The Straits of Tsushima: An action-packed historical military adventure

by Tim Chant

A new naval adventure series you don’t want to miss! For fans of Dewey Lambdin, Patrick O’Brian, Chris Durbin, Douglas Reeman and Antoine Vanner.Who can you trust when nothing is as it seems…? 1904 The Russo-Japanese War has been raging for almost a year.When blacklisted former Royal Navy officer Marcus Baxter is offered the chance to spy on a Russian ship passing through the North Sea, he jumps at the chance to regain his commission.Accompanied by young Tommy Dunbar, desperate to earn his sea legs, Baxter is betrayed by the crew and captured by a Russian cruiser, the Yaroslavich, where both he and Tommy are held captive in an attempt to avoid escalating tension with Britain.As the journey unfolds, Baxter discovers that not all of the crewmembers are who they claim to be – including Russian aristocrats, revolutionary Marxists and mutineers – and with a traitor in their midst, can anyone be trusted?Braving typhoons, treacherous seas and would-be assassins, Baxter finds himself fighting alongside his new Russian comrades in the Battle of Tsushima, commanding one of the gun batteries and helping to fight off Japanese torpedo boats.But with the Yaroslavich hit and going down, will any of them survive? THE STRAITS OF TSUSHIMA is the first book in the Marcus Baxter naval thriller action-packed, authentic historical adventures following former Royal Navy officer Marcus Baxter during the early 1900s. THE MARCUS BAXTER NAVAL THRILLER BOOK The Straits of Tsushima BOOK Mutiny on the PotemkinBOOK The War For TripoliBOOK The Guns of Zanzibar

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2021

Reviews

[Bob Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the story, to be honest was unaware of the Russia against Japan Battle in the Pacific in 1904. The story is of Marcus Baxter, an ex RN Officer shanghaied into spying on the Russians by a Naval Intelligence Officer. Baxter, Tommy Dunbar, a young boy from Scotland caught up in the mess, Juneau a Russian Officer and Ekaterina his beautiful wife are the central characters in the book. The story of the second russian fleet transiting from Western Europe to the Pacific provides the background to the book. Baxter is a truly likeable character and his actions in a number of skirmishes ensure he is liked by the Russian Sailors of the ship he is imprisoned on.Those of you with a nautical background will love the story. Don't want to spoil it but feel a follow on is quite likely with Marcus Baxter and Tommy Dunbar at the front and centre of the action.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an action packed book! It turned out to be more interesting than what I was expecting. It’s not my normal genre but it was a good story. Any who likes naval military type books will certainly enjoy this one.
Thanks to Sapere for the early copy

[Anita Salát · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book.

Maybe it's just my choices of late but I don't often read "historical military adventure" novels. It is quite a unique category (to me, or in general?), and this book perfectly fits in. The storyline is catching, the characters are authentic and strong, the time period is not one that is discussed many times.

Yet, I was not happy with the execution. The characters spoke a naval language I could hardly follow at some point, and the author did not care to help me understand what is what. I felt like an outsider watching people chatting away, using jargon I had no idea of. (various boats, guns, war strategies, etc.)

The plot is good enough though to make me want to read the next book in the series. So I am giving Mr Baxter and his gang another chance.

I am grateful for NetGalley and Sapere Books for an Advance Reading Copy.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus Baxter, ex Royal Navy - unemployed and broke, is offered a straightforward task to observe the Imperial Russian Navy as they sail through the North Sea. Although his gut instinct is to refuse he accepts the job as he needs the money. He should have heeded his instincts as he is betrayed and becomes a ‘guest’ of the Russian Navy.

I really enjoyed this book – it’s well written and set amongst real events that happened in 1904/1905. Interesting characters, lots of subplots, exciting battles, great writing – you could almost taste the coal dust! – all combine to give a great read that is difficult to put down as you want to know what happens next.

Thanks to Sapere Books for a copy to review.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical military adventure, set in 1904 during the Russo-Japanese war.

Marcus Baxter left the Royal Navy under a cloud, but has been offered the chance to return to sea in return for spying on a Russian ship. He agrees to bring young Tommy so he can start to learn the ropes. But the crew betrays him at sea, and he and Tommy are captured by the Russians.

Aboard the Russian vessel, Baxter learns of multiple layers of subterfuge. Together with the treacherous weather conditions and poor state of the ship, Baxter will need to use all his diplomatic and naval expertise to have any hope of returning home safely.

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnificent new historical adventure thriller set during the conflict between Russia and Japan in 1904-5.
There are echoes here of that great classic The Riddle Of The Sands, the splendid Hornblower novels, and the real life exploits of Russian-born British spy Sidney Reilly.
Baxter, Tommy, the Countess, and Juneau are characters to watch as the series of novels progresses.
This is gritty and fast-moving and evocative of the final days of Empire in Britain, Russia and Japan.

[CarolM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than I thought it would be

Since it was inexpensive, didn’t expect much, but happy to recommend it - good characterisation and interested me to check maps and read a bit more about the history of this battle. Have downloaded the second book with high hopes.

[Stephen Pegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I bought the book accidentally. I didn't mean to buy it but I thoroughly enjoyed it. After a slightly confusing start the plot and the characters straightened out. Interesting plot and people. I look forward to the next book.

[Haydn Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, all the detail about the Russian navy and ships was fascinating. The author also took time to describe the main characters in the book, as well as their characteristics. Good story in a totally different part of the world, great!

[peter david mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intrigue in the Russian fleet.

Not one of the best naval novels I have read. Unclear as to the mission undertaken by the main character Marcus Baxter. However I did enjoy the sabotage plot and the action in the battle of Tsushima. Told from the viewpoint of a Russian cruiser.

[David S Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprising good naval historical fiction set in the Russo-Japanese war, culminating in a battle that was a major wakeup call for ship design, battle tactics and the emergence of Japan as a naval power.

[Directfitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting historical setting. Sometimes a bit of a romance novel.

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent story

I found it interesting having read in other books various mention of the Russian\Japanese war. This provided a great deal more information and content.

[Uncle Dave Avis · Rating 4 out of 5]

More political intrigue than naval combat.

[Conrad33 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately the author has no clue about geography.
Example 1. On leaving anchorage at Brighton and you are heading for Japan you do not then encounter the White Cliffs of Dover - they are in the opposite direction.
Example 2. Having rounded the Cape and heading for Durban, they cannot then round the Horn.
Example 3. On leaving Madagascar and heading for Singapore, they would be in the Indian Ocean, not the Pacific.