What do you think?
Rate this book
It is 1940 when Peter Harding joins HM Submarine Shadow for his first tour of duty.
Shadow is not a happy ship, ruled by an overbearing, unlikeable commander. But Harding learns rapidly, and the fortunes of war dictate changes in both his and Shadow’s future.
From infiltrating the fjords of Occupied Norway to stalking U-boats on the Mediterranean convoy runs, Shadow becomes both hunter and hunted in the deadly undersea war. But as the price and pace of battle at sea and on land builds, Harding’s fate becomes ever more closely linked with Shadow – and with her crew.
Praise for Antony Melville-Ross
“Rare thriller-writer’s skill” Daily Telegraph
‘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.
Shadow is not a happy ship, ruled by an overbearing, unlikeable commander. But Harding learns rapidly, and the fortunes of war dictate changes in both his and Shadow’s future.
From infiltrating the fjords of Occupied Norway to stalking U-boats on the Mediterranean convoy runs, Shadow becomes both hunter and hunted in the deadly undersea war. But as the price and pace of battle at sea and on land builds, Harding’s fate becomes ever more closely linked with Shadow – and with her crew.
Praise for Antony Melville-Ross
“Rare thriller-writer’s skill” Daily Telegraph
‘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.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2017
148 people are currently reading
53 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 1, 2022
Peter Harding # 4
For a major part of volume 3 our hero was missing and presumed dead after his plane was shot down by a Japanese Suicide Pilot who it was implied also bombed John's boat. It's hard to remember how young these men were. Calling a 23-year-old ship's captain the old man seems strange.
Since book 3 ended the war bk 4 jumps back to 1939 and Harding’s first assignment as a sub-lieutenant aboard a submarine.
As I’ve said before, the author’s personal experience on subs lends a verisimilitude to his writing missing from most other submarine stories I’ve read and certainly anything Hollywood has attempted. The youth of these seamen is shocking. The tragedies, dangers, and struggles they faced daunting.
For a major part of volume 3 our hero was missing and presumed dead after his plane was shot down by a Japanese Suicide Pilot who it was implied also bombed John's boat. It's hard to remember how young these men were. Calling a 23-year-old ship's captain the old man seems strange.
Since book 3 ended the war bk 4 jumps back to 1939 and Harding’s first assignment as a sub-lieutenant aboard a submarine.
As I’ve said before, the author’s personal experience on subs lends a verisimilitude to his writing missing from most other submarine stories I’ve read and certainly anything Hollywood has attempted. The youth of these seamen is shocking. The tragedies, dangers, and struggles they faced daunting.
June 3, 2020
5 stars all the way
This book is #4 in a series of four books that are all well written, creative, and based in part upon the author’s experience on submarines. While a creative 5 novel series, the imagination has held to realism, solid character development, experiences, human nature, and entertainment all through the 4 books.
Definitely each of the four books can be read stand alone or chronologically. A good solid read that you won’t regret the time spent.
This book is #4 in a series of four books that are all well written, creative, and based in part upon the author’s experience on submarines. While a creative 5 novel series, the imagination has held to realism, solid character development, experiences, human nature, and entertainment all through the 4 books.
Definitely each of the four books can be read stand alone or chronologically. A good solid read that you won’t regret the time spent.
March 22, 2018
Good read but also glaring errors
Enjoyed this "ripping yarn" and will read the others in the series. The author should be aware however that a submarine is never referred to as a ship in the Royal Navy, it is always a boat. Such schoolboy errors do detract from the realism. Still a good read though.
Enjoyed this "ripping yarn" and will read the others in the series. The author should be aware however that a submarine is never referred to as a ship in the Royal Navy, it is always a boat. Such schoolboy errors do detract from the realism. Still a good read though.
March 12, 2019
Outstanding narrative
Having purchased all 4 of the series together and not reviewed the others till now, I Enjoyed them all immensely the narrative is without doubt outstanding,the characters come to life as you follow Peter Harding throughout his career as a submarine and Fleet Air Arm pilot.
Having purchased all 4 of the series together and not reviewed the others till now, I Enjoyed them all immensely the narrative is without doubt outstanding,the characters come to life as you follow Peter Harding throughout his career as a submarine and Fleet Air Arm pilot.
February 13, 2023
Brilliantly funny and sad in equal messure
This read encapsulates for me the horrors and privation that submariners went through in WW2.
Equally it describes the fortitude and humour that British people have in spades. Iwas was a joy to read and I now follow Lt Peter Harding onwards to the next phase of his naval career.
This read encapsulates for me the horrors and privation that submariners went through in WW2.
Equally it describes the fortitude and humour that British people have in spades. Iwas was a joy to read and I now follow Lt Peter Harding onwards to the next phase of his naval career.
September 2, 2024
A submarines life.
A solid four stars for a book which is primarily written for young readers. I would have preferred more detail regarding the submarine, hence the star deduction. There are plenty of positives. The characterisations of the crew are well drawn and likeable. The missions are realistic and feel authentic. Overall I enjoyed enough to order book two.
A solid four stars for a book which is primarily written for young readers. I would have preferred more detail regarding the submarine, hence the star deduction. There are plenty of positives. The characterisations of the crew are well drawn and likeable. The missions are realistic and feel authentic. Overall I enjoyed enough to order book two.
May 30, 2019
great book...
Very interesting perspective of an English sub during World War ll. Really enjoyed reading the interactions of officers and seamen during combat and during their off time to relax.
Very interesting perspective of an English sub during World War ll. Really enjoyed reading the interactions of officers and seamen during combat and during their off time to relax.
September 12, 2019
Read First
Shadow is book four of four but is in chronological order the first. It gives the background to Peter Harding and other characters we meet in the book 'Command'.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have enjoyed the other three, a good series which I recommend to you.
Shadow is book four of four but is in chronological order the first. It gives the background to Peter Harding and other characters we meet in the book 'Command'.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have enjoyed the other three, a good series which I recommend to you.
August 12, 2020
wrong numbering sequence - Should be read before books 1 - 3
Good best-selling but books need remembering so future readers can follow correct timeline and story sequences - an accurate portrayal of life on a 'stinky-diesel'
Good best-selling but books need remembering so future readers can follow correct timeline and story sequences - an accurate portrayal of life on a 'stinky-diesel'
November 19, 2020
This book has been mislabeled as number four in the series. It is actually the first book that introduces the main characters and foreshadows the kinds of experiences to follow. It is well written and interesting with nuanced characters. A good read!
February 24, 2021
Captivating Read
A well illustrated insight into the dark and dangerous world of the WW2 submariner and a story told in a way that ensures you don’t want to put the book down. The Peter Harding series has been a really enthralling read.
A well illustrated insight into the dark and dangerous world of the WW2 submariner and a story told in a way that ensures you don’t want to put the book down. The Peter Harding series has been a really enthralling read.
April 7, 2022
this book wrapped up the story
The war story laid out in these four episodes was about as interesting and entertaining as any i have read previously. They were written long ago, but will likely not be forgotten.
The war story laid out in these four episodes was about as interesting and entertaining as any i have read previously. They were written long ago, but will likely not be forgotten.
April 29, 2022
I will be lost again, trying to find another great story to read.
Lt. Peter Harding is someone you want to follow. Someone you want to be like. Enjoy this 4 book series. Wish there was a book 5.
Lt. Peter Harding is someone you want to follow. Someone you want to be like. Enjoy this 4 book series. Wish there was a book 5.
July 19, 2022
Four book series BUT the book listed as 4th is actually a prequel to the first and I suggest anyone who can read them in that order.
Well written, interesting, factual as well as war time erotic.
Do read them.
Well written, interesting, factual as well as war time erotic.
Do read them.
March 31, 2023
I liked every minute it took to read this book. I've read others by Mr Ross but so far I've liked this one the most. I'll read more. Lt. Harding seems very real as did the other characters in the story. Characters weren't overly developed but just about right. Story line seemed very authentic.
October 4, 2023
Finally got to the 4th book in the series, although not in the order written. It was just as good as the other three. Melville-Ross doesn't waste words. His writing is crisp and to the point and he puts the reader right into each scene. Highly recommended.
October 19, 2023
An Incredible Balance
I enjoy war stories. I enjoy good, clean humor. To have these combined, and with such great characters is wonderful. It just became better and better as I read, though that changed with the ending. But that is ok. I loved it!!
I enjoy war stories. I enjoy good, clean humor. To have these combined, and with such great characters is wonderful. It just became better and better as I read, though that changed with the ending. But that is ok. I loved it!!
May 25, 2018
Tame
Tame
Just a romance really.
Not worth buying otherwise.
Stick to non fiction.
Rhubarbrhubarb
Rhubarb
Customers Heffernan posted g uy
Tame
Just a romance really.
Not worth buying otherwise.
Stick to non fiction.
Rhubarbrhubarb
Rhubarb
Customers Heffernan posted g uy
April 3, 2019
Very good read. Hard to put it down once you start reading.
July 17, 2020
Super good!!
As a former submarine officer I can say that this series of books has as good as it gets. Don't miss it but start with book 4 and then 1 through 4
As a former submarine officer I can say that this series of books has as good as it gets. Don't miss it but start with book 4 and then 1 through 4
October 3, 2020
Super
You take person , a storyline, you put human feelings and
Mix it with friendship and submarine action you have one great story.
You take person , a storyline, you put human feelings and
Mix it with friendship and submarine action you have one great story.
December 3, 2021
Back story that fills in the gaps. Great series
Enjoyed immensely. Hope he writes more. After your finished the submarine war is easier to understand. Great series hope for more
Enjoyed immensely. Hope he writes more. After your finished the submarine war is easier to understand. Great series hope for more
January 3, 2022
Excellent
Very well written. Captures the mood and sacrifices of the war years and the vital contribution of the submarine branch
Very well written. Captures the mood and sacrifices of the war years and the vital contribution of the submarine branch
March 7, 2022
Love and war
This seems authentic to me and the romances where not graphic or overdone. The characters were finely drawn. My appreciation to the author.
This seems authentic to me and the romances where not graphic or overdone. The characters were finely drawn. My appreciation to the author.
May 22, 2022
A English naval action
A World War Two story of a submarine in the English navy, prior to the United States becoming involved. It had naval action and romance.
A World War Two story of a submarine in the English navy, prior to the United States becoming involved. It had naval action and romance.
June 12, 2022
Great story
Kept my interest throughout. Great having chataxryers to continue from one book to the next. Waiting for the continued storylinw.
Kept my interest throughout. Great having chataxryers to continue from one book to the next. Waiting for the continued storylinw.
June 16, 2022
excellent
This is book 3 of4. If you like Sub stories of real battles and intrigue this is for you. Cheers Mate..
This is book 3 of4. If you like Sub stories of real battles and intrigue this is for you. Cheers Mate..
June 24, 2022
Sets up the series well. Wish I had read it first rather than last. All books in series good reads.
March 22, 2023
Should have been box 1
This is a prequel to the first three books. Box three ended with a lot of questions and this book answers none of them.
This is a prequel to the first three books. Box three ended with a lot of questions and this book answers none of them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews