Published
by Benhams Books.
ISBN: 978-0-95488801-5 (PB)
ISBN: 978-0-95488801-5 (PB)
Set in
1997, Peter Wilson, an out of work Sea Captain, is approached to take on the
role of Harbour Master at the fictional town of Duddlestone, Dorset.
The harbour, a strategic British Naval base during WW2 is being
restored and when Peter arrives he finds out that his father was once the
harbour’s war time commander. The area is steeped in secrets dating back to
that time and his own family history comes under scrutiny as Peter is forced to
revisit his father’s suicide, an incident he witnessed at the age of 10. He
begins to question what he has been told about his father and whether rumours
that he was involved in smuggling at the end of the war contain any truth. A
series of strange events make Peter Wilson begin to wonder what is going on at
the harbour now and he is drawn deep into the mystery. What happened at the end
of the war appears to be influencing the present and the police seem to have
their hands tied. When two children are kidnapped Peter is required to act as
go-between and puts his own life in danger.
The experiments of WW2 in the bunkers under Porton Down and the
secrecy surrounding Government activity of the time, and today, are the basis
for this novel. Told first person, Rocastle’s
Vengeance is a complex story that weaves between secrets of the past and
present as the tight-knit community of Duddlestone, and neighbouring Military
base, struggle to keep control.
A thoroughly enjoyable novel set around a sailing background. The
character of Peter Wilson is believable and the landscape setting a key part of
the story. Although initially a gentle read, the plot has numerous twists and turns,
and the body count soon rises as anyone who gets too close to the truth is at
risk.
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Reviewer:
Christine Hammacott
James Morley sis a local author, writing books
under the name Benham's Sea Mysteries. Retired from an agricultural background
Jim has been writing books since 2005. He is well known in the local area for
his novels, short stories and publicity writing. He is chairman of Petersfield
Writers’ Circle, and an active member of his local book club. Jim lives in Liss
in Hampshire, a widower, in an untidy house filled with books and computers.
Jim is a member of the UK Society of Authors, and Mystery People.
Christine Hammacott lives near
Southampton and runs her own design consultancy. She started her career working
in publishing as a book designer and now creates covers for indie-authors. She
writes page-turning fiction that deals with the psychological effects of crime.
To read a review of her debut novel The Taste of Ash click
on the title.
website: www.christinehammacott.com
twitter: /ChrisHammacott
Facebook: /christinehammacott.author
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