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The war in Europe is over. But on the other side of the world Lieutenant John Gascoigne takes command of HMS Talon, a submarine patrolling the treacherous waters of the Java Sea. Gascoigne is a man haunted by past loyalties; by the ever-present ghost of a woman he loves, but can never have.
The constant successes of the American submarine commanders, his allies and rivals, only fuel his resentment of the present. Gascoigne is desperate for success in Talon, and he will take any risk to get results. But a Japanese destroyer is a formidable target – even when dead in Talon’s sights . . .
Praise for Anthony Melville-Ross
‘Splendid – tense, gripping, convincing’ Books & Bookmen
Anthony Melville-Ross was born in Hastings, East Sussex on November 11 1920. He published six novels between 1978 and 1985, all inspired by his background as a sub-mariner in the Second World War. He had an extremely successful career in the navy, rose to command his own boat and transferred into the Secret Service after the end of the war. He died in his hometown on January 10 1993, aged 73.
The constant successes of the American submarine commanders, his allies and rivals, only fuel his resentment of the present. Gascoigne is desperate for success in Talon, and he will take any risk to get results. But a Japanese destroyer is a formidable target – even when dead in Talon’s sights . . .
Praise for Anthony Melville-Ross
‘Splendid – tense, gripping, convincing’ Books & Bookmen
Anthony Melville-Ross was born in Hastings, East Sussex on November 11 1920. He published six novels between 1978 and 1985, all inspired by his background as a sub-mariner in the Second World War. He had an extremely successful career in the navy, rose to command his own boat and transferred into the Secret Service after the end of the war. He died in his hometown on January 10 1993, aged 73.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2017
182 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Antony Melville-Ross
28 books14 followersANTONY MELVILLE ROSS was a thriller writer of unusual quality. He was an excellent craftsman who constructed his stories with skill and wrote clear uncluttered prose, and his work has a ring of authenticity which in fact owed as much to personal experience as to the liveliness of his imagination and to his gifts as a storyteller.
The six novels that he published between 1978 and 1985 arise equally from his service as a sub- mariner in the Second World War, in which he was awarded the DSC and rose to command his own boat, and the Cold War world of the Secret Service into which he transferred soon after the end of the war. He wrote them in inverse order, beginning with the spy novels and then going on to submarines. His first book, Blindfold (1978), was at once recognised by such discriminating critics as TJ Binyon and Sheridan Morley, who compared it to Ian Fleming's debut with Casino Royale. Like Fleming, Melville Ross made good use of exotic backgrounds - the Libyan desert, the Colombian jungle - as well as the familiar thriller territory of London and New York. But he made less use of, indeed was not so much at home in, the world of beautiful people, of the best clubs, the best restaurants. There is perhaps less glamour but there is no less excitement. Two Faces of Nemesis (1979) consolidated the reputation established by Blindfold but it is Tightrope (1981) that shows his complete mastery of complicated plotting and a compulsive narrative power.
Trigger (1982) was the first of the submarine stories. Set in the Mediterranean in 1943, it was at least partly based on his service under a legendary fire-eater decorated with the VC who was by no means the easiest of commanding officers. The book was as widely praised for its expertise, communicated to the reader without apparent effort, as for the suspense he knew so well how to achieve. 'He has that rare thriller writer's skill of making the reader know what to do in a crisis, as when enemy destroyers are sweeping overhead,' as one reviewer put it. The same qualities were evident in Talon (1983) and Shadow (1985). The tension and the trust between men living together in the closest of quarters and the greatest of danger pervades every line. So does the discipline and the professionalism that Melville Ross brought to his work as an author.
The six novels that he published between 1978 and 1985 arise equally from his service as a sub- mariner in the Second World War, in which he was awarded the DSC and rose to command his own boat, and the Cold War world of the Secret Service into which he transferred soon after the end of the war. He wrote them in inverse order, beginning with the spy novels and then going on to submarines. His first book, Blindfold (1978), was at once recognised by such discriminating critics as TJ Binyon and Sheridan Morley, who compared it to Ian Fleming's debut with Casino Royale. Like Fleming, Melville Ross made good use of exotic backgrounds - the Libyan desert, the Colombian jungle - as well as the familiar thriller territory of London and New York. But he made less use of, indeed was not so much at home in, the world of beautiful people, of the best clubs, the best restaurants. There is perhaps less glamour but there is no less excitement. Two Faces of Nemesis (1979) consolidated the reputation established by Blindfold but it is Tightrope (1981) that shows his complete mastery of complicated plotting and a compulsive narrative power.
Trigger (1982) was the first of the submarine stories. Set in the Mediterranean in 1943, it was at least partly based on his service under a legendary fire-eater decorated with the VC who was by no means the easiest of commanding officers. The book was as widely praised for its expertise, communicated to the reader without apparent effort, as for the suspense he knew so well how to achieve. 'He has that rare thriller writer's skill of making the reader know what to do in a crisis, as when enemy destroyers are sweeping overhead,' as one reviewer put it. The same qualities were evident in Talon (1983) and Shadow (1985). The tension and the trust between men living together in the closest of quarters and the greatest of danger pervades every line. So does the discipline and the professionalism that Melville Ross brought to his work as an author.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 24, 2022
Peter Harding # 3
The author pulls no punches. In war people die. But the hero of the piece can be expected to survive at least til we get to book 4. Peter has married the gal he fell in love with after learning that she comes with a title and a father of means.
Pilots drop bombs from five miles up and the pilots who firebombed Dresden weren't around to see it incinerated. Submariners saw men burning to death in their para scopes or succumbing to exposure in cold waters and there was nothing they could do to help them.
One becomes inured to death in war. It means killing the enemy and losing comrades to enemy action, dwelling on the loss is debilitating. The young captain who sank a friendly sub blew his brains out. Seven of the seventy-three on board were saved.
As this volume gets underway Peter has talked his way into the air force and is training in Arizona, USA of all places, far from his bride in London or the waters of the Irish Sea. His former number one has qualified for command and has accepted a post in Freemantle, Australia to replace a captain who broke a leg rock climbing on leave. The adjustments are cultural and social as well as professional.
The author pulls no punches. In war people die. But the hero of the piece can be expected to survive at least til we get to book 4. Peter has married the gal he fell in love with after learning that she comes with a title and a father of means.
Pilots drop bombs from five miles up and the pilots who firebombed Dresden weren't around to see it incinerated. Submariners saw men burning to death in their para scopes or succumbing to exposure in cold waters and there was nothing they could do to help them.
One becomes inured to death in war. It means killing the enemy and losing comrades to enemy action, dwelling on the loss is debilitating. The young captain who sank a friendly sub blew his brains out. Seven of the seventy-three on board were saved.
As this volume gets underway Peter has talked his way into the air force and is training in Arizona, USA of all places, far from his bride in London or the waters of the Irish Sea. His former number one has qualified for command and has accepted a post in Freemantle, Australia to replace a captain who broke a leg rock climbing on leave. The adjustments are cultural and social as well as professional.
August 16, 2022
Just Excellent
This book and the whole entire series is just excellent.
A host of interesting knowledge about the workings of a British submarine, it’s officers and men.
It details in depth the captain, his thoughts, and the actions he performed in times of war and love and how he came to command his submarine, the Talon. Read it and you will understand what I’m saying. There are episodes concerning his subordinates that are both fun and enlightening as well.
I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend this book if you are interested in men at war and are a fan of World War II action .
I would suggest you read the previous books first and in order for the best experience.
This book and the whole entire series is just excellent.
A host of interesting knowledge about the workings of a British submarine, it’s officers and men.
It details in depth the captain, his thoughts, and the actions he performed in times of war and love and how he came to command his submarine, the Talon. Read it and you will understand what I’m saying. There are episodes concerning his subordinates that are both fun and enlightening as well.
I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend this book if you are interested in men at war and are a fan of World War II action .
I would suggest you read the previous books first and in order for the best experience.
December 18, 2020
A Poor Addition in the Series
This book is a poor follow-on to the first two books in the series. In this addition to the series, we lose our brave captain to an improbable storyline. The weakest part of this story is the continuation of the love story with a female character. The author handles this part of his story very poorly. What’s worse, this diversion of the storyline takes away from a very well developed storyline. That storyline, the depiction of a submarine at sea during a time of war is the strength of the story.
The first two books in the series were the best in this well-done series. This third book in the series not so much.
This book is a poor follow-on to the first two books in the series. In this addition to the series, we lose our brave captain to an improbable storyline. The weakest part of this story is the continuation of the love story with a female character. The author handles this part of his story very poorly. What’s worse, this diversion of the storyline takes away from a very well developed storyline. That storyline, the depiction of a submarine at sea during a time of war is the strength of the story.
The first two books in the series were the best in this well-done series. This third book in the series not so much.
June 1, 2020
Another 5 Star read !
Book #3 reflects the excellent writing skills and talent displayed by its author! The action remains almost non-stop but it does slow down in the mid chapters as the Japanese flotilla is not what it used to be. The author has the general facts of naval theatres of war specifically the submarine battles in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific. Character development, plot and sub-plots are all top notch. The tension at times is almost overwhelming !!
Book #3 reflects the excellent writing skills and talent displayed by its author! The action remains almost non-stop but it does slow down in the mid chapters as the Japanese flotilla is not what it used to be. The author has the general facts of naval theatres of war specifically the submarine battles in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific. Character development, plot and sub-plots are all top notch. The tension at times is almost overwhelming !!
June 15, 2022
The final book of this entertaining series, well written technically, story line held my attention. All in all enjoyable reads but I really could do without the soap opera romance that takes up most of the last 15%. It's almost like the author couldn't figure out what to do with the war over and needed to pad a few chapters to end the book.
February 21, 2018
Somewhat different
I have read previous of these stories with great interest, this one, not so much. There was less actual sea time and action, along with alot of convoluted romance.
I have read previous of these stories with great interest, this one, not so much. There was less actual sea time and action, along with alot of convoluted romance.
November 28, 2017
Great WWII ysrn!
The first WWII submarine book Ive read in 20 years ... Good story, great characters. Well worth the time spent in the read
The first WWII submarine book Ive read in 20 years ... Good story, great characters. Well worth the time spent in the read
November 1, 2018
Bombasitic is the word.
January 11, 2019
Talon
Nice twist at the end.
Enjoyed the description of submarine tactics.
Will read more Peter Harding books.
Nice comparison of British vs U.S. naval protocol.
Nice twist at the end.
Enjoyed the description of submarine tactics.
Will read more Peter Harding books.
Nice comparison of British vs U.S. naval protocol.
September 11, 2019
Third In Series
Not much of Peter Harding in this one, a lot more of John Gascoigne, and it didn't grip me like the previous two but enjoyable enough
Not much of Peter Harding in this one, a lot more of John Gascoigne, and it didn't grip me like the previous two but enjoyable enough
August 9, 2020
A decent read
Another interesting story with some good twists in it.Both Peter Harding and John Gascoigne the 2 leading men in the book come alive when you read the book.
Another interesting story with some good twists in it.Both Peter Harding and John Gascoigne the 2 leading men in the book come alive when you read the book.
November 13, 2020
Disjointed but good conclusion to the series
This third volume in the series seemed to have several short stories sewed together but still it was a good read.
This third volume in the series seemed to have several short stories sewed together but still it was a good read.
December 25, 2020
Too much romantic nonsense
Too much romance in what promised to be a good story. More about ships and shipmates and less study of female wiles, and this could have been worth 5**
Too much romance in what promised to be a good story. More about ships and shipmates and less study of female wiles, and this could have been worth 5**
March 25, 2021
Throughly enjoyed the third Peter Harding book, Talon.
Was so immersed in the story that the loss of Peter Harding really upset me. A very good submarine war time story.
Was so immersed in the story that the loss of Peter Harding really upset me. A very good submarine war time story.
May 7, 2021
Fascinating
No mistake, this man can write, and must have real experience as well. Going on to #4 as soon as I finish writing this!
No mistake, this man can write, and must have real experience as well. Going on to #4 as soon as I finish writing this!
December 17, 2021
This is a great read if the into as 2
It follows along this series but is defently stands alone varieties are well developed and although sometimes discounted reads smoothly
It follows along this series but is defently stands alone varieties are well developed and although sometimes discounted reads smoothly
August 23, 2024
Returning sailors
Talon as Book 4, is a worthy successor to the previous 3 books with the central character returned to life as it were. An excellent series!!
Talon as Book 4, is a worthy successor to the previous 3 books with the central character returned to life as it were. An excellent series!!
September 19, 2024
The end of the war.
Less gripping action in this book, hence the three stars. Well written, following the fortunes of both Peter Harding and Gascoigne. Leads to a satisfying ending.
Less gripping action in this book, hence the three stars. Well written, following the fortunes of both Peter Harding and Gascoigne. Leads to a satisfying ending.
March 31, 2018
An enjoyable read. Describing life as a submariner. Well written to keep the reader captivated within the story and characters. Anyone with a sense of adventure will enjoy this book... beats the hell out of romance and another serial killer story.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews