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Lieutenant Oliver Anson #1
The Normandy Privateer
England. 1800s. Young Lieutenant Oliver Anson has died His family install a memorial tablet in their church to commemorate his life and service to King and country. He led the mission to capture a French privateer in a small Normandy harbour, but when it all goes wrong, Anson is felled by a musket ball in the head and is among the dead and wounded left ashore after his shipmates seek the refuge of their ship HMS Phryne. Only – and despite official newspaper reports to the contrary – the less-than-god-fearing Anson turns out not to be dead at all but very much alive, and stuns even fellow seamen with his miraculous resurrection. It is, however, far from plain sailing for the prisoners to escape from behind enemy lines and get back across the Channel… And the ambitious Anson is then dealt a hammer blow by the admiralty when he is later denied a new sea-going appointment. Instead his future is to be a land-based role, foiling any potential French invasion attempt along the Kent coastline. Perhaps worse, Anson finds himself falling into the clutches of a local bigwig’s voluptuous, husband-hunting daughter. The Normandy Privateer charts the ups and downs of Lieutenant Anson and shines a poignant light on the loneliness and responsibilities of command. Praise for David McDine ‘An enlightening historical thriller.’ – Thomas Waugh David McDine OBE, is a former Deputy Lieutenant of Kent and a former Royal Navy Reserve officer and Admiralty information officer. He is also the author of The Story of Kent and its Lieutenancy. The Five Horseshoes, his debut novel in the Animal Man series, is sure to appeal to fans of Tom Sharpe, Alexander McCall Smith, PG Wodehouse and Evelyn Waugh.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2016
477 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 21, 2018
Before starting, let’s make a few corrections to this book’s cover and title page.
This isn’t “The first thrilling naval adventure with Lieutenant Oliver Anson.” It’s the second. See my review of Strike the Red Flag which should be read first. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Second, about “thrilling naval adventure” and the quote about “a swash-buckling adventure,” we hope that the editors and those who are asked to provide quotable comments would actually read the book. This isn’t another Rafael Sabatini, nor is it even the adventures of Horatio Hornblower. If you are looking for adventure, you must be very patient.
Having said that, I am delighted with The Normandy Privateer, but I can’t promise that you will be. Here is why: I like McDine’s fascination with the little things – the approach reminds me of most of the novels of Jane Austen:
- Set in the same period of the late 18th Century
- Focused on life in the countryside away from any metropolis
- Incorporating the themes of self-knowledge, wealth, class and the importance of the right marriage
The plot involves: a failed mission; the assembly of a “band of brothers;” the return to Anson’s home county of Kent; the task of creating a shoreline naval defense force against Napoleonic invasion; and, the maturing of Anson through this process.
There are several skirmishes (that last a few pages each) among the book’s several hundred pages. And, this book is a transitional story to justify Anson leading future missions. McDine isn’t as adroit as Jane Austen but his research and his incorporation of details are a delight to anyone interested in this period. Three-point-five rounded up.
This isn’t “The first thrilling naval adventure with Lieutenant Oliver Anson.” It’s the second. See my review of Strike the Red Flag which should be read first. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Second, about “thrilling naval adventure” and the quote about “a swash-buckling adventure,” we hope that the editors and those who are asked to provide quotable comments would actually read the book. This isn’t another Rafael Sabatini, nor is it even the adventures of Horatio Hornblower. If you are looking for adventure, you must be very patient.
Having said that, I am delighted with The Normandy Privateer, but I can’t promise that you will be. Here is why: I like McDine’s fascination with the little things – the approach reminds me of most of the novels of Jane Austen:
- Set in the same period of the late 18th Century
- Focused on life in the countryside away from any metropolis
- Incorporating the themes of self-knowledge, wealth, class and the importance of the right marriage
The plot involves: a failed mission; the assembly of a “band of brothers;” the return to Anson’s home county of Kent; the task of creating a shoreline naval defense force against Napoleonic invasion; and, the maturing of Anson through this process.
There are several skirmishes (that last a few pages each) among the book’s several hundred pages. And, this book is a transitional story to justify Anson leading future missions. McDine isn’t as adroit as Jane Austen but his research and his incorporation of details are a delight to anyone interested in this period. Three-point-five rounded up.
September 1, 2024
Enjoyed this first entry in the Anson series. Lots of action, and a bit too much romance. Charlotte Brax is a female to be wary of. Nothing good can come of her forwardness. Am glad to find solid references to the Sea Fencibles as I have just recently become aware of their existence.
April 9, 2017
Really good!
A very believable tale of one of Britain's wars with France. I certainly look forward to reading more in the series!
A very believable tale of one of Britain's wars with France. I certainly look forward to reading more in the series!
April 14, 2017
Change of pace for novels of the Royal Navy, April 14, 2017
This review is from: The Normandy Privateer (Kindle Edition)
This novel is an interesting change of pace for stories of the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic wars. The action begins aboard a frigate but quickly moves to land. First, Lieutenant Oliver escapes from France then is appointed to command a unit of the Sea Fencibles. The Sea Fencibles, a naval militia, were charged with protecting the coast from invasion by using shore batteries and small boats. The rest of the novel centers around action in that unit. Exciting and well written, the novel comes to a conclusion but then moves along to an obvious opening for a sequel which I hope is soon available.
There seems to be some confusion among reviewers and readers about wardrooms and gunrooms aboard His Majesty's frigates. Briefly, frigates were not large enough to have a wardroom. However there is more to it. If interested, I suggest an article available on the web, "Why the Gunroom Rather Than the Wardroom?"
I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited.
This review is from: The Normandy Privateer (Kindle Edition)
This novel is an interesting change of pace for stories of the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic wars. The action begins aboard a frigate but quickly moves to land. First, Lieutenant Oliver escapes from France then is appointed to command a unit of the Sea Fencibles. The Sea Fencibles, a naval militia, were charged with protecting the coast from invasion by using shore batteries and small boats. The rest of the novel centers around action in that unit. Exciting and well written, the novel comes to a conclusion but then moves along to an obvious opening for a sequel which I hope is soon available.
There seems to be some confusion among reviewers and readers about wardrooms and gunrooms aboard His Majesty's frigates. Briefly, frigates were not large enough to have a wardroom. However there is more to it. If interested, I suggest an article available on the web, "Why the Gunroom Rather Than the Wardroom?"
I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited.
March 30, 2018
More than just another tale of sail.
Yes this could be described as another historical tale of sail, but a developing layer of political intrigue adds another dimension and is sure to develop further in subsequent accounts. Then there is the developing social intrigue that, added together, make this book well worth a read.
Yes this could be described as another historical tale of sail, but a developing layer of political intrigue adds another dimension and is sure to develop further in subsequent accounts. Then there is the developing social intrigue that, added together, make this book well worth a read.
December 31, 2018
A good yarn about a little-known force recruited during the Napoleonic wars. Quite a lot of sound historical research has gone into this book and the characters are well drawn and plausible (perhaps the baddies are a little too bad).
I look forward to reading the sequel which I have bought.
I look forward to reading the sequel which I have bought.
October 12, 2017
A enjoyable read k
Just enough action along with spirited story telling using some actual events and places. I lo forward to reading more.
Just enough action along with spirited story telling using some actual events and places. I lo forward to reading more.
July 26, 2020
The Anson Chronicles
My review of the first two books is in series order. I read both The Normandy Privateer and Strike the Red Flag right thorough so that the story had some continuity for me. My review covers the books in the most general way.
The author does an excellent job setting up his main character in the first book, The Normandy Privateer. The danger of invasion from France was a real ever-present threat. The theft by the privateers, encouraged by the French authorities, added an additional burden on the people of the coastal communities. High taxes and the loss of the American colonies exacerbated the pressure on the crown to find the revenue to keep the government above water. The action against the privateers shows just how dangerous these encounters just off the coast turned out. With divided loyalties among the crew, officers, and, for the majority of the pressed crew members, it was a major feat keeping the shoreline communities safe.
In the second book, the author goes into detail about the hard times in England and the condition of the fleet. Due to the very hard living conditions aboard the ships in the fleet, the agony imposed on the men by the “press gang” tactics, the lack of adequate pay, there is a mutinous fervor in the air. Lt. Anson’s secret mission, early on in the book, is to help the fleet alleviate the problem. This story is full of interesting historical detail, and, while, it is conducted mostly on-shore there is a story here that is worth telling.
The author captures the time of the era as well as the lives of the people. England was struggling, the lives of the people were hard. Even with the lack of stirring sea action in the second story, these two series were as much about the adventures of Lt. Anson. The author paints a picture of England at that period of time. The author captures all of this and more in these first two books, however, he also provides a good picture of a struggling country trying to find its footing in the world.
My review of the first two books is in series order. I read both The Normandy Privateer and Strike the Red Flag right thorough so that the story had some continuity for me. My review covers the books in the most general way.
The author does an excellent job setting up his main character in the first book, The Normandy Privateer. The danger of invasion from France was a real ever-present threat. The theft by the privateers, encouraged by the French authorities, added an additional burden on the people of the coastal communities. High taxes and the loss of the American colonies exacerbated the pressure on the crown to find the revenue to keep the government above water. The action against the privateers shows just how dangerous these encounters just off the coast turned out. With divided loyalties among the crew, officers, and, for the majority of the pressed crew members, it was a major feat keeping the shoreline communities safe.
In the second book, the author goes into detail about the hard times in England and the condition of the fleet. Due to the very hard living conditions aboard the ships in the fleet, the agony imposed on the men by the “press gang” tactics, the lack of adequate pay, there is a mutinous fervor in the air. Lt. Anson’s secret mission, early on in the book, is to help the fleet alleviate the problem. This story is full of interesting historical detail, and, while, it is conducted mostly on-shore there is a story here that is worth telling.
The author captures the time of the era as well as the lives of the people. England was struggling, the lives of the people were hard. Even with the lack of stirring sea action in the second story, these two series were as much about the adventures of Lt. Anson. The author paints a picture of England at that period of time. The author captures all of this and more in these first two books, however, he also provides a good picture of a struggling country trying to find its footing in the world.
August 7, 2020
Good story...3-3.5 Stars
I am currently enjoying my binge-reads of seafaring tales, and came across this one. The first part was a particularly enjoyable "behind enemy lines" type of scenario . Once back in England, things slowed down; despite this, I still enjoyed reading about these characters. I have already purchased the remaining books in the series. One major drawback was that some conversations occurred in French, without paraphrasing in English, italicized translations for the benefit of non-French readers, etc. I couldn't always determine what had been said by the use of inference, either. It's a good thing that kindles are equipped with the translation feature, or I really would have been clueless!
I am currently enjoying my binge-reads of seafaring tales, and came across this one. The first part was a particularly enjoyable "behind enemy lines" type of scenario . Once back in England, things slowed down; despite this, I still enjoyed reading about these characters. I have already purchased the remaining books in the series. One major drawback was that some conversations occurred in French, without paraphrasing in English, italicized translations for the benefit of non-French readers, etc. I couldn't always determine what had been said by the use of inference, either. It's a good thing that kindles are equipped with the translation feature, or I really would have been clueless!
October 14, 2023
This time, Lieutenant Oliver Anson is aboard the Phrynne and is involved in an attempt to cut out a privateer brig from a harbor. The adventures from there span a trip across France, to the Sea Fencibles in Kent, helping train up a group almost from its beginning.
Anson is not exactly at home on shore with the farmer troops, but he does manage to bring about discipline and an ongoing fight with a French privateer, not to mention fending off a very persistent merchant's daughter who is no better than she ought to be.
Again, there are some echoes of Hornblower in the first half but Anson is not showered with glory or success, indeed it is hidden and one wonders if he'll ever be promoted.
Anson is not exactly at home on shore with the farmer troops, but he does manage to bring about discipline and an ongoing fight with a French privateer, not to mention fending off a very persistent merchant's daughter who is no better than she ought to be.
Again, there are some echoes of Hornblower in the first half but Anson is not showered with glory or success, indeed it is hidden and one wonders if he'll ever be promoted.
October 21, 2024
action filled.
This is a man’s book, for sure, a Louis Lamour for seagoing men, fortunately, I like Louis lamour! This year I had already read a book about this period, area, and subject, Springhaven by Blackmore. Both set on the English Kent coast, both during the war with France after the French Revolution, both with wry commentary on the clergy and the military, and class structure. Both concerned spies, signals and with defending the homeland from French small ships. But Springhaven was written 100 years ago, this book was written in a more lively style and it was not work at all to read it. Indeed, it completely grabbed my interest. I really liked it. It has sequels I believe. I may look them up.
This is a man’s book, for sure, a Louis Lamour for seagoing men, fortunately, I like Louis lamour! This year I had already read a book about this period, area, and subject, Springhaven by Blackmore. Both set on the English Kent coast, both during the war with France after the French Revolution, both with wry commentary on the clergy and the military, and class structure. Both concerned spies, signals and with defending the homeland from French small ships. But Springhaven was written 100 years ago, this book was written in a more lively style and it was not work at all to read it. Indeed, it completely grabbed my interest. I really liked it. It has sequels I believe. I may look them up.
January 3, 2022
Having worked my way through the excellent 'Matthew Hervey' Series, (Allan Mallinson), I was casting around for a similar work and came across the first three Lieutenant Anson books as a special offer on Bookbub.
They have not disappointed. Well researched, with an excellent pace and detailed action scenes, I am currently binge reading all three and will definitely move on to the fourth in the series in due course.
They have not disappointed. Well researched, with an excellent pace and detailed action scenes, I am currently binge reading all three and will definitely move on to the fourth in the series in due course.
October 20, 2024
Not a satisfactory ending. Seemed like a very long read to achieve nothing in the end. There was no end or result from his love? life, there was no results from his commanding officers report, the call to go to the next officer above that left me hanging. What happened to the captured French officer?? Did the commanding officer get his comeuppance??Too many non endings. I would say this IS NOT A STANDALONE book. Shame really as it had good parts, but hanging endings lose my vote
M
M
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
History I never envisioned
This book embodied the naval story of the Bonaparte era and guarding the English coast by a group of fisherman, coastal merchants and Naval veterans who turned them into a fighting unit defending their homes against French privateers. I had read of the compartmentalize of classes but didn't realize how it effected daily lives and who was recognized for what. A good read with interesting tidbits of English life in 1800's.
This book embodied the naval story of the Bonaparte era and guarding the English coast by a group of fisherman, coastal merchants and Naval veterans who turned them into a fighting unit defending their homes against French privateers. I had read of the compartmentalize of classes but didn't realize how it effected daily lives and who was recognized for what. A good read with interesting tidbits of English life in 1800's.
January 31, 2021
Just after reading the first book of the series, I jumped into "The Normandy Privateer", the second volume.
Another nice story, just as good as the first. The recover of the "Kent Merchant" and the trap against the french pirates, smartly devised by Oliver Ansom and Amos Armstrong, is thrilling.
A nice piece of historical fiction!
Another nice story, just as good as the first. The recover of the "Kent Merchant" and the trap against the french pirates, smartly devised by Oliver Ansom and Amos Armstrong, is thrilling.
A nice piece of historical fiction!
May 31, 2024
It has no ending unless you read the entire series
It was decent reading but I wouldn't have picked it if I'd known this book has no conclusion. It uses a lot of late 1700's British naval & military verbiage. I looked up many definitions to understand it better. Seems to be more geared towards a male audience.
It was decent reading but I wouldn't have picked it if I'd known this book has no conclusion. It uses a lot of late 1700's British naval & military verbiage. I looked up many definitions to understand it better. Seems to be more geared towards a male audience.
September 1, 2024
A failed cutting-out expedition leaves its commander for dead during their retreat. Recovering and escaping back to England, he is posted to a Sea Fencibles command. Cleaning up the disorganized mess he found, he created a viable coastal defense force. This energetic, capable young lieutenant and his enlisted cohorts would carry a new series quite nicely.
January 9, 2025
Meet Oliver Anson. First, you will have to step back in time to do that, and you will have to step aboard a ship. Many thought the man was dead, but far from that, his adventures have only begun. This is a different adventure from some I have read from this era, but it is well written, and takes readers into what looks to be a good series of tales.
January 29, 2017
Great Story
Enjoyed this maritime fiction piece which is centered on the coast guard rather than the Royal Navy. The plot was well -conceived. The dialogue and settings were well-written.
Enjoyed this maritime fiction piece which is centered on the coast guard rather than the Royal Navy. The plot was well -conceived. The dialogue and settings were well-written.
May 23, 2017
An Entertaining Story
This book's rich characterizations of the main and supporting cast keep your interest from start to finish. Joined by a unique storyline with unexpected action it makes for a great read and anticipation of a sequel.
This book's rich characterizations of the main and supporting cast keep your interest from start to finish. Joined by a unique storyline with unexpected action it makes for a great read and anticipation of a sequel.
August 6, 2017
Excellent read
A excellent story line with lots of action. The book moves from chapter to chapter with a smooth flow of action and adventure. I look forward to the next book in this series, the amount of sex is justified by the story line.
A excellent story line with lots of action. The book moves from chapter to chapter with a smooth flow of action and adventure. I look forward to the next book in this series, the amount of sex is justified by the story line.
February 19, 2018
Great naval fun
I love these characters and their sense of humor. The detail and explanation of the era is well balanced with action, and I look forward to reading the next installment.
I love these characters and their sense of humor. The detail and explanation of the era is well balanced with action, and I look forward to reading the next installment.
February 21, 2018
Kent's successor?
A very enjoyable reading experience!
Kept my attention,didn't want to put it down!
Reminds me of Alexander Kent's Bolitho series. I eagerly look forward to reading the rest of the series!
A very enjoyable reading experience!
Kept my attention,didn't want to put it down!
Reminds me of Alexander Kent's Bolitho series. I eagerly look forward to reading the rest of the series!
November 24, 2018
Very good read of a rag tag British shore militia
Lt. Anson continues his navy career this time from shore guarding the English coast. Good detail of English military and social life at the time. Exciting yet realistic military episodes. Look forward to next in series.
Lt. Anson continues his navy career this time from shore guarding the English coast. Good detail of English military and social life at the time. Exciting yet realistic military episodes. Look forward to next in series.
July 27, 2025
Not a whiff of C F Forrestor
Too juvenile. Tride to be too nice and fair so as not to scare the children. Did not show the actual harshness of the time.
The efforts of humour were weak and did not add to the storyline. Nor salty enough.
Too juvenile. Tride to be too nice and fair so as not to scare the children. Did not show the actual harshness of the time.
The efforts of humour were weak and did not add to the storyline. Nor salty enough.
November 7, 2025
Boring
I was looking forward to reading a good, swashbuckling sea adventure. I am still looking for it.
Most of the book deals with activities on land. The description of life in England in the late 1790s is well Drawn. The plot at best is tedious.
I was looking forward to reading a good, swashbuckling sea adventure. I am still looking for it.
Most of the book deals with activities on land. The description of life in England in the late 1790s is well Drawn. The plot at best is tedious.
June 11, 2017
Very believable, liked the Kent speech pattern. Characters need a bit more fleshing out, worth reading.
July 27, 2017
Good read. Great action. Some between a little boring, but still worthwhile.
September 13, 2017
Can't wait for the next
December 10, 2017
Enjoyed this book better the second time I read it. Maybe it is best read a little more slowly
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews