to read number three in this gripping novel series turn left for Gibraltar. Definitely without a shadow of a doubt five star without hesitation!.
August 13, 2019
A Great series
Knowing the RN, although not the "Trade" I can really relate to their attitude towards the RNVR especially during the early part of WWII.
Things have changed with progress, but this book is a wonderful read, if a little drawn out at times. A great set of books and I for one will read them all.
Knowing the RN, although not the "Trade" I can really relate to their attitude towards the RNVR especially during the early part of WWII.
Things have changed with progress, but this book is a wonderful read, if a little drawn out at times. A great set of books and I for one will read them all.
May 21, 2021
Another engrossing adventure with Harry Gilmour. This time Harry's heroism is on full display aboard a Free French submarine with a very permissive crew on a secret mission involving a huge cache of gold and the very Un-English island of Martinique. I do have trouble sometimes with David Black's style and occasionally corny dialogue, but, overall, this is a fun read.
May 3, 2022
A really good series - my daughter is getting me books 3 & 4 & I can't wait to start them 🙂 These are not your typical war stories as they seem more natural & realistic & the characters more real. They also have a touch of subtle humour which I really like : look out for monkeys throwing mangos at Harry our hero 😀
August 10, 2022
I think its fair to say I am completely hooked on this series. The relationship between Harry and the french captain will have you have laughing at times, particularly if you take adavantage of Amazon's "Read and Listen" feature as the narrator is absolutely brilliant.
I can see why my dad loved this series so much!
I can see why my dad loved this series so much!
May 14, 2017
Brilliant !
Black does know how to write a good story: a great little caricature of the French character; and plenty of description of why a submarine is such a complicated vessel. Hard to put down.
Black does know how to write a good story: a great little caricature of the French character; and plenty of description of why a submarine is such a complicated vessel. Hard to put down.
August 10, 2017
Gripping exciting tale well told.
There are of course shades of Hornblower in many sea takes but that is hardly a bad thing. This is shaping up to be a fine series of tales well told and with great characters.
There are of course shades of Hornblower in many sea takes but that is hardly a bad thing. This is shaping up to be a fine series of tales well told and with great characters.
October 4, 2018
Biggles goes to sea!
Good read! I thought the characters were we!l drawn. There is plenty of tense action. Really enjoyed the descriptions of navy life. I also enjoyed the descriptions of Martinique and the surrounding seas.
Good read! I thought the characters were we!l drawn. There is plenty of tense action. Really enjoyed the descriptions of navy life. I also enjoyed the descriptions of Martinique and the surrounding seas.
January 14, 2020
T his book was a good read
A n excellent story well told. An LO in a foreign navy could be a very dangerous position for a young officer, however, our hero was a bright lad and gained the trust of those with whom he served.
A n excellent story well told. An LO in a foreign navy could be a very dangerous position for a young officer, however, our hero was a bright lad and gained the trust of those with whom he served.
July 15, 2020
Great story. Well written. Looking for more from author.
Great novel from a historical perspective. Always happy to learn something new about form and function in the pursuit of activities during the Great War.
Great novel from a historical perspective. Always happy to learn something new about form and function in the pursuit of activities during the Great War.
August 18, 2020
An engaging story of a young man's discovery of the fundamental soundness of his character.
I liked the French crew on which Harry served in Book 2. The character as usual comes through in even the most desperate situations.
I liked the French crew on which Harry served in Book 2. The character as usual comes through in even the most desperate situations.
February 2, 2021
A FABULOUS HISTORICAL SUBMARINER NICEL
Harry Gilmore is brave, does the right thing at his own risk. He’s likeable; I want to read more and I will? If he, as would many other WW2 Officers, were alive today, he would be over 100 years old. Great writing!
Harry Gilmore is brave, does the right thing at his own risk. He’s likeable; I want to read more and I will? If he, as would many other WW2 Officers, were alive today, he would be over 100 years old. Great writing!
July 26, 2021
Life aboard a French submarine after the fall of France
A submarine has decided on joining the allies as free French instead of the Vichy side. Harry Gilmore Is assigned liaison office to this submarine commanded by the French crew. What follows is interesting to say the least.
A submarine has decided on joining the allies as free French instead of the Vichy side. Harry Gilmore Is assigned liaison office to this submarine commanded by the French crew. What follows is interesting to say the least.
February 5, 2023
Nice story of young dub leuftenat Gilmore as his adventures continue. Interesting use of historical situations to bring another compelling story and to see how Harry's character continues to develop.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews