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Fletcher #2
Fletcher's Glorious 1st of June
For a man who believed deeply that a mercantile fortune was greatly preferable to the glory of war, Jacob Fletcher was unlucky. Second mate on the merchantman Bednal Green, captured by an American privateer, persuaded to sail on the US Declaration of Independence, escaping under fire to the safety of the British frigate Phiandra and finding himself aboard General Lord Howe’s flagship on the glorious 1st of June — a day of terrifying battle with the French — it seemed war would follow Jacob interminably. Neither were things easy on dry-land. Back in London, Samuel Slym, common thief with a bone to pick, was digging up the dirt on the absent Fletcher, while Lady Coignwood and her loathsome son Victor were plotting something sinister. The follow up to JC Edwards’ successful Fletcher’s Fortune is an epic tale of exciting naval battles, raunchy encounters and murderous villains, told by a likeable rogue to rival Harry Flashman.
Fletcher's Glorious 1st of June is a gripping naval thriller from master author John Drake. Note: It was previously published under the pen name J.C. Edwards.
Fletcher's Glorious 1st of June is a gripping naval thriller from master author John Drake. Note: It was previously published under the pen name J.C. Edwards.
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First published June 21, 2015
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About the author
J.C. Edwards
3 books2 followersJ.C. Edwards is the pen name of John Drake, author of the Fletcher series, rollicking memoirs that bring the 18th Century back to life in its tawdry glory.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 9, 2017
This second book is a rollicking adventure! There is a little of everything: high sea battles, spicy romance and evil intrigue.
The characters are well developed and interesting.
Fletcher's character is done in the first person as a reflection of an older person telling a story. The style I don't think is written as well as it could be. To many "by George's and by Jove's" for my taste. Also, the text editing was lacking in places. That said, the story and characters come to life in this suspenseful and yet fun read.
The characters are well developed and interesting.
Fletcher's character is done in the first person as a reflection of an older person telling a story. The style I don't think is written as well as it could be. To many "by George's and by Jove's" for my taste. Also, the text editing was lacking in places. That said, the story and characters come to life in this suspenseful and yet fun read.
March 31, 2024
This is the second book in the series and continues the story of the chequered career of Jacob Fletcher, the illegitimate son of Lord Coignwood who was pressed into the Royal Navy in order to prevent him from inheriting his father's estates. In fact, Lady Coignwood, Jacob's stepmother is behind this because she and her children were disinherited by the late lord. Having failed to have Seaman Fletcher killed in the previous book in this one she hires the thief catcher, Samuel Slym, to kill him for her.
This book has two naval battles, one, the 'Glorious First of June', is a well documented fleet action and the other is a seemingly fictional engagement. Both are well written and vividly described but are not to the standard of either CS Forester, Patrick O’Brian or Alexander Kent IMHO. The real problem with this book comes when Fletcher returns to England.
Lady Sarah Coignwood is an excellent villain, a total sexual predator who has an almost mystical power over men. She will perform every sexual act imaginable with anybody whom she thinks will help her own personal cause and then throw then off without a flicker of conscience despite being close to 40. She’ll stop at nothing to get hold of the Coignwood estate. Sam Slym is totally captivated by her and is an interesting character . However, none of the other characters are either well drawn or particularly believable.
Personally I feel that this was a mish-mash that would have made two pretty good books but as one it just doesn't really work. That said and done I still found it a compulsive read that I struggled to put down.
This book has two naval battles, one, the 'Glorious First of June', is a well documented fleet action and the other is a seemingly fictional engagement. Both are well written and vividly described but are not to the standard of either CS Forester, Patrick O’Brian or Alexander Kent IMHO. The real problem with this book comes when Fletcher returns to England.
Lady Sarah Coignwood is an excellent villain, a total sexual predator who has an almost mystical power over men. She will perform every sexual act imaginable with anybody whom she thinks will help her own personal cause and then throw then off without a flicker of conscience despite being close to 40. She’ll stop at nothing to get hold of the Coignwood estate. Sam Slym is totally captivated by her and is an interesting character . However, none of the other characters are either well drawn or particularly believable.
Personally I feel that this was a mish-mash that would have made two pretty good books but as one it just doesn't really work. That said and done I still found it a compulsive read that I struggled to put down.
April 7, 2017
A truly British adventure
Some see my review and say sure. But to me this was a truly British adventure like many of the British comedy movies of the 1980's. Yes I said movies the ones where the hero has a series of madcap adventures before everything turns out all right. Also this book made me think about Flashman that reluctant hero of both movie and literature. Jacob Fletcher is not very heroic, but in spite of himself he somehow manages to do the heroic at times just like Flashman does. The villain in this story his father's wife, Lady Sarah Coignwood. The good lady wants Fletcher dead so she can get her late husband's estate. The reason she gets nothing is to put it mildly she is a scandalous woman, who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. But does Fletcher prevail or does Lady Coignwood. To find out grab a copy to see for yourself what happens and have some enjoyable reading.
Some see my review and say sure. But to me this was a truly British adventure like many of the British comedy movies of the 1980's. Yes I said movies the ones where the hero has a series of madcap adventures before everything turns out all right. Also this book made me think about Flashman that reluctant hero of both movie and literature. Jacob Fletcher is not very heroic, but in spite of himself he somehow manages to do the heroic at times just like Flashman does. The villain in this story his father's wife, Lady Sarah Coignwood. The good lady wants Fletcher dead so she can get her late husband's estate. The reason she gets nothing is to put it mildly she is a scandalous woman, who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. But does Fletcher prevail or does Lady Coignwood. To find out grab a copy to see for yourself what happens and have some enjoyable reading.
June 7, 2016
This could be called the perils of Fletcher
The evil Lady Sarah continues her plots and machinations to dispose of all who get in her way, particularly one Jacob Fletcher who stands between her and a fortune. Fletcher may have more than met his match despite being a hero of the Glorious First of June.
Mr. Drake continues to develop the characters from the previous novel as well as adding interesting new ones. I would recommend reading FLETCHER'S FORTUNE first, but it is not necessary.
The evil Lady Sarah continues her plots and machinations to dispose of all who get in her way, particularly one Jacob Fletcher who stands between her and a fortune. Fletcher may have more than met his match despite being a hero of the Glorious First of June.
Mr. Drake continues to develop the characters from the previous novel as well as adding interesting new ones. I would recommend reading FLETCHER'S FORTUNE first, but it is not necessary.
March 25, 2020
Thief Catcher meets Royal Navy
This continues the story of the thief catcher, mr. Slym, and in a parallel thread, the chequered career of Jacob Fletcher. The latter, illegitimate son of Lord Coinwood(?), was pressed into the Royal Navy in order to prevent him from inheriting the Counwood estates. In fact, Lady Coignwood is behind this because she and her children were disinherited by the late lord. In this book, having failed to kill Seaman Fletcher despite a number of attempts, she hires the thief catcher to kill him for her. I think the story of Fletcher’s impressment is in a different book from the Thief Catcher but now I look back on it, thief catcher had lots of nautical phrases in it so it might not be so surprising that the characters in this book are drawn from different plot elements.
This book has two naval battles in it, one, the Glorious First of June, being a well documented fleet action and the other, a frigate duel, seemingly fictional. Both are well written and vividly described but they are not the blow by blow account we’d have gotten from CS Forester or Patrick O’Brian. What’s there, however, is authentic to the period.
The characters are maybe a weakness too. Lady Sarah Coignwood is an excellent villain, a total glutton for the best of everything as well as a sexual predator who goes at it with anyone in any way without the slightest twinge of conscience (including sleeping with her own adult children). She has an almost mystical power over men, yet she’s got to be pretty close to 40. Maybe not so believable? But, it’s clear why she’ll stop at nothing to get the Coignwood estate. Sam Slym being captivated by her seems a little inconsistent with his character in the previous book. Would a fussy man like that, also no longer young, allow himself to be linked to such an obviously promiscuous woman? Venereal disease had already become known to medicine. But on the other hand it’s well known that “sometimes the wise are ensnared by love while fools remain unmoved”. That was written in the 13th century.
So while I’m complaining I can also mention two characters survive injuries that seem likely to be fatal. So suspending disbelief is a little harder than for Thief Catcher. That’s why I gave it “only” 4 stars.
But it’s a compulsive read that can’t be put down. And I still wonder how much of it is history and how much is fiction.
This continues the story of the thief catcher, mr. Slym, and in a parallel thread, the chequered career of Jacob Fletcher. The latter, illegitimate son of Lord Coinwood(?), was pressed into the Royal Navy in order to prevent him from inheriting the Counwood estates. In fact, Lady Coignwood is behind this because she and her children were disinherited by the late lord. In this book, having failed to kill Seaman Fletcher despite a number of attempts, she hires the thief catcher to kill him for her. I think the story of Fletcher’s impressment is in a different book from the Thief Catcher but now I look back on it, thief catcher had lots of nautical phrases in it so it might not be so surprising that the characters in this book are drawn from different plot elements.
This book has two naval battles in it, one, the Glorious First of June, being a well documented fleet action and the other, a frigate duel, seemingly fictional. Both are well written and vividly described but they are not the blow by blow account we’d have gotten from CS Forester or Patrick O’Brian. What’s there, however, is authentic to the period.
The characters are maybe a weakness too. Lady Sarah Coignwood is an excellent villain, a total glutton for the best of everything as well as a sexual predator who goes at it with anyone in any way without the slightest twinge of conscience (including sleeping with her own adult children). She has an almost mystical power over men, yet she’s got to be pretty close to 40. Maybe not so believable? But, it’s clear why she’ll stop at nothing to get the Coignwood estate. Sam Slym being captivated by her seems a little inconsistent with his character in the previous book. Would a fussy man like that, also no longer young, allow himself to be linked to such an obviously promiscuous woman? Venereal disease had already become known to medicine. But on the other hand it’s well known that “sometimes the wise are ensnared by love while fools remain unmoved”. That was written in the 13th century.
So while I’m complaining I can also mention two characters survive injuries that seem likely to be fatal. So suspending disbelief is a little harder than for Thief Catcher. That’s why I gave it “only” 4 stars.
But it’s a compulsive read that can’t be put down. And I still wonder how much of it is history and how much is fiction.
June 26, 2025
A head-spinning whirlwind of an adventure
Book II of the Fletcher series has a lot going on. It picks up where Book I left off. Jacob Fletcher has left the Royal Navy, and instead of claiming the enormous wealth left to him by a father he never knew, he’s determined to make it on his own. He buys into a merchant ship and sails off as second mate to make his fortune in the West Indies.
But things never go as planned.
Fletcher’s adventures will cause him to battle the Americans, his fellow Brits, and ultimately fight the French at the Fourth Battle of Ushant, better known as the Glorious First of June, for which the book is named and of which Drake gives a riveting account for those of us who like a good bit of real history in our historical fiction.
But the foes Fletcher faces at sea are nothing compared to the enemies waiting for him in England.
His stepmother, Lady Sarah Coignwood, and her maniacal son Victor were knocked down at the end of Book I, but they’re from out. Together, along with her new henchman lover, they plot to clear their names, seize Fletcher’s inheritance, and send him to the gallows.
Like the first book, Fletcher’s Glorious 1st of June has two storylines: Fletcher’s adventures at sea, which is narrated by Fletcher in first person, and his stepmother's story in third. The author claims, fictitiously, I believe, that he had won Fletcher’s memoirs in an auction along with enough historical documents to flesh out his stepmother’s story. This switch in narrative voice and story swings back and forth, chapter by chapter, even into the third act, where the two storylines combine for a spectacular showdown of a climax.
I have to say, the "darkest hour of the soul" part was truly dreadful. I really had no clue how Fletcher would get out of it. However, the resolution was heroic and imaginative.
I really enjoy Drakes's writing. The first-person narrative of the old salty sea dog Fletcher is delicious. Drake’s depiction of historical events and even the mundane ins and outs of navel and maritime culture of the time are easily understandable for a landlubber like me. I feel like I learn a lot with each of these novels, as well as enjoy a great, high-seas adventure. I’m excited about reading the next one in this series!
Book II of the Fletcher series has a lot going on. It picks up where Book I left off. Jacob Fletcher has left the Royal Navy, and instead of claiming the enormous wealth left to him by a father he never knew, he’s determined to make it on his own. He buys into a merchant ship and sails off as second mate to make his fortune in the West Indies.
But things never go as planned.
Fletcher’s adventures will cause him to battle the Americans, his fellow Brits, and ultimately fight the French at the Fourth Battle of Ushant, better known as the Glorious First of June, for which the book is named and of which Drake gives a riveting account for those of us who like a good bit of real history in our historical fiction.
But the foes Fletcher faces at sea are nothing compared to the enemies waiting for him in England.
His stepmother, Lady Sarah Coignwood, and her maniacal son Victor were knocked down at the end of Book I, but they’re from out. Together, along with her new henchman lover, they plot to clear their names, seize Fletcher’s inheritance, and send him to the gallows.
Like the first book, Fletcher’s Glorious 1st of June has two storylines: Fletcher’s adventures at sea, which is narrated by Fletcher in first person, and his stepmother's story in third. The author claims, fictitiously, I believe, that he had won Fletcher’s memoirs in an auction along with enough historical documents to flesh out his stepmother’s story. This switch in narrative voice and story swings back and forth, chapter by chapter, even into the third act, where the two storylines combine for a spectacular showdown of a climax.
I have to say, the "darkest hour of the soul" part was truly dreadful. I really had no clue how Fletcher would get out of it. However, the resolution was heroic and imaginative.
I really enjoy Drakes's writing. The first-person narrative of the old salty sea dog Fletcher is delicious. Drake’s depiction of historical events and even the mundane ins and outs of navel and maritime culture of the time are easily understandable for a landlubber like me. I feel like I learn a lot with each of these novels, as well as enjoy a great, high-seas adventure. I’m excited about reading the next one in this series!
April 12, 2019
This is the second book in a series about a young apprentice and unknowing heir to a grand fortune who is shanghai'd into the British Navy to fight the French. At its core, its a swashbuckling adventure about a man with awful family enemies, with some naval action as part of the adventure.
In this book, Jacob Fletcher is a merchantman who is captured by an American privateer but manages to turn it around to his favor, only to fall into worse trouble. He seems to have a knack of turning every advantage against himself.
The first book was kind of interesting and fun because of its unusual take on sea life and becoming a sailor, but this second one the antagonists are a bit more strained and difficult to buy into, and the female's apparently supernatural ability to seduce and control every single human being she comes near is harder and harder to buy into.
The ending was interesting and exciting, but the final epilogue made it pointless and extremely difficult to believe. I don't think I will be looking into the next book.
In this book, Jacob Fletcher is a merchantman who is captured by an American privateer but manages to turn it around to his favor, only to fall into worse trouble. He seems to have a knack of turning every advantage against himself.
The first book was kind of interesting and fun because of its unusual take on sea life and becoming a sailor, but this second one the antagonists are a bit more strained and difficult to buy into, and the female's apparently supernatural ability to seduce and control every single human being she comes near is harder and harder to buy into.
The ending was interesting and exciting, but the final epilogue made it pointless and extremely difficult to believe. I don't think I will be looking into the next book.
April 2, 2020
Bravery and Betrayal
A shanghai victim into the British Navy, our hero, an heir to a great fortune, moves from adventure to adventure in this story set during the Napoleonic Wars. The characters are colorfully drawn and the story maintains a quick pace. In a style that echoes the Flashman series, the drama of the improbable multiple storylines, the humor and the irony of our hero’s struggle provides for all of the comic relief that most readers crave.
Fletcher’s adventures take us back to a time when things were so simple. Perhaps, a simpler time is what we need now.
A shanghai victim into the British Navy, our hero, an heir to a great fortune, moves from adventure to adventure in this story set during the Napoleonic Wars. The characters are colorfully drawn and the story maintains a quick pace. In a style that echoes the Flashman series, the drama of the improbable multiple storylines, the humor and the irony of our hero’s struggle provides for all of the comic relief that most readers crave.
Fletcher’s adventures take us back to a time when things were so simple. Perhaps, a simpler time is what we need now.
January 7, 2019
Not as interesting as the first in this series, and equally handicapped by a secondary plot with a dissolute cast of degenerates, as was the first. Easily skippable, this co-plot's job is to make things difficult and/or dangerous for our hero Fletcher, which it does in an unfailingly unpleasant way. Fletcher's story isn't as solid as the first outing, but Fletcher himself is an excellent character,
August 27, 2023
Holy Cow! Never a dull moment.
I always hate it when the true villain actually gets away, but a true hero cannot heroic without a cunning and dangerous adversary. This lady needs to go into politics! But enough of that. The book is a page turner! Mr. Drake, the author, is a master at his craft, telling a story so that you can visualize the action and the sailing of ships in those days (in modern Eng!ish). Wow! Hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did!
I always hate it when the true villain actually gets away, but a true hero cannot heroic without a cunning and dangerous adversary. This lady needs to go into politics! But enough of that. The book is a page turner! Mr. Drake, the author, is a master at his craft, telling a story so that you can visualize the action and the sailing of ships in those days (in modern Eng!ish). Wow! Hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did!
November 28, 2021
Enjoyed the series thus far. The stories are different from the worlds of Forrester, O'Brien and in my humble opinion Durbin but good stories. The questionable character of the hero will disturb the followers of the previous mentioned and the subplots back home in England are sometimes cumbersome but they do contribute to the overall. I admit, I'm waiting on the next volume.
March 14, 2023
Fletchers adventures continue
Fast moving account of Fletcher’s adventures being captured by an American privateer, then serving as a yankee lieutenant on a new yankee privateer, which then trades broadsides with his former British frigate. Winds up being a hero serving the British admiral during a fleet battle with the French.
Fast moving account of Fletcher’s adventures being captured by an American privateer, then serving as a yankee lieutenant on a new yankee privateer, which then trades broadsides with his former British frigate. Winds up being a hero serving the British admiral during a fleet battle with the French.
April 16, 2019
Book 3 awaits
Well on to book 3 what will our hero do now will he survive to book4 will the girl be sold in to slavery will the pm commit murder or brexit which ever comes first
Well on to book 3 what will our hero do now will he survive to book4 will the girl be sold in to slavery will the pm commit murder or brexit which ever comes first
April 13, 2024
boys own stuff, bucaneers, pirates, ships fighting each other with cannon battles and lots of description of what this entails, thoroughly enjoyable, also a side story of intrigue with a lov einterest and a sinister woman trying to end his days,
December 16, 2024
More Fletcher adventures beginning with him in the US having a fine time as a guest on a major plantation. Then he is co-opted to sail on a USN frigate where he trains the gun crews. Next he is back on a RN vessel and back in England where his evil nemesis and her latest henchman awaited.
March 3, 2025
Magic all the way through picked up as soon as could all the way through picked and could not put .
Down again that. Was the case all the book and the details of. The event s of store hope that the next is as good
Down again that. Was the case all the book and the details of. The event s of store hope that the next is as good
April 30, 2025
A great second story following Fletcher through his (mis)adventures. A bit of a shift away from the Hornblower tradition and towards the Flashman-type story, with almost half of the novel taking place outside of sailing ships. I’m looking forward to the third.
May 21, 2017
More amazing adventures!
These books are drawing me in and I can't wait for the next installment of the adventures of Jacob Fletcher. Top notch reading!
These books are drawing me in and I can't wait for the next installment of the adventures of Jacob Fletcher. Top notch reading!
April 1, 2020
Story dragged somewhat
I found that although one could Predict the progress of the yarn well, there was a great deal of verbiage prior to dealing with the matter, irritating.
I found that although one could Predict the progress of the yarn well, there was a great deal of verbiage prior to dealing with the matter, irritating.
May 18, 2020
Brilliant naval romp
Found the first book by accident and had to read the next. These two books are excellent. Lots of excitement, a bit of romance and an unexpected end.
Found the first book by accident and had to read the next. These two books are excellent. Lots of excitement, a bit of romance and an unexpected end.
June 18, 2020
He was a spy or was he
Another great story by this author hence the 5 stars. Who survived and who didn't you will have to read the book to find out.
Another great story by this author hence the 5 stars. Who survived and who didn't you will have to read the book to find out.
May 26, 2021
Good book
All of the books I have chosen So far have been good reading as per my choice all at a reasonable prive
All of the books I have chosen So far have been good reading as per my choice all at a reasonable prive
Read
November 3, 2021awesome!
January 11, 2022
This was going along “just barely okay,” until a scene in the book made me physically ill.
I quit, and no longer care about this series.
I quit, and no longer care about this series.
April 16, 2022
what a journey !
A very well written book. Good continuing plot. Great character development. Enough action for anyone. And a subdued love story throughout.
A very well written book. Good continuing plot. Great character development. Enough action for anyone. And a subdued love story throughout.
January 3, 2023
Much fun, much tongue-in-cheek
Fletcher books are wonderful studies in adventure, humor and the beauty of language. John Drake has a ball as he writes, and we get to share the fun.
Fletcher books are wonderful studies in adventure, humor and the beauty of language. John Drake has a ball as he writes, and we get to share the fun.
March 20, 2025
Book 2. Wow. This fletcher guy is something. He’s a hero to many and a devil to others. The Lady is pure evil. How can he get her off his back? Will he?
October 18, 2023
Couldn't finish
September 7, 2015
Jacob Fletcher is the bastard son of Sir Henry, a wealthy merchant in England at the tail of the 18th century. Jacob returns following the first book where he was press-ganged into the Royal Navy being targeted by his natural father's wife and sons to be killed so they can claim the inheritance left to him.
After skipping out of the Royal Navy, Jacob decides to head to America and the fun continues aplenty. He invests in a merchant cargo and heads off in the ship to the USA to try to avoid a crime he committed whilst struggling with his relatives machinations and to start a new life.
There are naval encounters, some salacious scenes with a lovely Bostonian servant (I really enjoyed those interactions) and plenty of skulduggery including from Lady Coignwood and her remaining son Victor. I struggle to remember a more dislikeable character in any story I have encountered than Sarah Coignwood.
The stories are supposed to be based on some memoirs that John Drake obtained along with accompanying letters and other information. I really hope this is the case. Even if it is not I think I will hold to this belief as it added to my enjoyment of the book.
I was given a copy by the publishers as I gave some of John Drake's previous books positive reviews. I'm damn glad that I did as I really enjoyed the story. It is kind of like reading Patrick O'Brian meets Henry Fielding (author of Tom Jones - the foundling).
Racy, enthralling, adventurous and thrilling - I have already started the third book.
After skipping out of the Royal Navy, Jacob decides to head to America and the fun continues aplenty. He invests in a merchant cargo and heads off in the ship to the USA to try to avoid a crime he committed whilst struggling with his relatives machinations and to start a new life.
There are naval encounters, some salacious scenes with a lovely Bostonian servant (I really enjoyed those interactions) and plenty of skulduggery including from Lady Coignwood and her remaining son Victor. I struggle to remember a more dislikeable character in any story I have encountered than Sarah Coignwood.
The stories are supposed to be based on some memoirs that John Drake obtained along with accompanying letters and other information. I really hope this is the case. Even if it is not I think I will hold to this belief as it added to my enjoyment of the book.
I was given a copy by the publishers as I gave some of John Drake's previous books positive reviews. I'm damn glad that I did as I really enjoyed the story. It is kind of like reading Patrick O'Brian meets Henry Fielding (author of Tom Jones - the foundling).
Racy, enthralling, adventurous and thrilling - I have already started the third book.
April 11, 2024
Brilliant
This is another first class read,easily worth a five star rating,I have yet to read a bad book by this author,this is my sixth book by Mr drake and I am looking forward to more of the same. Very highly recommended.
This is another first class read,easily worth a five star rating,I have yet to read a bad book by this author,this is my sixth book by Mr drake and I am looking forward to more of the same. Very highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews