Mad Dogs and Englishmen

The Brigandshaw Chronicles #3

by Peter Rimmer

Two men one broken, the other, a vicious drunk. Can either man let go of their past without self-destructing?

The insanity of the Great War is finally over. But for Harry Brigandshaw raw grief and anger consumes his every waking hour. Mostly to run away from himself, Harry journeys with Barend Oosthuizen deep into the African bush and on to the Skeleton Coast in search of diamonds.

It is several, lonely years before Harry eventually returns to Elephant Walk, having long parted from Barend. An unexpected letter awaits Harry's return and yet again his life is thrown into turmoil!

Forced to return to England, Harry immerses himself in 1920 London where beautiful, seductive women snare the wealthy, cut-throat deals are made, and hedonism plays out in the supper clubs and theatres. Conversely, Barend wends his way to the gold mines of South Africa where violence and booze are the order of the day.

But, Elephant Walk and Africa are always calling where only the mad go out in the midday sun. Both men are lured back and the madness is about to begin all over again.

There's always a price to pay. Who will it be, Harry or Barend?

Mad Dogs and Englishmen is the third in the gripping Brigandshaw Chronicles historical fiction series with Peter Rimmer drawing us into the wilds of Africa and the roaring 20s of London. Don't miss this next instalment of Peter Rimmer's family saga.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Africa

387 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Peter Rimmer was born in London, England, and grew up in the south of the city where he went to Cranleigh School. After the Second World War and at aged 18, Peter joined the Royal Air Force, reaching the rank of Pilot Officer before he was 19. Then at the end of his National Service and with the optimism of youth, he sailed for Africa with his older brother to grow tobacco in what was then Rhodesia, and the odyssey of his life began.

The years went by and Peter found himself in Johannesburg founding an insurance brokering company. Over 2% of the companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange were clients of Rimmer Associates. He opened companies in the United States of America, Australia and Hong Kong and travelled extensively between the branches.

His passion had always been writing books, which he started at a very early age, though running a business was a driving force too and a common thread throughout his books. By the 1990’s, he had written several novels about Africa and England, and his breakthrough came with Cry of the Fish Eagle published by HarperCollins, Zimbabwe. It was a bestseller, which was followed up with the release of Vultures in the Wind. However, during this time, Zimbabwe was going through its struggles and the books did not get their just international recognition.

Having lived a reclusive life on his beloved smallholding in Knysna, South Africa, for over 25 years, Peter passed away in July 2018. He has left an enormous legacy of unpublished work for his family to release over the coming years, and not only them but also his readers from around the world will sorely miss him. Peter Rimmer was 81 years old.

To learn more about Peter, and to get a free starter library of novels, visit his website at www.peterrimmer.com, or find him on Facebook.com/PeterRimmerAuthor, follow him on Twitter @htcrimmer.com, and on BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/peter-rimmer

Reviews

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series. It’s a pity that it isn’t better known.

[Marilyn Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

To my surprise I enjoyed this book very much. I didn’t know very much about this period of time in Africa. In fact my knowledge of African history, and the aftermath of the war is shameful. Best comment … I’m on to the next book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third in the epic series of Harry Brigandshaw winding in and around the family of his best friends, Robert St. Clair and Barend Oosthuizen and all their girl friends, business acquaintances, and some contacts with the war between the Germans, British, and the Boer war. Harry worries about Fishy Braithwaite wishing to get even for his interest in Fishy's Fiance, Sara and about anyone Harry is attracted by. The last half of the book seems to roll along like a freight train. I enjoyed this series very much

[Richard Maves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rather liked the series of books as I have worked in that part of Africa. At times the books seem repetitious where the past is repeated but in general its a fast moving page turner. One criticism- "Fishy" is considered a "Hero" in the book and this irritates me.. He is a psychopathic killer, a clone product of the military who never accept responsibility to deprogram their creations no matter the country.

[rita weightman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read

A very good read could not put it down fell asleep reading ....some nights did not go to sleep till the early hours I loved all three I will read number 4 as soon as I can I bought them for hubby but really enjoyed them myself

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

[Constantine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Brigandshaw Chronicles series is thoroughly enjoyable. Peter Rimmer had an ingenious way of progressing his story by frequent jumps back and forth in time, place and perspectives, often in mid sentence. The way the many characters and their viewpoints and complex stories are interweaved into a richly textured yarn is extraordinary. If you think you’ve missed or forgotten something because it is seemingly dropped at random into the plot, well, it usually is, but it is inevitably explained in due course — seamlessly and cogently. The series flits around Europe, England, Africa and long sea voyages revealing the rich history of colonial central Southern Africa. Books 1 to 3, beginning shortly before the Anglo-Boer war, depict the war itself, the rise of the Johannesburg gold mining town, the First World War, and on through the roaring and flapping twenties, the beginnings of commercial aviation, heading to the Depression that no-one sees coming. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

#3 in a series. This author does a good job of truly finishing each book. I do think you need to read them in order, but I feel you can stop at the end of any book and have those stories basically complete.
There is a man trapped in a mine cave-in, segment that was interesting and carried through to the end of this book.
There are a few places where descriptions or conversations go on for a few pages that don't seem to add anything to the story. Not many but noticeable.
I got the #1-3 books as a set, for free. Probably will not buy the rest of the series.

[Yahya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mad dog and Englishmen is the third book in the Brigandshaw series.
It was a battle to finish reading this book. The novel features some beautifully crafted chapters that vividly capture the setting and cultural backdrop. However, the reading experience can be uneven; while certain sections are engaging, others may feel lengthy and less compelling. At times, the extensive background narrative can obscure its relevance to the main plot, potentially leading to confusion.

It left me nostalgic to reading a good Wilbur smith or Bryce Courtney novel.

[K. Leach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this series had more history & less sexual drama. The author could be an erotica author. The characters can be quite ridiculous.

Book 3
Info

Spoiler Alert: Mervyn Braithwaite “fishy” escaped again & followed Harry to Africa to murder him. He shot & killed Barend, but was killed by Tembu.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads novel.

Sort of a family epic, this book takes place in the 1920's, where people struggle along, trying to act like they're in the Lost Generation.

Not really my kind of book. Your mileage may vary.

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast read and recommended for a general audience. The author introduced The Roaring Twenties and mining in the UK. ifonot feel like I am walking with the people and there are books out there about aristocrats and the greedy class.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 3rd in the series and my favorite so far. Bodes well for someday finishing the other 8 books. I have always liked generational stories, and this fits the bill. I also love Africa so that makes it even better.

[Cletus Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #3 in the Brigandshaw Chronicles. Jumps chronologically into a period after WWI with new characters and locale at the beginning. This made for me a difficulty in following as I was a little lost until one of the main characters showed up.

[Catherine PEDDIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series

I love to read books that flow and live up to great expectations. That help you remember parts of your life too. Then finishing one book to move onto the next. So fun.

[John J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. This is one of my favorite series, not much to say to an individual book, but the series is well done. I’ve already started the next one. I’ll probably take a break after that one if a pattern appears.

[Gabrielle Harrison]

Fabulous

I didn't realise there was a 4th book. I'm so glad. This is a delightful series that I can't put down. I'm not going to describe the story, but just say that it is truly a great book

[Edina Rutland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the series is just as good as the first two. Peter Rimmer is a fabulous storyteller. The characters are well-developed, the story is captivating, and there is just so much to learn about Africa. It is a book that is hard to put down. Can't wait to start reading the next one.

[Karen J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

The third book in the Brigandshaw trilogy was a lot of fun to read. The characters are unique and the setting in Africa is intoxicating.

[Kay Schweers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading the first three books in this family saga and plan to read the next set.

[Jill Melvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical book

Wonderful book full of life. Didnt want it to end. pure escapism takes you another place.must get the next book.

[Lyle Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The saga continues. An interesting story as I'd suspected.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely read

I have enjoyed reading these novels especially because they take place in Africa. I think the characters are well developed.

[Mrs mim Whitfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from the chronicles
A must for anyone to read :)

[Sharon Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story….great characters

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m enjoying this family saga - very detailed but interesting and I’m on to the next book in the series #4.

[Mrs Pat J Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read continuing the Brigandshaw story

A good, interesting instalment of the saga. I look forward to reading the next book. Well written with many varied characters.

[CRAIG PLANT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent books (read 1 -3) real page turner's. Only problem being difficult to put down. Hunters with a conscience Only shoot old animals and food for the table. Lol

[Judy Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best one yet!

Because I finally figured out the whole group, now I can’t wait for the rest of the story to begin.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

the saga continues

Excellent story that weaves in and out of the lives of characters introduced in the first of the Brigandshaw Chronicles and carefully adds new characters into the tale.