If you read some of my earlier reviews you’ll find I really didn’t like The Floating Madhouse (Alexander Fullerton) having given it just 1 out of 5. However, I’ll often give an authors other books a try when I come across them as I don’t expect to enjoy 100% of any authors work. This is a book that made me glad I did.

The Torch Bearers follows a Navy Captain as he escorts a small flotilla of ships from the west coast of Africa back to Europe. War is tough, he doesn’t have enough escorts and to make matters worse he is the only one on board that knows the true mission. They are a diversion for ‘Operation Torch’. The object is that the dozens of German submarines will discover this convoy and concentrate their attack there while the ships of soldiers and supplies of Operation Torch slip past to take their fight into North Africa. How well do they do? You’ll need to read the book. Rootie Rating 4 out of 5.

If the last Hammond Innes book wasn’t for me, this one surely was. Still based on real events, this had the scope for some creative fictional work. We follow a group as they build by hand a new design of aero-engine based on a design stolen from Germany during the war. Their aim, to have it ready for the Berlin Air Lift. Enjoyable read, Rootie Rating 4 out of 5

There’s a reason I prefer fiction for entertainment rather than fact. This book reminded me of it. It’s based on the last voyage of Captain Cook and while there is a fair amount of made up events I didn’t find it an enjoyable read. It had to follow so closely the known events of that last voyage it’s pace became very slow. I’m sure it’s an accurate representation of the trials and tribulations of the time though.
Just not a story for me, Rootie Rating 1 out of 5