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Harry Gilmour Novels #6
Never Too Old for a Pierhead Jump
The year is 1944, and Lieutenant Harry Gilmour is recovering in Beirut from an ill-fated British campaign to seize the Greek Islands.After four years at sea, he is expecting a shore job as his next appointment. Instead, a flash signal from C-in-C Mediterranean Report to Alexandria and assume command of HM Submarine Saraband.His new command has just arrived there en route to the Indian Ocean and the war against Japan. But there’s been trouble on board, ‘Conduct prejudicial to naval discipline,’ and the skipper and first lieutenant have been summarily removed. Now it’s up to Harry Gilmour to pick up the pieces.With a sullen, uncooperative crew, Harry must navigate Japanese convoy routes through the shallow, treacherous waters of the Malay Archipelago. There, endless, sweltering hunts for targets through the island chains leave Saraband’s crew even more exhausted and demoralised. Yet, if they are to survive against an Imperial Japanese Navy growing in anti-submarine expertise, Harry must turn them into a taut fighting machine.Because waiting for them, as the war in the Far East grinds towards its final conclusion, is a mission as daring and audacious as it is vital. One that could deliver the Royal Navy’s most spectacular success of the war.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.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2020
268 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 11, 2020
Great book to finish of the Harry Gilmour series. He fights a new and dangerous enemy in the Japanese in exotic locations, all the loose ends are tied up and he ends up where I hoped he would. This series has seen young Gilmour grow up out of necessity during the Second World War while sailing in submarines for the Royal Navy, and we as readers felt all his hardships, losses and joys and went on all his adventures. During the series not only the main character grew, but also Mr. Black as a writer where his writing got better with every book. I will miss this series greatly and will re-read them again one day, but am also looking forward to the authors next project!! This is a highly recommended series of books and I suggest you start from the beginning.
September 9, 2022
Whilst I loved this series and wouldnt hesistate to recommend it to other people, I found the ending of the Captain Charles Bonalleck part of the story a bit of an anti-climax. I felt it could have ended better, perhaps with a letter from Harry to the Admiralty or something. It seemed Harry never really got to find out what had happened to the guy that had caused him so much grief.
Harry's story I think ended well and leaves it open for perhaps (hopefully!!) a seventh book.
One thing I've loved about this series is some of the clever, funny lines in it and book 6 didnt disappoint on this front.
Unfortunately, there were several grammatical errors, occasional spelling mistakes and words missing at times, I'm not sure if this was down to the publisher or the author but nonetheless it was disappointing to see in such a good book / series.
Another thing that I found disappointing was the fact that the glossary was a website link at the end of the book. Firstly if you're insisting on doing the glossary that way then it should be in the back of every single book as people are going to want definitions right from Book 1. Secondly I dont like that it's been done this way. The last thing I want when sitting down to read a book is to have my laptop near by or my phone near by to go on a website for definitions. Perhaps this is where reading these books on a kindle may be better as you have instant access to definitions.
Harry's story I think ended well and leaves it open for perhaps (hopefully!!) a seventh book.
One thing I've loved about this series is some of the clever, funny lines in it and book 6 didnt disappoint on this front.
Unfortunately, there were several grammatical errors, occasional spelling mistakes and words missing at times, I'm not sure if this was down to the publisher or the author but nonetheless it was disappointing to see in such a good book / series.
Another thing that I found disappointing was the fact that the glossary was a website link at the end of the book. Firstly if you're insisting on doing the glossary that way then it should be in the back of every single book as people are going to want definitions right from Book 1. Secondly I dont like that it's been done this way. The last thing I want when sitting down to read a book is to have my laptop near by or my phone near by to go on a website for definitions. Perhaps this is where reading these books on a kindle may be better as you have instant access to definitions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2020
Another brilliant Harry Gilmour novel!
This book, the whole series in fact, has been one of the most enjoyable tales of war and the lives of those who fought it. The technical detail of submarine operations and tactics is both pleasing yet highly readable, and only adds to the narrative which is hugely enjoyable.
This book, the whole series in fact, has been one of the most enjoyable tales of war and the lives of those who fought it. The technical detail of submarine operations and tactics is both pleasing yet highly readable, and only adds to the narrative which is hugely enjoyable.
June 1, 2020
Well I have to say I am not impressed with this series, and I know I am in the minority. So let me explain why is that.
When it comes to writing in my opinion it is nicely done. Actually very good compared to many ww2 fiction books, even though there were at times to much "tell don't show " for my taste.
Our main mc is very well written character. I really like him, his character development and his journey through the books. I have no complaints there. But the praise mostly ends, other parts of these books are at best "meh" to me.
Secondary characters for example. They are really underdeveloped and mostly cookie cutter. The main reason for this in my opinion is that we change the setting and set of characters way to much through these books. Because of this I failed to have any real attachment to any of them, from friends and subordinates, to love interests.
Now the romance subplots. They were really badly done, mostly the romance with Shirley. It was underdeveloped, not explored enough, and went from zero to a hundred in no time! Author had 6 books to do it organically and build it up, but I think he put the romance as a mandatory thing in naval war fiction, and didn't give it much thought afterwards. I won't waste words on Malta episode.
Then the "Bonny boy" the villain. He is the worst part of this series. Waaaay to evil, that he seemed like he came out of some Disney cartoon. No character development for him. Just like romance with with Shirley, he seems to put in the books to fill mandatory "evil superior officer who hates the main mc". And that is fine, I actually like that trope. But then you have to develop that said character, his motivations, aspirations or insanity. Not just plop him in the story.
So in the end I gave it three stars instead of two. After all I have read and paid for 6 books. In the end i believe it is good enough to read, but I doubt it deserves all these glowing 5 star reviews it gets on kindle and goodreads. There are much better books and series of this type out there, that should not be put in the same category with this one.
When it comes to writing in my opinion it is nicely done. Actually very good compared to many ww2 fiction books, even though there were at times to much "tell don't show " for my taste.
Our main mc is very well written character. I really like him, his character development and his journey through the books. I have no complaints there. But the praise mostly ends, other parts of these books are at best "meh" to me.
Secondary characters for example. They are really underdeveloped and mostly cookie cutter. The main reason for this in my opinion is that we change the setting and set of characters way to much through these books. Because of this I failed to have any real attachment to any of them, from friends and subordinates, to love interests.
Now the romance subplots. They were really badly done, mostly the romance with Shirley. It was underdeveloped, not explored enough, and went from zero to a hundred in no time! Author had 6 books to do it organically and build it up, but I think he put the romance as a mandatory thing in naval war fiction, and didn't give it much thought afterwards. I won't waste words on Malta episode.
Then the "Bonny boy" the villain. He is the worst part of this series. Waaaay to evil, that he seemed like he came out of some Disney cartoon. No character development for him. Just like romance with with Shirley, he seems to put in the books to fill mandatory "evil superior officer who hates the main mc". And that is fine, I actually like that trope. But then you have to develop that said character, his motivations, aspirations or insanity. Not just plop him in the story.
So in the end I gave it three stars instead of two. After all I have read and paid for 6 books. In the end i believe it is good enough to read, but I doubt it deserves all these glowing 5 star reviews it gets on kindle and goodreads. There are much better books and series of this type out there, that should not be put in the same category with this one.
September 9, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the six book series of the adventures of Harry Gilmour’s service as an RNVR submariner in the Royal Navy during WWII. David Black has woven a masterful tale of action, adventure, grim determination, villains, and heroism. I will seldom choose to read a book because its author is hyped to be “like, or as good as, or better than” an author of proven ability. That being said, Black ‘delivers the goods’ as equally well as does Douglas Reeman or Patrick O’Brian. This six book series only falls short on one item—Black should have written six more books about Gilmour. Highly recommend this series to ALL.
February 6, 2021
The last on the series about the now Lt.Cdr. Harry Gilmour, who now finds himself in the Far East. This whole series by David Black is so well written you can imagine yourself right in the thick of it, in the sub with Harry and his crew. I’m sorry to be leaving their adventures and miss their company and that must be the sign of good books and an accomplished author who really knows his subject.
April 12, 2021
Outstanding!!!
A perfect finale, to a marvelous series. An altogether believable tale of life at war, for a RNVR submarine officer. Following Gilmore’s naval career, from entry into the service, in ‘39, to his return home, in ‘45. This is a saga of many twists and surprises. Plenty of action in waters not often sailed in this genre. A terrific read, from book 1 through book 6. Well done, Mr. Black!!!
A perfect finale, to a marvelous series. An altogether believable tale of life at war, for a RNVR submarine officer. Following Gilmore’s naval career, from entry into the service, in ‘39, to his return home, in ‘45. This is a saga of many twists and surprises. Plenty of action in waters not often sailed in this genre. A terrific read, from book 1 through book 6. Well done, Mr. Black!!!
June 26, 2020
Decent submarine action - British
I have read the previous books on this character and enjoyed them, this one not quite so much. This one seemed to be preoccupied with a former Captain and his misdeeds.
I have read the previous books on this character and enjoyed them, this one not quite so much. This one seemed to be preoccupied with a former Captain and his misdeeds.
January 24, 2022
Well I finished the final of the series. And what a series! Thank you, Mr. Black. This being the final book it cleared up all the loose ends. Fabrisio (sp?) the Italian, Shirley the squeeze, and of course Bonnie Boy the arch enemy. Kinda wondered what happened to Grainger and his pretty New Zealand wife- that one got left out. Of course the commander of the Howe also owes Harry a night on the town too. I thought that may have been in the making, but alas..
The series is what you need, when you need it. Like an O'Brian, although the last book was certainly a change- change in enemy and theater of war. Got off to a Bang (like a Hitler salute-tee hee, tee hee) !
I can only say that if you are looking for great series this is it. The first one grabs you and the last one lets you down- easy (kinda like setting that ole sub right easily on the ocean floor). And in between- action! action! and more action! I think Harris (Harry) Gilmour KC is in the offing.
The series is what you need, when you need it. Like an O'Brian, although the last book was certainly a change- change in enemy and theater of war. Got off to a Bang (like a Hitler salute-tee hee, tee hee) !
I can only say that if you are looking for great series this is it. The first one grabs you and the last one lets you down- easy (kinda like setting that ole sub right easily on the ocean floor). And in between- action! action! and more action! I think Harris (Harry) Gilmour KC is in the offing.
November 23, 2020
This is a fabulous book to read, IF you have a whiff of a passing interest in WW2 era naval battles or the trade.
As other reviewers have rightly pointed out there are a few rough edges to this series that should they have been ironed out would have elevated this series from 'good' to 'outstanding'
I appreciate why, from a historical narrative point of view Lt Gilmour had to have new boats, new crews etc, but the lack of secondary character development means I care little for them, likewise who gives a shiny one about any of the 2d female characters he encounters. A little bit undercooked.
This is a six book series, one the author should be justifiably proud of. However as perhaps a 8 or 9 book series with the extra room then rejigged to allow for character development, etc than perhaps we would be lauding the horatio Hornblower of WW2.
As other reviewers have rightly pointed out there are a few rough edges to this series that should they have been ironed out would have elevated this series from 'good' to 'outstanding'
I appreciate why, from a historical narrative point of view Lt Gilmour had to have new boats, new crews etc, but the lack of secondary character development means I care little for them, likewise who gives a shiny one about any of the 2d female characters he encounters. A little bit undercooked.
This is a six book series, one the author should be justifiably proud of. However as perhaps a 8 or 9 book series with the extra room then rejigged to allow for character development, etc than perhaps we would be lauding the horatio Hornblower of WW2.
September 2, 2020
AN EXCELLENT SERIES!
I cannot find words sufficient to express my delight in the Harry Gilmour saga, and this latest (final?) number rates up there with the best naval warfare storytelling of any era. David Black knows his stuff and puts you on the bridge with a sharp eye for detail and a sure sense of pace, flow, drama, narrative arc, character development - oh hell, the brick and mortar of a cracking good yarn. Start at the beginning and prepare yourself for tall tales of high adventure and heart-stopping peril, 'cause these are the good guys you've come to know and love and root for. Get ya some!
I cannot find words sufficient to express my delight in the Harry Gilmour saga, and this latest (final?) number rates up there with the best naval warfare storytelling of any era. David Black knows his stuff and puts you on the bridge with a sharp eye for detail and a sure sense of pace, flow, drama, narrative arc, character development - oh hell, the brick and mortar of a cracking good yarn. Start at the beginning and prepare yourself for tall tales of high adventure and heart-stopping peril, 'cause these are the good guys you've come to know and love and root for. Get ya some!
July 21, 2022
A good overall series that I would definitely recommend .
I really like the clever introduction of the Japanese into things as it it adds a new dimension to the whole story .
If I have to criticise at all then I have one, at a push two , points that I would make : Firstly I think the situation with our villain ( The Bonny Boy ) concluded a bit too soon for me & more could have been made of it ; & secondly our hero's story " appears " to have ended before the end of the war - I say " appears " because hopefully this is not the end for Harry and instead is merely a prelude to a seventh or even eighth book in the series ?
I really like the clever introduction of the Japanese into things as it it adds a new dimension to the whole story .
If I have to criticise at all then I have one, at a push two , points that I would make : Firstly I think the situation with our villain ( The Bonny Boy ) concluded a bit too soon for me & more could have been made of it ; & secondly our hero's story " appears " to have ended before the end of the war - I say " appears " because hopefully this is not the end for Harry and instead is merely a prelude to a seventh or even eighth book in the series ?
June 4, 2020
Enjoyable and Engrossing Book
This was the best of the series! It closed up the sub plots (mainly The Bonny Boy) in a believable manner. It dealt with an area of WWII that was not heavily covered by the press and few authors. When Japan surrendered 08/45, the Japanese and Allied Land Fighting was still touch and go with no clear winner. The description of the Colonial Brits and their life styles was right on. The battle descriptions and thought process were great. Again, a great book as a stand-alone and great ending to a series! 👍👏😎
This was the best of the series! It closed up the sub plots (mainly The Bonny Boy) in a believable manner. It dealt with an area of WWII that was not heavily covered by the press and few authors. When Japan surrendered 08/45, the Japanese and Allied Land Fighting was still touch and go with no clear winner. The description of the Colonial Brits and their life styles was right on. The battle descriptions and thought process were great. Again, a great book as a stand-alone and great ending to a series! 👍👏😎
March 1, 2024
Recovered from his injuries, Harry is sent to take over a sub, the Saraband, that has serious internal troubles. Into the Pacific to fight a new and very different kind of undersea warfare. Harry's style eventually sorts out the crew as they are chosen as a tug for a minisub. The target is one of the remaining Japanese battleships; they are unsuccessful and Saraband must step in. Meanwhile, Bonny Boy meets an ignominious end with a blindfold and a firing squad. An excellent series comes to a successful conclusion.
October 8, 2021
ACTION, ACTION, AND MORE ACTION.
The author obviously spent his time well on research and salted his story with some of the slang & equipment details while also weaving in the rigours of the Silent Service. Very well written and absolutely guaranteed to entertain and all to soon the story has you back at the very place where a boy left and returned a war weary veteran. Well done, Mr. Black, well done !!!
The author obviously spent his time well on research and salted his story with some of the slang & equipment details while also weaving in the rigours of the Silent Service. Very well written and absolutely guaranteed to entertain and all to soon the story has you back at the very place where a boy left and returned a war weary veteran. Well done, Mr. Black, well done !!!
May 30, 2020
A Great Series
As a old navy submariner (some while back) I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and am sad to see it end. David Black has done an excellent job describing the life on pre nuclear submarines. A closeness and esprit d'cour that cannot be found in the compartmentalized nuclear sub fleet.
"Chapeau" to you, David Black.
As a old navy submariner (some while back) I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and am sad to see it end. David Black has done an excellent job describing the life on pre nuclear submarines. A closeness and esprit d'cour that cannot be found in the compartmentalized nuclear sub fleet.
"Chapeau" to you, David Black.
June 21, 2020
Asia theatre: mini-subs and much more
Great read, plenty of how’s he going to get out of this moments. Plenty of salty yarns strung together.
Bonny Boy is still there, and gets his comeuppance. And all the loose ends get satisfyingly woven together.
The editing problems were much fewer than in some earlier books.
Great read, plenty of how’s he going to get out of this moments. Plenty of salty yarns strung together.
Bonny Boy is still there, and gets his comeuppance. And all the loose ends get satisfyingly woven together.
The editing problems were much fewer than in some earlier books.
September 17, 2020
Sad to see the series end
Really enjoyed all of the books in this series. I don't know how historically or technically accurate they are but the author really seems to know his stuff so I trust his research.
I found them extremely well written and found them impossible to put down.
Thoroughly recommended.
Really enjoyed all of the books in this series. I don't know how historically or technically accurate they are but the author really seems to know his stuff so I trust his research.
I found them extremely well written and found them impossible to put down.
Thoroughly recommended.
September 26, 2020
Outstanding
An outstanding series of 6 books charting the career of a submarine officer throughout the war. The author manages to place the officer in several different parts of the conflict, but does a very credible job keeping the story moving through good times and bad. Excellent technical descriptions of the life in a submarine, I highly recommend the series.
An outstanding series of 6 books charting the career of a submarine officer throughout the war. The author manages to place the officer in several different parts of the conflict, but does a very credible job keeping the story moving through good times and bad. Excellent technical descriptions of the life in a submarine, I highly recommend the series.
April 13, 2021
The latest and possibly the last Harry Gilmour book. As with all the books in this series a good easy read that is near impossible to put down. A well written book that makes all difference in the smooth flow of the story. I hope there is another book, as the author does appear to leave room at the end for it, I would assume leading into the Cold War?
August 1, 2021
An excellent finish to an excellent adventure series. In this finale, a pensive Harry Gilmour achieves his most bittersweet victories yet. Both national and personal enemies are defeated and Harry gets to go home. Yet home for Harry is still the control room of his submarine, so what's next for our hero? Luckily, Shirley will have a few ideas.
January 28, 2024
Sad to come to the end of the series
I've thoroughly enjoyed the entire Harry Gilmour series. I was pleased to read that his nemesis Captain Bonnaleck received his just desserts. My only gripe is that it would have been nice to know something of Harry's post-war life before signing off completely. Still worthy of 5 stars.
I've thoroughly enjoyed the entire Harry Gilmour series. I was pleased to read that his nemesis Captain Bonnaleck received his just desserts. My only gripe is that it would have been nice to know something of Harry's post-war life before signing off completely. Still worthy of 5 stars.
June 15, 2020
A splendid read..
It rattles along and you feel part of the action experiencing the noises, smells and fears that the crew experienced.
Harry Gilmour is a character that one warms to and it is a shame that this is the last book in the series.
It rattles along and you feel part of the action experiencing the noises, smells and fears that the crew experienced.
Harry Gilmour is a character that one warms to and it is a shame that this is the last book in the series.
June 19, 2020
Another great yarn
Well written and researched Gilmore tale. Lets you understand the life of a submarine crew in the second world war. The comradeship and confinement is described brilliantly.
Well written and researched Gilmore tale. Lets you understand the life of a submarine crew in the second world war. The comradeship and confinement is described brilliantly.
August 5, 2020
Last is best
The sixth, and last, of the Harry Gilmour WW II British submarine series is definitely the best. Wonderful details on running a sub in the Pacific against the Japanese, including hair-raising actions. Well done!
The sixth, and last, of the Harry Gilmour WW II British submarine series is definitely the best. Wonderful details on running a sub in the Pacific against the Japanese, including hair-raising actions. Well done!
August 15, 2020
Up with the best
Emotionally gripping as the well drawn characters become familiar heroes. The suspense and reality makes for an excellent yarn. Well done Harry and thank you Mr Black
Emotionally gripping as the well drawn characters become familiar heroes. The suspense and reality makes for an excellent yarn. Well done Harry and thank you Mr Black
August 21, 2020
Enthralling
This was a series that I really enjoyed reading. Very true to life and containing that uncertainty one can often recognise from ones own way experience, thoroughly entertaining and informative.
This was a series that I really enjoyed reading. Very true to life and containing that uncertainty one can often recognise from ones own way experience, thoroughly entertaining and informative.
Read
March 17, 2021Very good & difficult to put down. David Black is certainly extremely knowledgeable about the workings of Royal Navy Submarines. I would highly recommend this book, in fact, the whole "Harry Gilmour" series.
March 21, 2021
Brilliant war time story
For the best effect read all 6 novels, although each book stand by itself. A truly atmospheric story of wartime at sea in a submarine. How those blokes did it I’ll never know. Brilliant series.
For the best effect read all 6 novels, although each book stand by itself. A truly atmospheric story of wartime at sea in a submarine. How those blokes did it I’ll never know. Brilliant series.
March 30, 2021
The excellent sixth Harry Gilmour Novel
David Black has nicely tied up the last of the Gilmour saga with this book. His writing is just as good as it has been since the first book, and he still spins the story in an engrossing and readable way.
David Black has nicely tied up the last of the Gilmour saga with this book. His writing is just as good as it has been since the first book, and he still spins the story in an engrossing and readable way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews