Ungentlemanly Warfare

by Howard Linskey

A secret assassin. An impossible mission. Failure is not an option.

1943. With Nazi Germany facing defeat, Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering has authorized mass production of the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, a jet-propulsion engine aircraft faster than any plane in the Allies' arsenal. But the Komet is unstable, and British Intelligence has discovered that German scientist Professor Gaerte has been tasked to fix the plane's flaw. To prevent the Komets from getting airborne, an undercover task force must infiltrate Nazi-occupied France and assassinate Gaerte.

Captain Harry Walsh is one of Britain's most effective, ruthless, and unorthodox Special Operations Executive agents. Allied with an American OSS and Free French operatives, Harry leads his squad behind enemy lines where he's reunited with fellow SOE operative--and former lover--Emma Stirling. But as the team proceeds with their mission, an SS officer from Harry's past pursues the Englishman on a very personal mission of revenge . . .

"Reads like the new The Day of the Jackal--swift, deadly, game over!"
--John Ellsworth, USA Today bestselling author of The Point of Light

"A heart-pounding thriller from cover to cover. I couldn't put it down."
--James D. Shipman, author of Task Force Baum

"A perfect companion for fans of the great Ken Follett."
--Chuck Driskell, author of Final Mission: Zion

Genres: Historical Fiction, Thriller, World War II, Fiction, War, Espionage, Historical

368 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2019

About the author

ABOUT ME
A bit about me and my books. I am an author with Canelo, currently writing a series of William Shakespeare mysteries. The first is 'A Serpent In The Garden' which sees Will forced to look into the mysterious death of a lady in Elizabethan London. .

I am also the author of a series of books set in the north east of England, featuring journalists Tom Carney & Helen Norton with detective Ian Bradshaw, who all appear in ‘The Chosen Ones’, ‘The Search’, 'Behind Dead Eyes’ and ‘No Name Lane' and the standalones, 'Alice Teale Is Missing', 'Don't Let Him In' and The Inheritance'.

My WW2 historical novels include ‘Hunting the Hangman’, which tells the true story of the assassination of Nazi General, Reinhard Heydrich, and ‘Ungentlemanly Warfare’. The latter features SOE agents, Harry Walsh and Emma Stirling and OSS agent, Sam Cooper.

My earlier novels, the David Blake books, have been optioned for TV by Harry Potter producer, David Barron. The Times newspaper voted 'The Drop' one of its Top Five Thrillers of the Year and 'The Damage' one of its Top Summer Reads. Both books broke into the top five Amazon Kindle chart.

I’m honoured to be the ghost writer of ‘Surviving Hell’ which tells the true story of former Para, Nick Dunn, one of the Chennai Six, who were wrongfully imprisoned in India for years, having committed no crime, and 'Surviving Hell', the autobiography of Princess Diana's former bodyguard, Lee Sansum.

On a far lighter note, I am also the writer behind ‘The Little Book Of Pintfulness’ a mindfulness spoof, which comprehensively proves that life is just better with beer. Please read responsibly.

Prior to becoming a full-time author, I led a series of different lives with a number of jobs, including barman, journalist, catering manager and marketing manager for a celebrity chef, as well as in a variety of sales and account management roles. I can confirm that writing books definitely beats working for a living.

I started writing many moons ago and was first published in the Newcastle United football fanzine, 'The Mag'. I then became a journalist and wrote for regional newspapers. I have also written for magazines and web sites and was once the English Premier League football correspondent for a Malaysian magazine. I've stopped all of that nonsense now, preferring to make up stuff instead and call myself an author.

I'm originally from Ferryhill in County Durham but, like most of the people I grew up with, I left the north east in search of work and never quite made it back. I am now settled in Hertfordshire with my lovely wife Alison and wonderful daughter Erin.

I'm still a long-suffering Newcastle United fan and can only assume that Mike Ashley is a punishment inflicted upon us for all of the crimes we committed in our past lives.

I am represented by the best Literary Agent in the UK, Phil Patterson at Marjacq. Catherine Pellegrino looks after my foreign rights there. If you are Brad Pitt and you wish to play David Blake in a movie then Leah Middleton takes care of Film and TV rights:

Marjacq Scripts Ltd
The Space
235 High Holborn
London WC1V 7LE

+44 (0) 20 7935 9499
F +44 (0) 20 7935 9115
enquiries@marjacq.com

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howard Linskey writes a thrilling and tense WW2 historical espionage thriller that celebrates the role of the SOE, and its men and women that played an instrumental role in ensuring an Allied victory, so many engaged in missions that ended in their torture and death. It is Winston Churchill who nicknamed the SOE as The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. Captain Harry Walsh is introduced to the reader as a man who is willing to break the rules by ignoring the orders of the top brass by embarking on a trip to France to save a SOE agent, Emma Stirling, a woman he helped to train, from a trap sprung by the German Nazis. Walsh is unorthodox, prepared to do whatever it takes to prevent a German victory, and has a history of success in missions that should have been well nigh impossible.

He is in SOE's F Division headed by Colonel Maurice Buckmaster, his commanding officer, Major Robert Price, despises Walsh, as far as he is concerned Walsh has neither the right social background or the abilities, believing that Harry's experience and gifts have been overblown. However, Price has his nose put out of joint as his superiors identify Walsh for a dangerous mission in France where even Price is kept out of the loop. Along with the American OOS (forerunner of today's CIA) Sam Cooper, and Christophe Valvert of the Free French, Harry becomes part of the first Jedburgh team flown to France to work with the local Maquis, the French Resistance fighters. Their aim is to assassinate Professor Gaerte, the German scientist behind the development of the ME 163 Komet, a jet fighter that will decimate any prospect of a Allied victory. Facing grave dangers from the German occupying force, and the deadly French Nazi sympathising group, the Milice, Harry's mission endangers the Maquis, whilst the possibility of succeeding in assassinating their well guarded target seems to slip beyond his grasp.

Linskey brings bags of suspense and tension in this rollicking historical espionage thriller, with a intriguing protagonist in Harry Walsh, an unhappily married man but intending to honour his marriage because of his wife, Mary's brother, Tom Danby, his now dead friend, so no matter how much he wants to be with Emma, he is never going to leave Mary. How Harry came to be promoted to Captain says an awful lot about the military officer class, and none of it good, this is hammered home with the example of the over promoted Major Price. This is a great read, entertaining, whilst encapsulating the very real horrors of WW2 in France and the role played by the SOE. This is for historical fiction fans, particularly those interested in the espionage activities of the SOE. Many thanks to Oldcastle Books and No Exit Press for an ARC.

[Rowena Hoseason · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old-school espionage adventure which takes place in occupied France during WW2. Author Howard Linskey incorporates factual information with subtle skill so that the historical background adds understated authenticity – without force-feeding the reader indigestible detail. Linskey certainly plays the nostalgia card with some confidence; a Glenn Miller big-band soundtrack would be ideal!

We join the war at a crucial stage when Britain no longer stands alone, but the outcome is far from certain. One of Hitler’s technological ‘wonder weapons’ nears completion and could easily prove decisive. It’s being tested in northern France, so early versions of the British and American spook services plan a clandestine operation to sabotage the Nazi jet fighter programme by taking out its chief scientist.

This is a critical mission of international importance, so of course there’s a complicated reason why it’s given to Harry – a reckless, rebellious soldier-turned-spy who’s on the brink of burning out. His team of infiltrators includes an American and a Frenchman and Emma, the feisty female love interest. They must evade a particularly nasty gestapo officer who bears an old grudge, and recruit French maquis fighters to their cause.

But Harry and Emma could be betrayed at any time. They’re isolated and exposed, with compromised communications and few friends on the ground. Nazi spies might’ve penetrated their resistance cell. Local French supporters might crack under interrogation or unwittingly give the game away. And Harry doesn’t know who he can trust – not the Americans, not the locals, and definitely not his own organisation where he has few friends. This is an opportunity for Harry’s old enemies to settle some scores, putting the mission and Emma in peril…

Ungentlemanly Warfare is more action-adventure than Berlin noir. It’s far from superficial, however, and Linskey makes some serious social observations about the British class system, for instance.

A perfect read for anyone who enjoys curling up on the sofa on a soggy Sunday afternoon to watch We Dive At Dawn or Reach For The Sky…
8/10

There's more about this book and many more reviews of crime / thrillers over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net - see you there!

[Gram · Rating 3 out of 5]

An all-action World War II thriller with agents from Britain's Special Operations Executive (SOE), an American, Sam Cooper of the OSS (The Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner to the CIA) and a member of the Free French forces, Christophe Valvert parachuted into France in order to create havoc in the Normandy area and, more importantly, to assassinate a German rocket scientist. Their target is Professor Gaerte, the man in charge of the developing of the ME 163 Komet, a revolutionary jet fighter that might influence the outcome of the war.
The leader is Harry Walsh, a maverick spy who has completed several missions in occupied France. With him is fellow agent Emma Stirling, who Harry has recently rescued from a German trap after the resistance network she was working for was betrayed. Harry and Emma have a romantic past although Harry has told Emma that he will never leave his wife for her, even though he is in a loveless marriage.
These 3 men and one woman join with a group of desperate, poorly trained French resistance fighters to carry out various missions in the countryide around the French city of Rouen.
The non-stop action involves sabotage of tanks, railway tracks and a bridge along with the killing of a Nazi collaborator before this Resistance group is also betrayed and many of its members killed or captured. With Cooper wounded and Valvert dead, Harry and Emma must attempt the assassination of Professor Gaerte on their own.
Throughout the book, various real characters from the hierarchy of the SOE make appearances with brief mentions of Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond books and Kim Philby, who more than a decade later was revealed as a traitor in the employ of the Soviet Union.
But mainly, this story is all about Harry and Emma and their bid to carry out the order to kill Gaerte. There are plenty of historical facts scattered throughout this fictional tale, although credulity is stretched here and there.
We learn of Harry's background in the Army including how escaped after fighting a rearguard action during the British Army's evacuation from France in May/June 1940.
Throughout, we're repeatedly reminded of Harry's dislike for many of Britain's senior military and military intelligence officers. I found the latter got a bit wearing and didn't really like Harry Walsh since he seemed to be nothing more than a tough guy who thought himself better than anyone else. Also, I thought many of the French and German characters seemed no more than cardboard cutouts, but that said this is a work of fiction. All in all it's a rattling good yarn.
My thanks to Oldcastle Books/No Exit Press and NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.

[Cindy B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WWII freedom fighters and Allied spies with an excellent narration in a story of the courage and hardships in such a time as this. Narration done by Jonthan Keeble.

Author also published the true story of the the hunt for and killing of a Nazi scientist (in England the title was,”No Exit”).

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ungentlemanly Warfare hits the ground running with a terrifically intense opening which introduces the main character, Harry Walsh and immediately impresses upon the reader just how dangerous his job is. It's also very soon obvious that his considerable expertise might be well regarded in the field but back in London, he is considered a liability by his commanding officer. Major Price clearly despises Harry and the old British class values are much in evidence here. Price views Harry as being some way short of a gentleman, having a travelling salesman for a father and only attending a minor public school thanks to a scholarship. Meanwhile, there are a few questions about Harry's history, particularly regarding his rapid rise through the ranks followed by his mysterious departure from his regiment. Nevertheless, somebody seems to hold him in high esteem and when a new and dangerous mission becomes necessary, they insist Harry is called upon.
Alongside the main narrative which follows mostly Harry's exploits, there are also scenes featuring the Nazis' increasingly urgent plans to release a potentially pivotal new jet fighter, the ME 163 Komet. The ruthless drive to have the aircraft ready for action mean that Goering furiously replaces the existing scientists working on the project with Professor Gaerte but he also realises that failure will not be an option and is left in little doubt that suicide would be preferable to the alternatives should the unthinkable happen. The Allies are aware of the prototype weapon and learn that the Germans intend to carry out battlefield tests in Normandy. The order to assassinate Gaerte comes from Churchill and Harry becomes part of a 'Jedburgh' team consisting of an Englishman, a Frenchman and an American. If a return to Normandy isn't already unwelcome enough for him, it also means he is once more the target of the sadistic Gestapo officers, Colonel Tauber. He was once embarrassed by Harry Walsh and his overwhelming desire for revenge will make him a very dangerous enemy...
Throughout the book there are references to Harry's past, from previous missions to his time in the ranks and an explanation for his loveless marriage. These scenes give a sense of pace and continuity to the story; this doesn't feel like an isolated moment in time but rather an ongoing part of his life - he's a man with a complicated past and an uncertain future. He finds himself working with people with whom he has encountered before, with varying results. He came across the American agent assigned to the Jedburgh team in Yugoslavia and Captain Sam Cooper's decision to leave him behind there clearly still rankles. However, as Cooper points out, Harry would have done the same thing if their roles had been reversed and it's easy to see that they are very similar men. Both are prepared to take pragmatic, ruthless action if they deem it necessary and are not concerned with the gentleman's rules for warfare. He is also reunited with female SOE agent, Emma Stirling and the sparkling chemistry between them suggests a passionate history between the pair although Harry is a married man and intends to honour his commitment to his wife. However, Emma isn't just included as a romantic diversion for Harry, she has a vital role to play in the proceedings and is an important reminder that both men and women were brave members of the SOE.
As the novel progresses it all becomes increasingly tense and dangerous for not just for those directly involved - their actions have consequences, with innocent members of the public often made to suffer as a punishment for resistance activities. The actions of the SOE and the Maquis are uncompromising and unpalatable but there is little doubt that they were also immensely courageous and their actions saved lives. I really appreciated the acknowledgement that the mental health of the agents suffered greatly due to the dangers they faced behind enemy lines. Harry muses that he intends to find the most boring job possible after the war - not that he really expects to survive - which underlines the treacherous fine line they had to tread between the innate fear and subsequent survival instincts triggered in perilous situations and the increasing, almost fatalistic acceptance of imminent death.
Howard Linskey's research is evident throughout and the book has an assured authenticity to it; I particularly liked the inclusion of real-life figures, including Elder Willis, said to be Ian Fleming's model for Q and Vera Atkins who is cited as the inspiration for Miss Moneypenny in his James Bond stories. I also enjoyed the quotes at the start of the chapters which range from the poetic and philosophical to the more observant or practical. Indeed it is Churchill's nickname for the Special Operations Executive as 'The Ministry for Ungentlemanly Warfare' which provides the title for the book.
I raced through Ungentlemanly Warfare; it's most definitely one of those books I'd advise picking up when you have a few hours to spare - if you like gripping thrillers with a complex, morally ambiguous protagonist and an authentic sense of time and place then it will prove irresistible. I enjoy reading many different types of thrillers but if pushed, I'd say that I have a particular fondness for historical espionage stories and so had high hopes for Howard Linskey's book. It exceeded my expectations and was a captivating read from start to finish - I'm hoping for more from Harry Walsh in the future. Highly recommended.

[Ben Boulden · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining, seemingly well-researched, and exciting tale about a Jedburgh team operating in France during WW2. The mission is simple, interrupt the Nazi's development of the Komet jet fighter, but the practicality is marvelously difficult. It reads a bit like an early-Ken Follett thriller, but the characters aren't developed with the same zest and the plot isn't as complicated. All-in-all, a great summer read.

[Ben Bergonzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping war story about an SOE mission to France, compromised but still just about successful. The leading character Harry Walsh is a winner. It's all well-researched and very sure-footed, not shying away from the moral dilemmas of Resistance which were addressed so well in his earlier 'Hunting the Hangman'. I found it enthralling to have a single leading character for the first time in Linskey's fiction since David Blake in the Newcastle Crime trilogy. Walsh really is one of the best heroes in this kind of genre since Sharpe or James Bond. Several real life figures such as Colin Gubbins, Maurice Buckmaster and Ian Fleming appear as supporting characters and I could almost expect the latter to say something like, 'I've been thinking about your man Walsh. When this lot's all over I might sit down and write a novel. And if I do, he's the kind of fellow I have in mind for the hero.' Walsh's reluctant sidekick and partner Emma Stirling [excellent name: sister of David?] is also very satisfying, vulnerable but feisty and shown in one scene to have a strong sense of body-confidence. In places the plot slightly strains believability but it is very a good fit with its genre. I did notice some inattention to copy editing, with typos and punctuation errors. However, the book was a great pleasure to read, and I very much hope the first of a series.

[Jim A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, well written, WW II story featuring the British SOE. The plot involves SOE operators going into France in 1943 to try to stop the development of Germany's rocket plane, the Komet, before it can be fully operational.

The author incorporates some historical figures into his tale of spies and assassoms/ Ian Fleming of James Bond fame, Kim Philby, noted British traitor, and a fellow, Elder Willis, who was the model for Fleming's character Q.

I usually enjoy this type of novel written with the British point of view. And I also find I pay more attention to novels written by English authors as they tend to be more subtle than American novelists. Requires more concentration to pick up what the author is trying to convey.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

A professionally done adventure about the French resistance (it seems not every French citizen was a member, after all) and SOE teaming up to assassinate a German rocket scientist. Ticks all the boxes but remains formulaic, especially in the presentation of the supporting cast. The very short chapters give the book the feel of a detailed annotated plan for a book rather than the finished product - the writing is functional and while it doesn't get in the way of the action, it doesn't linger in the mind, either. I can't believe that someone as experienced as Harry Walsh wouldn't place guards around his camp, but then, I've never fled from advancing Nazis in the back of a Lysander, so what do I know? Quite good fun while it lasts, but I'd only give it 2.5.

[Ted Barringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this back-to-back with Hunting the Hangman. Both were very good, this one is better.
I'd recommend both and I look forward to giving his "Blake" series a go - if I ever find the time. With Stuart Woods sending out a one-man book of the month club, it can be hard to squeeze in new authors. Thank God I gave up on james Patterson years ago. What a dunce.

[Drka · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Good story, if somewhat predictable. Annoyingly, we aren’t told who the traitor was.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

On one level this is a historical thriller set in the Second World War, featuring the fight in France partly run by the Special Operations Executive. It is also a picture of a specific man, Harry Walsh, with a significant backstory of action at Dunkirk, a complicated love life, but especially lacking the acceptable background for being a gentleman. Anyone with a basic knowledge of the undercover operations which were attempted by British agents will find much to interest them in this novel, but the additional layer of discrimination against people from a lower class makes it an unusual read. It also explains the title; while Winston Churchill called the SOE “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” in that the tactics used by the agents were against all the understood rules of warfare, Walsh himself is seen by certain officers as not the correct class to hold a higher rank or indeed be trusted. With some brutality which is necessary in a book on this topic, it never feels gratuitous. This is a book about feeling the fear and using that energy to defend and even attack. The realistic recognition that German retaliation was always to be considered when planning action is also present, adding to the complexity of the narrative. This is a deeply thoughtful book, which places a quotation relevant to each chapter in the text. I was interested to read this fast paced and realistic fictional portrayal of the real secret army, and glad to have the opportunity to review it for the blog tour.

The Prologue features experiments for a new sort of aircraft which has everyone excited, which may well change the course of the war. Later in the novel the problems of testing and completing the plane for operational purposes become more detailed, but the possibilities of its use by the German air force to finally overcome the RAF is sufficient to make profound plans. Meanwhile, Harry Walsh slips away to expose a imposter who is part of a plan to expose several agents to the ultimate danger. Some success is not enough to impress Price, Harry’s immediate superior, who has his own twisted agenda and ambitions, especially where Harry is concerned. This is a book where the obvious enemy does not pose the only danger; the different departments of government guard their territories without much concern for individuals. Harry has had traumatic experiences and felt compelled to enter into marriage without love. At the point at which the novel begins he has an illicit relationship which will perhaps affect his judgement in the field. Still the training and the refinement of skills proceeds, as a plan evolves will test many people, and some to destruction.

This book is a pacy read, sometimes almost getting ahead of itself in its layers of plots and plans. The danger feels real, the power of the occupying forces overwhelming, the lack of concern for human life chilling. There is some light relief as one or two real people appear in passing in very clever ways.This a powerful read in many ways, one that does not waste words and linger over the drama. I recommend it as an exciting and fast moving read, with a real impact in terms of its descriptions of war themes, and some more unusual themes of class and gender discrimination.

[Alex Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Anne Cater at The Random thing Blog tours and No Exit Press for my copy of Ungentlemanly Warfare by Howard Linksey and inviting me to be part of this tour.

Whilst WW2 Rumbles, Captain Harry Walsh of the SOE is called upon by the big brass to take out a high level nazi scientist who has created the German plane, The ME 163 Komet, twice as fast as a spitfire, the Komet is a game changer in the war, it is a frightening weapon. Harry is tasked with the Assassination attempt.

Given Autonomy to run the operation, Harry is assigned an American operative, Captain Sam Cooper, with who he shares a chequered past and french freedom fighter Monsieur Christophe Valvert. Harry sets about plotting the mission to France, with help from James Bond Q type Elder Wills and his mad inventions.

The mission through France is a chaotic romp, with German Soldiers, French Resistance, double crossing, its espionage at its best.

Descriptions of wartime London and France are excellent

Harry is a moody sort, disliked by his commanding officer, he’s actually not all that likeable but he’s not trying to be, he wants to get his job done and he cares little for heirs and graces and who he upsets. I liked the supporting cast, Harry has history with Sam Cooper ,and the eccentric french Valvert is very good, and his supporting officer, Emma, she could possibly be more...

It’s an intriguing, absorbing tale, I really found myself being drawn into Harry’s world.

A fascinating and captivating Historical esponiage thriller.

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Finding My Voice · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading Ungentlemanly Warfare I could see resemblance to other characters in films and previous books I have read. A cross between James Bond and Wonder Woman Ungentlemanly Warfare is frankly a bloody good read.

Taking you back to a time of war and operations that took place under the cover of darkness in the strictest of confidence. Howard Linskey shows you that it wasn’t all about front line fighting. So many secret operations were taking place in the background, this one was secret secret!

Putting their lives at risk these brave brothers and sisters of war are an inspiration to us all. Getting people together from various backgrounds and countries testing their skills and togetherness, is Harry Walsh the right man for the job?

I liked the way that Harry Walsh is determined in everything he does no matter who his superiors are. Fighting his own internal war whilst putting his life on the line for his country.

Ungentlemanly Warfare is a fantastic and gripping read. Following the German and British operations, you will always be wondering what will happen next.

I am excited by this book and will definitely be buying the other ones. If this is anything to go by they are worth it for sure.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a slog. Historical fiction is usually of interest to me, but this one missed the mark. Too little attention paid to too many side characters that were poorly developed, leaving me zero interest in their outcome.
Too many post-climax stories left open including a couple of real head-scratchers on why didn't the author resolve ___ questions. Almost like he wrote himself into a corner and was forced to just leave it out there.
This had great potential, but it just wasn't all that great. 2.5 stars

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story set during WWII in 1943. A British agent along with American and French agents are tasked with assassinating a scientist developing a new fighter capable of turning the tide for Germany. The scientist is protected by a large number of elite SS troops so the jobs no easy task. Filled with great characters and you feel like you in the middle of all the action and suspense. A very enjoyable and riveting book. I won this book in a GoodReads Giveaway.

[Greville Waterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting, well plotted, historically accurate and full of derring-do. This is a well written thriller that takes you to the heart of the SOE and its missions to devastate the Nazi war effort.

The hero, Harry Walsh is fighting on all fronts, against the Germans and his own hidebound senior officer.

I read this in one sitting and it grabbed me almost from the first page.

An excellent read.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced WWII spy novel. Has a bit of James Bond in it, especially when Ian Fleming's name was dropped.
Overall, a good read with some of humanity's worst brutality pitted against the cunning and dedication of the Allies and resistance fighters.
Language stays tame, but the brutal killings & sexual content make this an adult read.

* I received a free copy from Goodreads giveaways *

[RolloTreadway · Rating 4 out of 5]

A generous 4, a rounded-up 4. I don't imagine this will live all too long in the memory, but it was very entertaining while it lasted, and kept me gripped at the end. A good, old-fashioned secret agent story, in all the best ways.

[Frankie Garbutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-paced, thoroughly researched WW2 spy novel! Excellently executes storytelling and realistic characters. A great read for everyone who enjoys historical novels and thrillers.

[Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story with a lovable lead character. Unputtdownable.
Hope there are more featuring Harry

[Des · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paces spy novel, and a welcome detour from my usual reading habits.

[Peter Kavanagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light and enjoyable spy romp. There are several well fleshed out characters of some interest, but there was room for so much more. Well paced, but I just wish there had been more meat on the bone.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Ungentlemanly Warfare" is a detour from my usual reading. I enjoy a good thriller, but I typically don't read spy novels.

I knew next to nothing about World War II-era espionage prior to reading this book about SOE agents. It was interesting to learn that spy novelist Ian Fleming, who makes an appearance in "Ungentlemanly Warfare," worked for Naval Intelligence.

This book was full of heart-pounding action right from the get go, with the unorthodox Harry Walsh rescuing fellow spy and love interest Emma Stirling and escaping in a plane. From then on there's lots of drama and intrigue. I didn't always understand exactly what was going on, but the romantic chemistry between Harry and Emma drove a lot of the plot.

The story sometimes jumped from one scene to another, mid chapter, without warning. Characters were brought in with little to no introduction and were hard to keep track of. But overall, this book was full of interesting insights as to how the war was fought undercover.

I received a digital copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Timothy Dobbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another WW2 tale of action behind enemy lines by master storyteller Howard Linskey. This one is more fiction than Hunting The Hangman but it is none the worse for that. He has written gangster thrillers and crime novels but it is these two war books which really shows Howard's expertise as a writer.
The story is based around the development of a Jet Aeroplane in the closing stages of the war an an SOE plan to send enemy agents lead by Harry Walsh into occupied France to disrupt this development.
Hopefully there is more Harry Walsh to come but we will just have to wait and see.

[Chris Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good old WWII Nazi book.

Who doesn't love reading about the Nazi's failing to get the job done, never gets old, my opinion.

This one seems to be based somewhat things that actually existed, namely the SOE, and the Me 163 Komet.

It is good read, with a fair deal of action, and building suspense. I see that it has been made recently into a movie, and I will have to give that a go.

Fun read, recommended.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well researched riveting book. It is a real page turner with believable characters, and I liked the way the author brought into his book people like Kim Philby and Ian Flemming. It would make a great film and or television series

A very well researched and riveting book. A real page turner in the true sense of the word, with very believable characters . I really liked the way the author brought into his book Kim Philby and the writer Ian Flemming. It would make a fabulous film and or television series. A book to be very highly recomended

[Ravenclaw Library Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy historical fiction, particularly ones set in the Second World War. Ungentlemaly Warfare is very different from the normal premise of the other novels set in this time frame.

It was an enjoyable read but I didn't love it as I couldn't help but not like Harry Walsh. However I do recommend this to historical fiction fans.

[Ronpoet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read!!!

This novel, based on historical facts, was definitely a thrilling page Turner for me. In this novel you will meet heroes who are real heroes and villains who are true villains. I am a history buff and this novel was a five stars out of five stars. Highly recommend!!!

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although interested in non-fiction accounts of WW II, for reasons that I cannot articulate I am not typically interested in novels. That being said, this is a well-written espionage thriller centered around an SOE mission to assassinate the head of the Nazis' Komet fighter development program. I enjoyed well enough and anyone who enjoys WW II novels, will enjoy it even more.