Long Reach

The British Military Quartet #3

by Mike Lunnon-Wood

Book 3 of Mike Lunnon-Wood’s BRITISH MILITARY QUARTET ‘IF TOM CLANCY HAD BEEN BRITISH HE’D HAVE WRITTEN THRILLERS LIKE THIS’ - Rowland White, author of Vulcan 607

When Belize is invaded by a powerful neighbour it’s Britain that must spring to the defence of this old outpost of empire. But intervening in distant Central America will test the limits of the former colonial power. And in the end the outcome will turn on the skill, boldness and heart-bursting bravery of handful of British forces already in country...

If you like Frederick Forsyth, Tom Clancy, Andy McNab, Chris Ryan, Rowland White or Damien Lewis then you’ll love Mike Lunnon-Wood.

Genres: Thriller, Military Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Warriors, Action

417 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting: Belize, Central America. In the quiet republic of Belize, formerly British Honduras, the country lives under threat from its neighbour, Guatemala, which has always laid claim to the territory, more so now that it is no longer a British colony. But, under a UN resolution, the UK is committed to protect its independence. Despite this, the presence of British troops is limited to jungle training exercises and training for the Belizean armed forces. So when the Guatemalans decide to invade, the defence of Belize is initially down to a small but well-trained group of Paratroopers, Marines and SAS, who are outnumbered over 7 to 1....
Not one of my usual genres but this was a gripping war novel which, along with the violent action, also highlighted the ultimate distaste on the part of the soldiers to have to kill in order to do their job and protect themselves, their comrades and the civilian population. Found some of the acronyms and command structure details a bit confusing at times, despite the glossary at the end of the book, but still enjoyed it and may well look out for other books by this author - 8/10.

[John A. Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in the series and once again a fantastic read. We are introduced to the tiny British garrison on Belize – a training patrol and a handful of support staff. At the same time, the Guatemalan army is massing on the border. Belize is about to be invaded by its vastly larger neighbour, and the remnants of a force that defended what was once an important central American outpost of the empire must face overwhelming odds to keep Belize safe.
Set in perhaps the early-90s, British forces are suffering after a decade budget cuts, and the feats of the Falklands are becoming a memory – a few of the men involved are veterans, but this is the next generation. A few of the heroes from HMS Beaufort (the King’s Shilling by the same author) are reintroduced. The patrol that noticed the imminent invasion are heading home for some much-needed R&R, but they have to turn around mid-flight and resupply in Florida before returning to the humid jungle just days after leaving.
Lunnon-Wood has a brilliant ability to make you care about his characters. There are scenes where you are desperate for the idiotically heroic action to be successful because you don’t want to ‘lose’ the character. The details of the fighting are first class, and the research is evident – for me there is just enough detail, just enough technical information. Some authors in this genre overwhelm the story and characters with infinitesimal details, but L-W avoids this. Spud, Plonker, Rees and Rhah. Tyson Davis Sophie, Helen and the rest make this worth reading.
Overall, an excellent read and I already have the last book in the British Military Quartet on my kindle waiting to go. The problem is, it’s the last one – there will be no more as L-W unfortunately passed away a few years ago. Once I’ve read it, I will have to find another to take his place, and that is a tall order. But, given the quality of the previous three, I imagine I will not wait long to read it.

[R.A. Flannagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Foremost, the author knows the British military inside and out. If you like stories that strive for realism and you get excited about the finer details of modern military fighting, then this book is for you. The details are so well covered, you can almost smell the gun oil. The story itself is gripping and moves along at a good pace. The premise is also entirely believable. Perhaps the best part though was the dialogue between the soldiers. Again, it's high on realism and at various points, it's hilarious. The narrator was exceptional. He pulled off a variety of accents with ease and went back and forth between the many characters in such a way that it helped you follow along. This was an exceptional military story and I give my strongest recommendation if you're into this genre.

[Richard Cole, · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Work Of Magnificence!As

As a one time paratrooper I found this story to be work of art considering the depth of research that the author must have undertaken. The rivalry, the insults and the banter were so true to life that they kindled many a forgotten memory, and the tale itself brought a tear to my eye more than once again with the reminder of the comradeship that I once enjoyed. His other books are equally as compelling and I strongly recommend you read them all as they give dibfferent aspecys

[Nigel Copeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of who survived

Another great story by this author hence the 5 stars. A small army took on the masses. Who managed to survive you will have to read the book to find out enjoy.

[Denny Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my final book from Lunnon-Wood. That can only mean…it’s time for rereading them all! This one was perhaps my favorite of the whole lot. Lunnon-Wood captivates his readers…he draws you in, rather quickly mind you, than grabs ya and you not leaving until the last period is read. This one tho’ makes you scream for more! Great read. Gotta run…to restart all his books again!

[John]

So moving I can't write

Brilliant true story of amazing British courage with utterly superb technical detail that for first time in 50 yrs really brought home the high ethics professionalism and commitment soldiers put into defending their country and friends. Perfect book for the optimist.

[Stephen Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put this down

The headline says it all. I don't remember the last time I finished a book in so short a time.

[Elizabeth Ann Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Worst romantic book I have ever read, Mr Darcey was clearly overord by Nancy. The poetic pros were something to be hold. If you like the 50 Shades novels this is for you along with Enid Blyton.

[Stephen Laing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book while traveling around auz and I've been looking for another copy since I got back. its got a few too many military terms and is a little dated now but it is a great story which is well written and easy to read.

[gerald morson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cracking book this is the third one I have read

[gerald morson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracker

Yet again mike delivers a great story ,full on action with a bit of humility thrown in on to the next book shame there will be no more once again a great read

[wendy rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Best read by far for a long long time, once started you can't put it down.McNabb you have just been out McNabb ed