Spring 1918
Bolshevik Russia has withdrawn from the war and now stands isolated, ineffectually hostile to both Germany and the Allied Forces.
The Russian fleet at Kronstadt remains highly vulnerable, and the British government fears that a German offensive to ‘liberate’ the Kronstadt naval force could swing the balance of seapower against the Royal Navy and lead to defeat.
Commander David Cochrane Smith is captain of Audacity, a Q ship, no more than a lightly armed disguised tramp steamer.
He is ordered to deliver a fortune in gold and a mysterious female passenger to a group of Russian plotters who are prepared to sink the fleet and block German access to the harbour.
The only way through is to penetrate the defences of the Baltic—minefields and patrolling destroyers—then steam the length of it.
Smith’s one protection is Audacity’s disguise as a neutral ship: if that is stripped away his orders are to scuttle her because the Admiralty believes escape to be impossible.
Once again he faces the loneliness of isolated command, in a hostile and dangerous sea…with a loyal crew who can never know the true extent of their captain’s secret orders.
Audacity is a high-octane read from a master of military thrillers.
“Fast moving, action-packed... The savage ruthlessness of the Nazis and of war itself are sombrely painted” - Lloyd’s List
“Action indeed is the keynote. Gunfire crackles constantly both on land and sea in a literally explosive adventure” - Yorkshire Evening Post
“For readers who delight in war-time stories... plenty of action” - Navy News
Alan Evans is a highly talented thriller writer who vividly and evocatively re-creates the atmosphere of the First and Second World Wars. He is also the author of three children's books. Born in Sunder-land, he was a member of the Royal Artillery (Volunteers) for many years, and has served both at home and abroad. For two years he was a gunner and he later went on to be a survey sergeant in various R.A. units. His novels include Sword at Sunrise, Seek Out and Destroy, Night Action, Ship of Force and Thunder at Dawn.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
Bolshevik Russia has withdrawn from the war and now stands isolated, ineffectually hostile to both Germany and the Allied Forces.
The Russian fleet at Kronstadt remains highly vulnerable, and the British government fears that a German offensive to ‘liberate’ the Kronstadt naval force could swing the balance of seapower against the Royal Navy and lead to defeat.
Commander David Cochrane Smith is captain of Audacity, a Q ship, no more than a lightly armed disguised tramp steamer.
He is ordered to deliver a fortune in gold and a mysterious female passenger to a group of Russian plotters who are prepared to sink the fleet and block German access to the harbour.
The only way through is to penetrate the defences of the Baltic—minefields and patrolling destroyers—then steam the length of it.
Smith’s one protection is Audacity’s disguise as a neutral ship: if that is stripped away his orders are to scuttle her because the Admiralty believes escape to be impossible.
Once again he faces the loneliness of isolated command, in a hostile and dangerous sea…with a loyal crew who can never know the true extent of their captain’s secret orders.
Audacity is a high-octane read from a master of military thrillers.
Praise for Alan Evans
“Fast moving, action-packed... The savage ruthlessness of the Nazis and of war itself are sombrely painted” - Lloyd’s List
“Action indeed is the keynote. Gunfire crackles constantly both on land and sea in a literally explosive adventure” - Yorkshire Evening Post
“For readers who delight in war-time stories... plenty of action” - Navy News
Alan Evans is a highly talented thriller writer who vividly and evocatively re-creates the atmosphere of the First and Second World Wars. He is also the author of three children's books. Born in Sunder-land, he was a member of the Royal Artillery (Volunteers) for many years, and has served both at home and abroad. For two years he was a gunner and he later went on to be a survey sergeant in various R.A. units. His novels include Sword at Sunrise, Seek Out and Destroy, Night Action, Ship of Force and Thunder at Dawn.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
