THE AUTHOR OF THE POPULAR CAJE COLE WWII SERIES TAKES US BACK TO THE ERA OF THE CIVIL WAR AND AN EPIC NATIONAL CONFLICT
An April morning in Baltimore turns bloody and violent as the first Union troops arrive in the border state of Maryland, where adventurer Tom Flynn tries to avoid choosing sides as the War Between the States begins. Quick with his fists and good at cards, he’d much rather spend his time drinking whiskey on the waterfront than being a soldier again. An impulsive act of compassion soon has him running for his life. He ought to know better, but he can’t help standing up for what is right.
Flynn soon journeys to the Southern capitol of Richmond to save an idealistic Union spy not only from herself, but also from forces who see the new conflict not as a game, but with deadly intent. In Virginia, he has no choice but to join the dreaded Dark Horse Cavalry just in time for the first Battle of Bull Run. The citizens of Washington City have come to watch the battle with picnic baskets in hand, expecting a Union victory. However, in the first bloody clash of the Confederacy against the Union, it becomes clear that this war will be brutal and long. In the midst of the battlefield, Flynn must fight to save the spy, protect new friends, and settle old scores.
David Healey made his publishing debut with SHARPSHOOTER, a what-if historical thriller about an attempt to assassinate Union General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War, published by an imprint of Penguin Putnam. That novel was the result of years of research into the Civil War that included time as a reenactor at Gettysburg and other battlefields.
In its review, the Civil War News wrote: “SHARPSHOOTER has the feel of a techno-thriller, the kind offered by Tom Clancy or Dean Koontz ... SHARPSHOOTER moves quickly and is filled with all manner of intrigue."
Healey has brought that same passion for research and history to his World War II novels, GHOST SNIPER, ARDENNES SNIPER, and RED SNIPER. During a 21-year career as a journalist, he was fortunate enough to interview many veterans of the 29th Division who landed at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. Some of the events and characters in these novels were inspired by their stories.
He loves the idea of a character like Micajah Cole, a self-reliant backwoods hunter who turns out to be unrelenting and ruthless as a sniper, especially against a skilled adversary, in the pages of these books.
In addition to fiction, he has written books on regional history, including 1812: REDISCOVERING CHESAPEAKE BAY'S FORGOTTEN WAR and GREAT STORMS OF THE CHESAPEAKE.
A graduate of Washington College and the Stonecoast MFA program, he was recognized in 2011 as a Chaney Scholar in history by St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Visit him online at www.davidhealeyauthor.com or follow him at Facebook at facebook.com/david.healey.books
I have read several stories from David Healey. His last two with the Civil War in the storyline were especially well done. This was a bit different. I liked the back story and the characters, but the flow of the story was a bit convoluted for me. For example, what exactly was the use of the young Jay for Flynn? I thought him a bit superfluous. That said, the ending was a twist and a half. I did enjoy the action and the main story and will look for more Flynn stories. A 4.1 out of 5 rating.
Baltimore April 1861, this is a tale of intrigue and passing through the events of the start of the War. Moving through Washington then onto Richmond an easy read with the central characters rubbing elbows with the central actors. For a Maryland Boy… a fun read.
As a civil war buff, I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-moving novel. Along with plenty of action and strong character development, the author did a wonderful job of incorporating a number of famous and semi-famous figures into the background of the story. All in all, the book was very well written and I look forward to reading more novels by the author.
This book is fast moving and based on enough fact to make it even more interesting. Characters are believable and easy to get to know. Look forward to more Tom Flynn adventure in the Civil War. Thanks David Healey!
David Healey is my new go to author. His 10 sniper books prompted me to read this civil war volume. Not disappointed! Healey is very descriptive and quite the story teller. Looking forward to continue reading Flynns next adventure!