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Harry Gilmour Novels #4
The Bonny Boy
A wartime sub prowls the Med...but who is the enemy?
It is 1942. Lt Harry Gilmour has already made a name for himself in the Royal Navy submarine service. He has risked his life to save a fellow seaman after his first boat, HMS Pelorus is rammed and sunk in the North Sea. He’s played a leading role in HMS Trebuchet’s epic foray into a fjord in the then-neutral Soviet Union, to scatter German ships secretly assembling to invade Iceland. And as number three on HMS Umbrage in the Mediterranean, he had assumed command after her skipper had been lost overboard, and gone on to attack an Italian cruiser squadron.
Yet he is only an RNVR officer – a Wavy-Navy wunderkind. But when he gets his own submarine as the Royal Navy supports Montgomery’s Eighth Army campaign, an unexpected enemy looms on the horizon. Harry comes face to face again with Captain Charles ‘Bonny Boy’ Bonalleck, skipper of the doomed Pelorus and now in charge in the Med. Harry blames the Bonny Boy for the tragedy – and has told him to his face.
Can Harry trust Bonalleck’s offer to let bygones be bygones? Will the mission he is sent on help end the war – or end his career?
Praise for the Harry Gilmour series:
‘I loved all three in the Harry Gilmour series. Great story telling – witty with authentic details.’ – Tracey Griffith
‘...really imparts the atmosphere of what it might have been like to be based on besieged Malta as a submariner.’ – Roger J Buffington
David Black is the author of the Harry Gilmour series of novels set in the Royal Navy submarine service during the Second World War. He also wrote All the Freshness of the Morning, a fictionalised account of President John F Kennedy’s epic wartime service as skipper of the US Navy torpedo boat PT109 during the Solomons’ campaign against the Japanese in the South Pacific. Black is a former UK national newspaper journalist and TV documentary producer. He now lives in Argyll and writes full time.
It is 1942. Lt Harry Gilmour has already made a name for himself in the Royal Navy submarine service. He has risked his life to save a fellow seaman after his first boat, HMS Pelorus is rammed and sunk in the North Sea. He’s played a leading role in HMS Trebuchet’s epic foray into a fjord in the then-neutral Soviet Union, to scatter German ships secretly assembling to invade Iceland. And as number three on HMS Umbrage in the Mediterranean, he had assumed command after her skipper had been lost overboard, and gone on to attack an Italian cruiser squadron.
Yet he is only an RNVR officer – a Wavy-Navy wunderkind. But when he gets his own submarine as the Royal Navy supports Montgomery’s Eighth Army campaign, an unexpected enemy looms on the horizon. Harry comes face to face again with Captain Charles ‘Bonny Boy’ Bonalleck, skipper of the doomed Pelorus and now in charge in the Med. Harry blames the Bonny Boy for the tragedy – and has told him to his face.
Can Harry trust Bonalleck’s offer to let bygones be bygones? Will the mission he is sent on help end the war – or end his career?
Praise for the Harry Gilmour series:
‘I loved all three in the Harry Gilmour series. Great story telling – witty with authentic details.’ – Tracey Griffith
‘...really imparts the atmosphere of what it might have been like to be based on besieged Malta as a submariner.’ – Roger J Buffington
David Black is the author of the Harry Gilmour series of novels set in the Royal Navy submarine service during the Second World War. He also wrote All the Freshness of the Morning, a fictionalised account of President John F Kennedy’s epic wartime service as skipper of the US Navy torpedo boat PT109 during the Solomons’ campaign against the Japanese in the South Pacific. Black is a former UK national newspaper journalist and TV documentary producer. He now lives in Argyll and writes full time.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2019
345 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 14, 2019
Another good book in the Harry Gilmour Series by David Black, but not as good as the first 2 books. The book is more just a filler which ends abruptly and keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next book. Recommend reading the first 3 books in the series beforehand.
January 27, 2019
An excellent read but like another reviewer I did not like being left in mid air at the end unless there is another Harry Gilmour novel in the offing.
March 26, 2019
A interesting chronology of events
It is disturbing that hatred and dislike could be so great that it overrides the sensibility of it would result in loss other innocent, not involved men's lives.
It is disturbing that hatred and dislike could be so great that it overrides the sensibility of it would result in loss other innocent, not involved men's lives.
July 7, 2022
Another great book in the series which , although it felt a little slow in places , still captures the humour & drama of the previous 3 novels in the series .
Just by its title " The Bonny Boy" the reader finds themselves wondering & trying to second guess when our villain , the vengeful "Captain -Bonny Boy - Bonalleck " will rear his head again ; & when he does ,in the latter stages of the book, he does so in a way that is so unexpected , yet in some ways typical , of the series that for me it just adds to the allure & appeal of the whole "Harry Gilmour " collection .
Just by its title " The Bonny Boy" the reader finds themselves wondering & trying to second guess when our villain , the vengeful "Captain -Bonny Boy - Bonalleck " will rear his head again ; & when he does ,in the latter stages of the book, he does so in a way that is so unexpected , yet in some ways typical , of the series that for me it just adds to the allure & appeal of the whole "Harry Gilmour " collection .
October 15, 2020
So many typos
This book, like the others in the series, was enjoyable. But it had so many editing errors and typos! Distracting.
This book, like the others in the series, was enjoyable. But it had so many editing errors and typos! Distracting.
February 11, 2019
I enjoyed the latest instalment of Lt Gilmour’s life as he becomes the captain of his own vessel. The actions on board the submarine are terrific, as the hunts begin through to the successive conclusions. The tense atmosphere created on board at these trying times of the early years of W.W.2 are exceptional. The author takes you back to those years of WW2, in particular the suffering of the residents on Malta at that time. They really earned the George Cross that was awarded to the Island as a whole for their efforts in such oppressive circumstances.
My only disappointment is at the abrupt ending of the book. I feel the book could have been lengthened to at least form some sort of ending. The novel itself is quite short as books go these days. I know cliffhangers can be have a good effect, however, normally sequels are published quickly. As we have no idea when, or if, there will be a next book in the series, plus the current gap of a year or so for the author to publish. I do think my suggestion, as expressed above, would benefit the book for the reader.
My only disappointment is at the abrupt ending of the book. I feel the book could have been lengthened to at least form some sort of ending. The novel itself is quite short as books go these days. I know cliffhangers can be have a good effect, however, normally sequels are published quickly. As we have no idea when, or if, there will be a next book in the series, plus the current gap of a year or so for the author to publish. I do think my suggestion, as expressed above, would benefit the book for the reader.
December 3, 2019
Heart Pounding British Submarine Duty in WWII
This “Old Yank” just finished Book 4, “The Bonny Boy”. I swear I am now reading with a British accent and have earned a British Submarine Officer uniform. Mr. David Black tells a story that plunges the reader into the life of a British Submarine Commander and Crew on critical WWII missions. Join the excitement that Mr. Black creates with the Harry Gilmour Series. - Doug in America
This “Old Yank” just finished Book 4, “The Bonny Boy”. I swear I am now reading with a British accent and have earned a British Submarine Officer uniform. Mr. David Black tells a story that plunges the reader into the life of a British Submarine Commander and Crew on critical WWII missions. Join the excitement that Mr. Black creates with the Harry Gilmour Series. - Doug in America
June 23, 2019
Well crafted, strong suspense and an ending that sets up the next in the series well.
This series is best read in order. The relationship between Harry and the Bonny Boy starts in Gone To Sea In A Bucket and it is this that gives essential context for the ending in The Bonny Boy. They are all excellent books.
This series is best read in order. The relationship between Harry and the Bonny Boy starts in Gone To Sea In A Bucket and it is this that gives essential context for the ending in The Bonny Boy. They are all excellent books.
February 11, 2019
Why The Bonny Boy?
The Bonny Boy doesn't appear until 2/3 through the book. Still it was a great read. Just a shame about the unsatisfying ending which left me hanging. Paves the way for another Bonny Boy instalment.
The Bonny Boy doesn't appear until 2/3 through the book. Still it was a great read. Just a shame about the unsatisfying ending which left me hanging. Paves the way for another Bonny Boy instalment.
February 17, 2019
Great read!
I really love this series. Every book is a great read. There are quite a few gramatical errors. Happy to edit for you to help you get for reviews. I was a little sad the book ended so abruptly, but I love where it's going!
I really love this series. Every book is a great read. There are quite a few gramatical errors. Happy to edit for you to help you get for reviews. I was a little sad the book ended so abruptly, but I love where it's going!
October 18, 2021
The Bonny Boy is the fourth book in the Harry Gilmour series of historical fiction thrillers by David Black. These well-written novels feature the adventures of an officer in the Royal Navy submarine service during the Second World War.
The events in The Bonny Boy are set in 1942 and friends of the series will meet up again with Lt. Harry Gilmour. Harry moves up in the world and he’s offered his own command of a submarine. But when he is forced to work with another officer that he had troubles with in the past, he has to decide if he will trust him or not.
Beautifully written, filled with a lot of interesting details and vivid descriptions, driven by a compelling plot, this is historical fiction done right!
The audiobook version of The Bonny Boy is narrated with talent by actor and musician James Langton. Mr. Langton reads in a calm and pleasant voice, keeping the listener interested and immersed in this already captivating story. He also manages to switch swiftly between accents for each of the characters. All four audiobooks available in the Harry Gilmour series are narrated by James and this helps a lot when it comes to immersion and the atmosphere.
I recommend The Bonny Boy to fans of historical fiction, fans of submarines, fans of the Royal Navy, and of course, to all the fans of World War II.
I enjoyed this audiobook although I haven’t listened to any of the others so far. I guess that those who loved the first three audiobooks will also feel right at home with this one.
The events in The Bonny Boy are set in 1942 and friends of the series will meet up again with Lt. Harry Gilmour. Harry moves up in the world and he’s offered his own command of a submarine. But when he is forced to work with another officer that he had troubles with in the past, he has to decide if he will trust him or not.
Beautifully written, filled with a lot of interesting details and vivid descriptions, driven by a compelling plot, this is historical fiction done right!
The audiobook version of The Bonny Boy is narrated with talent by actor and musician James Langton. Mr. Langton reads in a calm and pleasant voice, keeping the listener interested and immersed in this already captivating story. He also manages to switch swiftly between accents for each of the characters. All four audiobooks available in the Harry Gilmour series are narrated by James and this helps a lot when it comes to immersion and the atmosphere.
I recommend The Bonny Boy to fans of historical fiction, fans of submarines, fans of the Royal Navy, and of course, to all the fans of World War II.
I enjoyed this audiobook although I haven’t listened to any of the others so far. I guess that those who loved the first three audiobooks will also feel right at home with this one.
August 29, 2022
While the story on the whole is developing nicely, there were a few things I didnt like about the book; firstly the fact that in 3 different sections of the book, cox'n Ainsworth first name is different and its not down to an abbreviation or shortening of his name. It's a mistake either by the author or publisher as it is clear that the person talked about in all 3 sections is the same person.
Secondly why have we waited until book 4 to explain some of the technical terms and what things are like Asdic or HE among other expressions. Perhaps there should have been a glossary in the first book. Whilst this may be a book for people who have an interest specifically in submarines, there may also be people who have never read a submarine book before and have been recommended the book by someone else. Thankfully for me, my dad was able to explain alot of the terms to me. Although it was good to finally see them explained in this book, its frustrating we've had to wait this long for them to be explained.
Thirdly the amount of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors are quite annoying and to a certain degree take away from the enjoyment of the book, again an error I can only assume has been made by the publisher or in the printing process. I can ignore spelling and grammatical errors if its used because of a character's accent or something but not in the general text of the book.
On the whole the story is developing well and I liked that book 4 ended on a bit of a cliff-hanger leaving you wondering what's going to happen next. I can't wait to start book 5.
Secondly why have we waited until book 4 to explain some of the technical terms and what things are like Asdic or HE among other expressions. Perhaps there should have been a glossary in the first book. Whilst this may be a book for people who have an interest specifically in submarines, there may also be people who have never read a submarine book before and have been recommended the book by someone else. Thankfully for me, my dad was able to explain alot of the terms to me. Although it was good to finally see them explained in this book, its frustrating we've had to wait this long for them to be explained.
Thirdly the amount of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors are quite annoying and to a certain degree take away from the enjoyment of the book, again an error I can only assume has been made by the publisher or in the printing process. I can ignore spelling and grammatical errors if its used because of a character's accent or something but not in the general text of the book.
On the whole the story is developing well and I liked that book 4 ended on a bit of a cliff-hanger leaving you wondering what's going to happen next. I can't wait to start book 5.
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November 19, 2024Even dyslexic me noticed the spelling mistakes tsk tsk!
Now, on the important parts. The title of the book cannot be an after thought. You can't have two thirds of the book barely mentioning the evil sob and then randomly throwing Harry in a sh*storm of vindictiveness so obvious even a three year old would see through it. The title gave it all away.And it cannot culminate with Harry, a skipper in his own right that can play"3d chess" in his mind in seconds, go "oh so he's been trying to kill me all this time duh!". End of book. You just made mrGilmour look like the slowest thinker possible. Which is it?
Lastly, that chance meeting with the eighth army lads, I'm guessing was to show that the ones not in regulation uniform were the ones fighting the war?
Haphazard,and really not much of a dialogue. A waste of the Glenlivet!
I did enjoy Malta a lot, but the rest reads like an after thought. By the end even shrimp is forgotten as if he was three books ago.
Now, on the important parts. The title of the book cannot be an after thought. You can't have two thirds of the book barely mentioning the evil sob and then randomly throwing Harry in a sh*storm of vindictiveness so obvious even a three year old would see through it. The title gave it all away.And it cannot culminate with Harry, a skipper in his own right that can play"3d chess" in his mind in seconds, go "oh so he's been trying to kill me all this time duh!". End of book. You just made mrGilmour look like the slowest thinker possible. Which is it?
Lastly, that chance meeting with the eighth army lads, I'm guessing was to show that the ones not in regulation uniform were the ones fighting the war?
Haphazard,and really not much of a dialogue. A waste of the Glenlivet!
I did enjoy Malta a lot, but the rest reads like an after thought. By the end even shrimp is forgotten as if he was three books ago.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2019
Not as good as the first and third books, this one doesn't read like a stand-alone book, but as more of a set up for a follow-on story. The title and synopsis, which refer to Gilmour's first submarine commander, Captain Charles ‘Bonny Boy’ Bonalleck, give the impression that this story will be about whether Gilmour can "trust Bonalleck’s offer to let bygones be bygones." However, Bonalleck doesn't make a contemporaneous appearance until the book is nearly over at 79% complete and ends with Gilmour trying to come to grips with Bonalleck's hatred and wondering what will happen. David Black is a very good writer; the action is interesting and the story moves along, but unlike earlier stories where each ends with some resolution, this book really only serves to fill time and set up the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2019
Excellent
Really enjoying this series and unlike some other modern writers, he handles the past with a light touch, not forcing aspects of wartime life down the reader’s throats but mentioning in passing. Just as a contemporary author would have done. Although am not sure that there was quite that much soul searching going on - from what my father told me (RN from age 14 and right through the war), it didn’t seem so. But then they didn’t really talk about it did they and to late to ask him now. Will give Mr Black the benefit of the doubt and assume he has spoken to veterans and just carry on enjoying his books. Try and avoid the abrupt endings though - this one feels as though a longer book has been cut in two!
Really enjoying this series and unlike some other modern writers, he handles the past with a light touch, not forcing aspects of wartime life down the reader’s throats but mentioning in passing. Just as a contemporary author would have done. Although am not sure that there was quite that much soul searching going on - from what my father told me (RN from age 14 and right through the war), it didn’t seem so. But then they didn’t really talk about it did they and to late to ask him now. Will give Mr Black the benefit of the doubt and assume he has spoken to veterans and just carry on enjoying his books. Try and avoid the abrupt endings though - this one feels as though a longer book has been cut in two!
August 19, 2019
3.5 Stars
This is the fourth book in the series and the first half of the book is fairly slow going. The second half runs much better, with Harry in charge of his own boat. The submarine and sea storyline is vivid and well written. It appears that his old nemesis is quite done with Harry, and presumably will serve to set the stage for the next book. An enjoyable book but not the best in this series.
This is the fourth book in the series and the first half of the book is fairly slow going. The second half runs much better, with Harry in charge of his own boat. The submarine and sea storyline is vivid and well written. It appears that his old nemesis is quite done with Harry, and presumably will serve to set the stage for the next book. An enjoyable book but not the best in this series.
September 16, 2019
Bonny Boy
As with all these books to action descriptions 'feel' realistic. On the other hand, the inner story of a higher officer going to such lengths to destroy or kill a junior officer and this being suspected by higher authorities but not stamped out is, to say the least, rather frightening. If the heart of these stories is based upon real actions, as seems to be so, then God help the RN!
As with all these books to action descriptions 'feel' realistic. On the other hand, the inner story of a higher officer going to such lengths to destroy or kill a junior officer and this being suspected by higher authorities but not stamped out is, to say the least, rather frightening. If the heart of these stories is based upon real actions, as seems to be so, then God help the RN!
September 2, 2021
David Black Harry Gilmour Books
I have now read 4 of the 6 Harry Gilmour series.Every one as gripping as the next.You as the reader,feel as if you are in that submarine going through all the tension and anxiety of every mission Harry steers his crew too.Excellent writing by David Black .I have already bought book 5 and sure 6 will follow.Buy this series You won't be disappointed!
I have now read 4 of the 6 Harry Gilmour series.Every one as gripping as the next.You as the reader,feel as if you are in that submarine going through all the tension and anxiety of every mission Harry steers his crew too.Excellent writing by David Black .I have already bought book 5 and sure 6 will follow.Buy this series You won't be disappointed!
February 15, 2019
A Splendid Read
I am not a proper reviewer, but I know what I like. The Harry Gilmour series, currently 4 in number, are an exciting and well-written dive into a WWII battlefield I personally knew little about: British submarine warfare against German and (initially) Italian maritime supply of Rommel's Afrika Korp.
