Captain Grey's Gambit: A Novel

Thomas Grey #2

by J.H. Gelernter

December 1803: A French invasion fleet is poised to cross the Channel and storm the beaches of southern England. A member of Napoleon’s inner circle—disaffected by Napoleon’s creeping tyranny—contacts the British naval intelligence service in hopes of defecting to London. His escape plan calls for a rendezvous at an international chess tournament in Frankfurt—a rare opportunity for him to travel outside France. Naval intelligence sends its top man—and best chess player—Captain Thomas Grey, to orchestrate the Frenchman’s escape to England. But Grey’s mission changes dramatically when the defector demands that his pro-Napoleon daughter come with him—expecting Grey to act not just as escort but kidnapper.


The second novel in J. H. Gelernter’s already lauded Captain Grey series, Captain Grey’s Gambit continues a story that is “smart, fast, twisty, and dangerous” (Lee Child) in a “richly imagined early nineteenth-century world” (Richard Snow).

Genres: Historical Fiction, Espionage, Fiction, France, British Literature

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2022

About the author

J. H. Gelernter lives in Connecticut. He is the author of the Captain Grey novels, Hold Fast, Captain Grey's Gambit, and The Montevideo Brief.

Reviews

[Ineffable7980x · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid second book in the series. I will definitely be continuing on. Thomas Gray is a Jason Bourne/James Bond type British intelligence officer in the early 1800s. What happens in this book will sound preposterous if I describe it to you, but the author's skill makes it totally plausible.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Napoleonic-era British Naval Intelligence officer Thomas Grey returns for his sophomore adventure, following the excellent Hold Fast. Imagined as a combination of James Bond and Richard Sharpe, Grey once again blends intrigue with action, in a plot that revolves around trying to smuggle a French defector out of Germany. This is to be done under the cover of an international chess tournament, requiring Grey to hone his skills and enter as a member of the English delegation. This allows for a very Bond-like scene in which Grey faces the villain over the chessboard, foreshadowing the more physical combat that is to come.

Anyone who enjoys historical adventures is likely to have fun with this brisk 230-page work -- especially readers with an interest in chess. Peppered with historical figures and built upon the historical realities of 1803-04, the story will have extra resonance for readers with an interest in European history of that era. I am neither a chess aficionado, nor history buff, but the action and intrigue kept the pages turning for me. As is the norm in these kinds of stories, our hero Grey is able to quickly bounce back from quite a bit of physical damage, and is able to undertake some barely plausible physical feats, but that's what heroes do! Readers who enjoy historical adventure fiction should definitely be reading this series.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was finally able to finish a couple of books that I was halfway through during the holidays. I was pleasantly surprised that the second book in the series held up to the first novel. I absolutely love the James Bond feel to the entire plot, and the Jason Bourne physicality and fighting. And yes, I am absolutely a sucker for the battles at sea. That is honestly what kickstart my interest in this series much thanks to a recommendation.

I don't want to put any spoilers in my review for this, but what I will say is that the action does not come across as overbearing or wildly over the top, and the overall context of the James Bond-esque set up really does pair well for the story. I also enjoyed the post revolution cooperation, and what feels like the establishment of new characters that will spill over to the next novel. I'm quite interested to see where this takes our protagonist in future novels.

https://www.mobileapp.app/to/4UMVKDU?...

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher W. W. Norton & Company for an advanced copy of this historical naval and espionage adventure.

Naval warfare, swordplay, some unique tools, Napoleon, lots of derring-do and chess, lots and and lots of chess. J. H. Gelernter in his book Captain's Grey's gambit, book two in the eponymous series offers all this and more in a very tightly written story featuring two different kinds of great games, espionage and again chess.

Naval intelligence officer Captain Thomas Grey is chosen to aid in the defection of a close member of Napoleon's staff, in Frankfurt at an international chess tournament. After training with the best that England has to offer, Grey travels to the continent where he finds a new problem has developed. The French contact has a daughter, loyal to France and Napoleon, and he wants her to come with him, no matter her wishes.

The novel is very good, very well written and plotted with characters that all seem real and situations that a cinematic, but with consequences. Grey is a very interesting character, a widower not with a devil may care attitude, more of I am good at this, actually very good at this, so why not. There are probably a lot of James Bond comparisons, which makes sense, there is a certain coldness to the character, like in the novels, and some gadgets, a special rifle, and a grapple crossbow for two. However my thought is that character is more like the Adam Hall Quiller character, who spies not for Queen and country, but for the thrill and the boredom of everyday life. At one point a character points out that Grey's chess game is good, and could be better if he didn't sacrifice his pawns so much. Excellent summation of a character.

Definitely for fans of the Sharpe novels, or Dewey Lambdin and Alexander Pope. O'Brian also, but there might not be enough naval engagement, and more spying which I really enjoyed, along with the fact that this was a very good read. The chess games alone are some of the most exciting and interesting passages I have read in awhile. This is my first book by Mr. Gelernter, and I am excited to read more, and be at the beginning of a series I know that I will enjoy.

[Eugenea Pollock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much in common with Bernard Cornwell’s gory battle scenes—if you play chess, there is an additional layer of meaning (I do not, so there was not for me)—soldier camaraderie in spades—I began to lose interest in the last 20% of the book, maybe because the female characters were so flat.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing chess with derring do and danger! Captain Thomas Gray, a naval officer who has been deeply involved in the war between the UK and France, is surprised to find that he's been chosen to facilitate the defection of Joseph LeClerc, a top aide to Napoleon. It's 1804 and the plan calls for Gray to participate in an international chess tournament in Frankfurt which LeClerc will also attend. The challenge is in persuading LeClerc's daughter to come with him. Don't worry- this doesn't turn into a swoon fest (Gray is still mourning his wife who was killed when a French ship attacked one they were sailing on). The action is slowed down a bit, as is appropriate, but Gelernter introduces some interesting tools and weapons. This is a smart novel of espionage and devotion. It's also very clever and proves the adage that everything old is new again. Then there's the added benefit about learning about this period of time. The first book in this series (don't worry this is fine as a standalone but you'll want to go back and read it just for fun) surprised me. This one affirmed my view that Gelernter has created a terrific new hero in Gray. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Fans of historical fiction should pick this up asap.

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big fan of historical fiction during this time period, 1803, Napoleonic War period. Gelernter delivers a unique twist in this action packed second installment of Thomas Grey adventures. It was everything you would want from a twisty, fast moving nineteenth century escapade, with numerous chess matches highlighted.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good historical tale with action and chess. There's no fluff here, and the story is well-written with well-formed characters, plus an engaging plot, I think historical fiction fans will eat this one up. Recommended.

I really appreciate the the free ARC for review!!

[Mark Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced adventure on land and sea

Sailor, soldier, spy, and in this exciting tale, under cover as a world-class chess competitor, Gelernter's Thomas Grey charges headlong into danger and intrigue and a thoroughly entertaining historical thriller. Enjoy!

[Dave Orth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 2nd in the series. I was about to rate it a 2 and decided to give a 3. The reviews noting a Bond like energy were a bit on point - complete with perfect marksmanship by Grey and unlikely depth of knowledge amongst a broad range of topics.

The low rating is partially informed by the frequent use of half as.ed bits of profanity but without commitment. “F…..cking” or “ba….tard”are paraphrased examples. Either swear and use it or just don’t use profanity.

There are several places where the author lists chess moves for entire games. For one, this is not Queens Gambit and so must readers won’t care and there are zero instances where the listings advance the plot. Secondly , this may be an attempt to pad word count.

Probably won’t read the next one.

[Stan Matsui · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so much enjoyed J. H. Gelernter's Hold Fast novel, that I was very happy to hear he had written a sequel to that book.

The storyline is engaging, with references to actual events and language that reflects the period. My enjoyment of a book also increases with the number of times I turn to an online dictionary and other references to better understand what was written. This story "fit that bill".

Highly recommended, especially if you enjoy stories of the sea. I look forward to further work by Mr. Gelernter.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite kind of history has a bit of fiction mixed in. Unlike many of today’s textbooks, this one is acceptable and even appropriate. The Napoleonic Wars can be boring, but if you mix in a James Bond type character, you get a very entertaining novel. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Author! His books are well written and well researched and I learn something form every book.
The action is flowing and riveting. I couldn’t put the book down until I found out what happened.
It’s very like another favourite book of mine called “The Queen’s Gambit.” The chess is colourful and exciting.
Highly recommended if you love chess and adventure.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

These Thomas Grey novels are among the best historical fiction novels being written today. It’s that simple. Please read. Highly recommended.

[LillyBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not realize when I put this book on hold that it was both a Dad-book and the second of a series. Fortunately, the latter was not a problem at all, and, as for the former, I feel it’s probably a very good book for the Dad-genre (although, admittedly, I don’t truly know). It’s a book that knows exactly what it is, and there are times I feel that is at least half of what makes a book good.

For me, it had a few too many battles or fight scenes, but that’s my personal preference. I’m not sure if I’d use the phrase “historical James Bond” as so many reviewers here do, because there are only two gadgets and they weren’t outside the realm of possibility to me (although I’m not a historical firearms expert, so maybe?). I would say, from my limited knowledge, that it’s far more realistic than James Bond which can either be what you want or not. I think both have their merits.

But I enjoyed the chess-centric plot in the center of the book, and the whole thing moved swiftly and easily with excellent pacing. It was very cinematic, and I think I would enjoy a film adaptation where said battles and other physical spy work could be quickly visualized rather than described.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second Thomas Grey book is much like the first, though I think it flows better and is improved by being a second book in the series that no longer needs to build up a backstory for our hero (which I enjoyed in the first, but Gambit feels like a tighter paced book). The story itself is exciting and Grey continues to defy the odds again and again.

One thing to note is that there are several chess games described move for move here. While I'm familiar enough with chess basics I'm far from being capable of following written accounts. Still, I found it took nothing away from my reading to just skim through these to pick up the queues the story leaves to tell you what is going on. So, don't be discouraged! The chess tournament is a very fun part of the book and the championship game is particularly exciting.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliant historical fiction offering from this author. I felt very fortunate that it was available to be checked out from my library. Thomas Grey is a strong, intelligent and heroic character. The action is nonstop and compelling, playing out in Napoleon's time. This second book has heavy emphasis on the game of chess, but again Thomas shows his abilities on sea as well as land. Not completely sure how he survived some of the physical challenges, but since he did... I will expect a third volume before long.

Library Loan

two quotes I meant to include:

"Only the United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland refused to yield and kiss the ground before young Bonaparte's feet."

"...the towers and soldiers could only hold if, as it had since 1066, the Royal Navy controlled the English Channel."

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.

This was an interesting read since it's not a genre I typically read. I thought I would give it a go. You never know, you might find something you like. It wasn't bad but I imagine someone who enjoys history would really like this book. The setting is during the times of the Napoleonic wars. I always like authors that include a note explaining what is true in the story, and it seemed a good part of the novel is true as far the events that take place as well as some of the characters. This is the second book in Thomas Grey series and I do recommend reading the first. There are a few references that may not be fully understood unless having knowledge of the first book.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Child, other authors, the Historic Novel Society, Kirkus Reviews, and Publisher's Weekly all have good things to say about the Thomas Grey novels and the author - and I have to heartily agree that they are correct.

Ian Fleming and Patrick O'Brien novel fans will like Captain Grey's Gambit and will probably devour it as quickly as I did.

Not only did I enjoy the story itself, I also enjoyed the Historical Note, Chess Note, Music Note, and yes, the Acknowledgements at the end of the novel.

I will be on the lookout for the third in the Thomas Grey series...

[Joyeux Noelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a satisfying sequel in the saga of British spy/soldier Thomas Grey. It did start a bit slower than the first book, and as I’ve never been able to get into chess, all the descriptions of chess games which were supposed to propel the plot were lost on me and I had my doubts about continuing, but once the big escape happened things picked up, and the reasons why I enjoyed the first book so much came back to me. There was action, adventure, funny quips between characters, and amazing historical detail. Were it not for the slow start, it would have easily been a 4 or 5 star for me.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast paced adventure through Europe as Grey is tasked with snatching a defector from Napoleon’s inner circle at a chess tournament in Germany. Lots of action to include hand to hand boarding fight in the Bay of Biscay, the dispatch of a detachment of French dragoons in a stagecoach chase, and a special ops extraction from a high security French prison. Thomas Grey is the James Bond of the Napoleonic Wars.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Satisfying End

In the 2nd novel, where I came in, the author leaned heavily on James Bond-like action, complete with a Casino Royal card game, and here, our hero/spy plays chess like a champ, then scales a Zenda-like castle to free a prisoner. There have been plenty of sea sagas since the success of Patrick O’Brian but this one stands out above the rest. Familiarity can be a good thing.

[Alina Rubin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast read but dry for me. The chess scenes were no Queen's Gambit. Just a list of moves with no emotion or tension. I was hoping for more sea battle action, judging by the name and the cover, but that didn't occur either.

[Kevin S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this--the history, the plot, the characters. Set in late 1803 to early 1804. I might have enjoyed it even more if I knew more about the game of chess--there are several chess games described. It's a bit like a Richard Sharpe book but not as long and less battle detail.

[Miles Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little uneven at first, but the action and the historical detail picks up as it moves along. 1803 was an important inflection point in the Napoleonic wars, and this novel covers mostly important moments that occurred in that year.

[Mary Nee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much I looked for his other book and enjoyed it too ! Will look for this author again!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Hank · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a slow start. I do not think this one is as good as the first Grey novel. This book has many of the elements of Ian Fleming's books. It feels like James Bond in 1803.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better plot and twists in this story than author’s previous. Narrator is clear and fine. Recommended for those who like regency or golden age mysteries.

[Alex Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK that was borderline too much chess - sorry my cognitive capacity to track the position of pieces on a board after 10+ moves just taps out. Rest of book was just as good as the first however.