Cast No Shadows

by E.V. Thompson

It is 1812, and England is at war with America. When 250 American prisoners of war arrive at Dartmoor prison, it¹s already overcrowded with French inmates. Among the newcomers is Lieutenant Pilgrim Penn, an American merchant seaman, who soon falls in love with a local girl at a market held inside the prison walls. Despite their common enemy, the inmates fight amongst themselves, and the Americans are a particularly troublesome group. When the governor's daughter becomes romantically involved with one of them, he orders his soldiers to open fire during a minor disturbance—even though the war has ended and personal revenge is suspected as his true motivation.

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction

474 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Ernest Victor Thompson was born in London and spent nine years in the Navy before joining Bristol police. He moved to Hong Kong, then Rhodesia and had over 200 stories published before returning to England in 1970 to become a full-time award-winning writer.

He settled in Cornwall, living at Idle Cottage in Sharptor.

He wrote 42 historical novels, mostly set in Cornwall, beginning with 'Chase the Wind' in 1977, a book that was voted the best historical novel of the year, with detectives Churchyard and Hawke two of his main characters.

He was awarded the MBE in the 2012 New Years' Honours list for services to literature and the community in Cornwall. He was also a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedd (Gorsedh Kernow). This is an individual honoured for significant contributions to the Cornish language, culture, or heritage.

He also wrote the Scottish historical epic 'Homeland' in 1991 under the pseudonym James Munro.

He died peacefully, with his wife, Celia, and two sons, Nathan and Luke, by his side, at his home in Launceston, Cornwall, on 19 July 2021, shortly after his 81st birthday.

Reviews

[Garry Marlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again I really enjoyed the authors writing style. Though the previous two books I read I felt more of a conections with the people in the book the story bought the harshness of the times to the fore front and how easy we have it today.

[Denise Strong · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favourite EV Thompson book, but it was readable enough. I loved The Rettalick Saga but this book wasn't one of his best. His weather descriptions are good though!

[Lynn Hutchinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rally enjoyed this book, learnt some of the history of Dartmoor prison along the way too.

[Janice Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this book on my shelf for a few years and decided it was time to read it. Another great story by EV Thompson. He always writes such good adventures and romantic tales

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liking this author

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, someone at work gave it to me. Surprised to find E.V Thompson was a man who has written a lot of books.