I am not a proper reviewer, but I know what I like. The Harry Gilmour series, currently 4 in number, are an exciting and well-written dive into a WWII battlefield I personally knew little about: British submarine warfare against German and (initially) Italian maritime supply of Rommel's Afrika Korp.
September 12, 2019
Excellent read, engaging characters
This story brings to life the war and the life of a submariner. With some frightening moments related to being placed intentionally in areas or situations to potentially be sunk. There is a hint of romance threading through the story, will they won't they get together. All in all a great read
This story brings to life the war and the life of a submariner. With some frightening moments related to being placed intentionally in areas or situations to potentially be sunk. There is a hint of romance threading through the story, will they won't they get together. All in all a great read
January 20, 2020
Superb reading
As exTrade I’ve met many a midship ballast (Officer) like Captain “Bonny Boy” Bonalleck lucky for us they are few and far between and out numbered by Harry Gilmores. This book is a good read and the descriptions of life on a diesel boat ring true. Looking forward to the rest of the series. DBF!
As exTrade I’ve met many a midship ballast (Officer) like Captain “Bonny Boy” Bonalleck lucky for us they are few and far between and out numbered by Harry Gilmores. This book is a good read and the descriptions of life on a diesel boat ring true. Looking forward to the rest of the series. DBF!
June 14, 2020
Poor copy editing, ending leaves you hanging
I liked the plot per se, but I found annoying typos, including word transpositions. Some sentences were rendered incomprehensible. It was worse than in earlier books in this series.
Also, the crisis with Bonny Boy comes to a peak, just as the book ends. It’s felt like manipulation to purchase the sequel.
I liked the plot per se, but I found annoying typos, including word transpositions. Some sentences were rendered incomprehensible. It was worse than in earlier books in this series.
Also, the crisis with Bonny Boy comes to a peak, just as the book ends. It’s felt like manipulation to purchase the sequel.
July 11, 2021
More exciting undersea adventures with Harry Gilmour, now in command of HMS Scourge and wreaking havoc against enemy shipping in the Mediterranean. But, by book's end, Harry's archenemy, his own superior office to boot, nearly destroys him. How will Harry respond? A clever cliffhanger to keep the reader wanting more of Harry's story.
February 27, 2019
Excellent series of finely crafted stories. More please!
The title says it all but Amazon demand that I pad out my review. Well, that first sentence was fourteen words so I think I've said enough!
The title says it all but Amazon demand that I pad out my review. Well, that first sentence was fourteen words so I think I've said enough!
March 4, 2019
Wavy Navy at its best
A real page turner. Well drawn characters in a world of submarine claustrophobia . Good action sequences hold you as the torpedoes stream towards their targets.
A real page turner. Well drawn characters in a world of submarine claustrophobia . Good action sequences hold you as the torpedoes stream towards their targets.
March 13, 2019
Gripping stuff.
The Harry Gilmour stories are so exciting that it's almost impossible to put one down . Technically accurate with believable characters and likely plots, gripping stuff indeed.
The Harry Gilmour stories are so exciting that it's almost impossible to put one down . Technically accurate with believable characters and likely plots, gripping stuff indeed.
September 1, 2019
So interesting
...I learned a lot about submarine life and navigation during the War - and the author seemed to really know what he was talking about. And it's a really good story well told - and difficult to put down.
...I learned a lot about submarine life and navigation during the War - and the author seemed to really know what he was talking about. And it's a really good story well told - and difficult to put down.
September 16, 2019
Brilliant stuff
Exciting and well paced, this the forth in time he series takes the story on and ties it to the 1st on be warned there is a cliff hanger at the end. Come on Mr Black. We need the next instalment!
Exciting and well paced, this the forth in time he series takes the story on and ties it to the 1st on be warned there is a cliff hanger at the end. Come on Mr Black. We need the next instalment!
December 17, 2019
Good Naval Fiction
Royal Navy submarines in WW II have received little recognition in history or fiction. The series rectified that. It is well written, carefully plotted, and has a pleasing amount of detail.
Royal Navy submarines in WW II have received little recognition in history or fiction. The series rectified that. It is well written, carefully plotted, and has a pleasing amount of detail.
December 20, 2019
Another good read.
This is the fourth book in the Harry Gilmore series and once again it holds the readers interest with the exploits of submarine warfare and the experience of the crew and officers can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This is the fourth book in the Harry Gilmore series and once again it holds the readers interest with the exploits of submarine warfare and the experience of the crew and officers can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews