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The Wolf Hunt: U-Boat warfare in South African waters
Jack Pembroke is back in another thrilling wartime adventure! For fans of Dewey Lambdin, Patrick O’Brian, Chris Durbin, Douglas Reeman and Max Hennessy.
The South Atlantic Wolves are on the attack…
1941
Lieutenant Jack Pembroke has found a new home and new love at the Cape, but it will all hang in the balance with the arrival of the enemy in South African waters.
With the Mediterranean all but closed to maritime traffic, and Rommel’s forces rampaging through North Africa, this sea route is vital to supplying the Allied forces in Egypt.
But German U-boats have been sent by Admiral Donitz from their bases on the west coast of France to cripple the convoy route.
Jack is put in command of a small anti-submarine flotilla in the Royal Navy base of Simon’s Town, South Africa.
But he has very little time to train his officers and men, and prepare his ships, for the arrival of the Nazi wolf packs.
With the Cape under attack, Jack has to escort a vital convoy from Cape Town to Durban.
But with the enemy U-boats lying in wait in the storm-ravaged waters, he’ll be luck to make it out alive…
THE WOLF HUNT is the second action-packed military adventure in the Jack Pembroke Naval Thriller authentic British Navy war stories set during the Second World War.
THE JACK PEMBROKE NAVAL THRILLERS
Book The Cape Raider
Book The Wolf Hunt
The South Atlantic Wolves are on the attack…
1941
Lieutenant Jack Pembroke has found a new home and new love at the Cape, but it will all hang in the balance with the arrival of the enemy in South African waters.
With the Mediterranean all but closed to maritime traffic, and Rommel’s forces rampaging through North Africa, this sea route is vital to supplying the Allied forces in Egypt.
But German U-boats have been sent by Admiral Donitz from their bases on the west coast of France to cripple the convoy route.
Jack is put in command of a small anti-submarine flotilla in the Royal Navy base of Simon’s Town, South Africa.
But he has very little time to train his officers and men, and prepare his ships, for the arrival of the Nazi wolf packs.
With the Cape under attack, Jack has to escort a vital convoy from Cape Town to Durban.
But with the enemy U-boats lying in wait in the storm-ravaged waters, he’ll be luck to make it out alive…
THE WOLF HUNT is the second action-packed military adventure in the Jack Pembroke Naval Thriller authentic British Navy war stories set during the Second World War.
THE JACK PEMBROKE NAVAL THRILLERS
Book The Cape Raider
Book The Wolf Hunt
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2022
257 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Justin Fox
35 books80 followersFox is a novelist, travel writer and photographer based in Cape Town, South Africa, and is the former editor of Getaway travel magazine. He was a Rhodes Scholar and received a doctorate in English literature from Oxford University after which he was a research fellow at the University of Cape Town, where he taught part time for 20 years. His articles and photographs have appeared internationally in a number of publications and on a wide range of topics, while his short stories and poems have appeared in numerous anthologies. He has written scripts and directed award-winning documentaries and is a two-time Mondi journalism award winner (1999 and 2004). Recent books include The Marginal Safari (Umuzi), The Impossible Five (Tafelberg), Beat Routes (Karavan), Place (Umuzi) and, most recently, a World War II series of novels, starting with The Cape Raider (Penguin and Sapere) and The Wolf Hunt (Sapere). Justin was longlisted for the 2011 Alan Paton Award for non-fiction, the 2012 Olive Schreiner Prize for Literature, and his debut novel, Whoever Fears the Sea (Umuzi 2014), was longlisted for the Etisalat Prize for African literature.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 18, 2022
Great series!
I have thoroughly enjoyed both books in the Jack Pembroke series. I am eagerly awaiting Book 3 and Pembrokeshire further adventures.
I have thoroughly enjoyed both books in the Jack Pembroke series. I am eagerly awaiting Book 3 and Pembrokeshire further adventures.
November 14, 2023
Loved this book from beginning to end . Fox keeps you engaged and on edge with his beautiful descriptive writing. I enjoyed seeing how Jack’s character develops from a broken and insecure man to a more confident navel officer in his own right. In a devastating time of war and specifically maritime warfare Fox lightens the topic with appreciation for nature and the beauty of Cape Town and its coastline and even a little bit of romance and spying. I can’t wait for the next book in the Jack Pembroke series… off to Alexandria! Well done !
November 16, 2022
thoroughly enthralling Naval adventure
2nd book in the series and can’t wait for the 3rd to be written.
A seafaring adventure telling the tale of two overlooked topics, the battle of the south Atlantic and the RNs converted whalers into corvettes.
Pick it up and the previous book, you won’t be disappointed if you’re into a good yarn, nautical adventures and you may learn something
2nd book in the series and can’t wait for the 3rd to be written.
A seafaring adventure telling the tale of two overlooked topics, the battle of the south Atlantic and the RNs converted whalers into corvettes.
Pick it up and the previous book, you won’t be disappointed if you’re into a good yarn, nautical adventures and you may learn something
November 11, 2022
another gem
Justin Fox knows his stuff - strong, compelling characters, authentic geography and history, a strong and sensuous appreciation for the wind and the sea.
Justin Fox knows his stuff - strong, compelling characters, authentic geography and history, a strong and sensuous appreciation for the wind and the sea.
December 5, 2022
Excellent reading
The drama and excitement of the battle made me read for hours on end. Just couldn't put it down. Much enjoyed this great book from a great author.
The drama and excitement of the battle made me read for hours on end. Just couldn't put it down. Much enjoyed this great book from a great author.
December 4, 2022
Another superior read
An interesting tale taking place in an area of the world not familiar to me. Interesting and gripping read. Appreciate the effort.
An interesting tale taking place in an area of the world not familiar to me. Interesting and gripping read. Appreciate the effort.
November 7, 2022
Some of the South African spellings were too much. Good adventure novel of WWII from a different perspective
November 26, 2022
The second in the series and every bit as good as the first. Awaiting future installments.
December 18, 2022
So Justin has another well-written book, hard to put down, and giving information on a forgotten theatre of WW2 (Cape of Good Hope/South Africa). The characters are believable and fleshed out a little. The action scenes are very engaging and apparently authentic, and the bad guys lose in the end (I'll let you guess who they are). The only reason for removing one star is that there is one somewhat detailed fornication scene, entirely gratuitous because of the eventual end, and another one implied, involving main characters. Gratuitous means it didn't add anything to the narrative, and I took offense at it for its insensitivity.
November 28, 2022
I enjoyed reading this novel as much as I did the first in the series. Nice to read something set in that part of the world. Plenty of action, good character development, great energy. Coverage from the perspectives of two sides in the conflict enhances the drama. Looking forward to the next volume when it gets published.
June 8, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/sessa-dorado...
https://numberoneboats.com/sessa-dora...
https://theboatyacht.com/sessa-dorado...
https://numberoneboats.com/sessa-dora...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/sessa-dorado...
https://numberoneboats.com/sessa-dora...
https://theboatyacht.com/sessa-dorado...
https://numberoneboats.com/sessa-dora...
July 9, 2024
The author has clearly done a huge amount of research in order to write this novel. For me, there is too much technical information, but Fox's knowledge of the ships and the operations along the South African coast is formidable. There is very little human interest in this second book in the series. There is a thin trail recounting Pembroke's love interest, and issues of conflict between members of the same family as Nazi sympathisers clashed with supporters of the Allied forces. The German sailors and their commanders are only given cursory mention, and there is little sympathy for them in the narrative other than the obvious recognition that the young sailors on both sides were no more than teenagers and young men dragged into the horrors of war. It's a wonderful, action-packed read if you enjoy naval thrillers and accounts of maritime warfare and combat.
April 20, 2025
great book 2 to follow on the previous book
the inclusion of the political background, the story of the "Kruger" creates the necessary backend to the political possibilities that South Africa could have ended up as a nazi puppet state.
thankfully this never came about until the National Party arrived.
I love the connection between the maritime story and the internal conflict
did feel that the ending with Clara was a let down as it would have been good to have an Afrikaans girl waiting for Harry English boyfriend but alas.
looking forward to book 3
the inclusion of the political background, the story of the "Kruger" creates the necessary backend to the political possibilities that South Africa could have ended up as a nazi puppet state.
thankfully this never came about until the National Party arrived.
I love the connection between the maritime story and the internal conflict
did feel that the ending with Clara was a let down as it would have been good to have an Afrikaans girl waiting for Harry English boyfriend but alas.
looking forward to book 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2025
South African Naval War
First off if you are a Kindle reader go to the end if the book for a glossary of terms. I finished the second book before I discovered this help. This series has enlightened me to the impact of WW2 in South Africa! The author's details in describing ship life and the battles are brilliant! I did think that Jack would shoot at the incoming torpedo not, the ingenious use of a depth charge!
First off if you are a Kindle reader go to the end if the book for a glossary of terms. I finished the second book before I discovered this help. This series has enlightened me to the impact of WW2 in South Africa! The author's details in describing ship life and the battles are brilliant! I did think that Jack would shoot at the incoming torpedo not, the ingenious use of a depth charge!
July 21, 2025
Not as good
While I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series, primarily due to the battles at sea, the second in the series was a bit of a letdown. The pace is much slower and a lot of the drama occurs on land. Jack is still learning to defend convoys with limited resources. On land, his interactions with Clara leaves much to be desired. The subplots are left dangling for the next book in the series.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series, primarily due to the battles at sea, the second in the series was a bit of a letdown. The pace is much slower and a lot of the drama occurs on land. Jack is still learning to defend convoys with limited resources. On land, his interactions with Clara leaves much to be desired. The subplots are left dangling for the next book in the series.
November 7, 2022
Disappointing. Very Slow Read
I couldn't finish it, Just plugs along. I had been ooking forward to his second of the series, first book storyline moved quickly with interesting characters. I read a lot of historical naval fiction and this one just lacks punch, doesn't come close to the first. Very Dull.
I couldn't finish it, Just plugs along. I had been ooking forward to his second of the series, first book storyline moved quickly with interesting characters. I read a lot of historical naval fiction and this one just lacks punch, doesn't come close to the first. Very Dull.
November 28, 2025
Know the characters now on finishing the second in the Pembroke series. Action dialog is quite accurate painting the chaos of ASW engagement. Doing battle with second role whalers instead of ASW destroyers and frigates that would have saved thousands of lives casts brilliant light of admiration on the fledgling South African Navy. Bravo Zulu.
November 9, 2022
World War 2 saga
The writer has carried out a lot of research and it shows. At times I felt overwhelmed by the detail.
Good action but the characters are a bit stereotypical.
Almost a geography lesson.
The writer has carried out a lot of research and it shows. At times I felt overwhelmed by the detail.
Good action but the characters are a bit stereotypical.
Almost a geography lesson.
December 11, 2022
A great follow up to the series. The action and characters are well done! Good fast paced action that will keep you in suspense. A great read. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 26, 2024
Same ships, different tasks, as they convert from minesweeping to sub-hunting. Good story with a good cast of characters as we look into WW2 naval action on the Southern Coast of Africa. Looking forward to more from this author.
November 25, 2022
Outstanding!
The author made you feel as if you were right there in all of the action. Well written! Suspenseful and wanting to see what happens next.
The author made you feel as if you were right there in all of the action. Well written! Suspenseful and wanting to see what happens next.
January 24, 2023
Worth the 5 stars
Good follow up to book one, It keeps the readers attention throughout as did The Cape Raider and hopefully the subsequent books that will follow
L
Good follow up to book one, It keeps the readers attention throughout as did The Cape Raider and hopefully the subsequent books that will follow
L
March 31, 2023
World War 2 Action Book
Excellent action book about an area of World War 2 not normally written. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
Excellent action book about an area of World War 2 not normally written. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
April 24, 2023
a tad too descriptive for me
Too much unnecessary detail detracted from the story. The action was well done and accurate from the Uboat side. Not for me
Too much unnecessary detail detracted from the story. The action was well done and accurate from the Uboat side. Not for me
November 24, 2023
A good read
All I can say is Thanks to the Author for a gripping good read a book that kept me turning the pages
All I can say is Thanks to the Author for a gripping good read a book that kept me turning the pages
September 9, 2025
Interesting author. Read it straight thru.
September 16, 2025
Great book
I really liked this book. It was a great second book in the series. I look forward to reading the next book, the stories are real page turners.
I really liked this book. It was a great second book in the series. I look forward to reading the next book, the stories are real page turners.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews