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Lieutenant Oliver Anson #3
Dead Man's Island: A Lieutenant Oliver Anson Thriller
Dead Man’s Island in the rain was as God-forsaken a place as you could find anywhere on earth.
Following the successful capture of the Normandy privateer Égalité, Lieutenant Oliver Anson is appointed by Commodore Home Popham to command the Seagate Sea Fencibles. Moreover, the Commodore has implied that there may be a clandestine nature to Anson’s new duties...
However, when the Commodore summons Anson to Dead Man’s Island, it is to find the Commodore absent. Forgoing any explanation, Anson is required to witness the funeral of a Frenchman from a hulk.
Hoping that Captain Matthew Wills will be able to provide some explanation as to his being there, Anson is only further mystified when Wills arranges for the Lieutenant to visit the hulk of the officer whose funeral he has just attended.
With promises that the full picture shall soon reveal itself, the lieutenant embarks once more.
David McDine, OBE, is a former Admiralty information officer, Royal Navy Reserve officer and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, and the author of The Story of Kent and its Lieutenancy. He also wrote The Normandy Privateer, another naval adventure featuring Lieutenant Oliver Anson, and the series prequel Strike the Red Flag.
Following the successful capture of the Normandy privateer Égalité, Lieutenant Oliver Anson is appointed by Commodore Home Popham to command the Seagate Sea Fencibles. Moreover, the Commodore has implied that there may be a clandestine nature to Anson’s new duties...
However, when the Commodore summons Anson to Dead Man’s Island, it is to find the Commodore absent. Forgoing any explanation, Anson is required to witness the funeral of a Frenchman from a hulk.
Hoping that Captain Matthew Wills will be able to provide some explanation as to his being there, Anson is only further mystified when Wills arranges for the Lieutenant to visit the hulk of the officer whose funeral he has just attended.
With promises that the full picture shall soon reveal itself, the lieutenant embarks once more.
David McDine, OBE, is a former Admiralty information officer, Royal Navy Reserve officer and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, and the author of The Story of Kent and its Lieutenancy. He also wrote The Normandy Privateer, another naval adventure featuring Lieutenant Oliver Anson, and the series prequel Strike the Red Flag.
265 pages, Paperback
Published February 26, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 20, 2021
Our hero is Lieutenant Oliver Anson and this third adventure is driven by the historical event when Admiral Lord Nelson conducted the naval siege of Boulogne.
"They were all there: Sampson Marsh, the fishmonger turned gun captain; his crippled nephew Tom, the unit’s best oarsman on account of his upper-body strength resulting from a lifetime of hopping around on crutches; Boxer, the undertaker; Hobbs; Minter; Heale; Oldfield; Hogben; Shallow; Longstaff; and others who had been with him since he took over and had already seen action."
Here is why I like McDine’s fascination with the little things – the approach reminds me of many of the novels of Jane Austen:
- Set in the same period of the late 18th Century
- Focused on life in the countryside away from any metropolis
- Incorporating the themes of self-knowledge, wealth, class and the importance of the right marriage
McDine may not be an innovator but he has written with attention to most details of life and speech at this period of time. This book is typical of the series in which Anson has his hands full with naval responsibilities, desires for advancement, family disagreements and local politics. Definitely entertaining.
"They were all there: Sampson Marsh, the fishmonger turned gun captain; his crippled nephew Tom, the unit’s best oarsman on account of his upper-body strength resulting from a lifetime of hopping around on crutches; Boxer, the undertaker; Hobbs; Minter; Heale; Oldfield; Hogben; Shallow; Longstaff; and others who had been with him since he took over and had already seen action."
Here is why I like McDine’s fascination with the little things – the approach reminds me of many of the novels of Jane Austen:
- Set in the same period of the late 18th Century
- Focused on life in the countryside away from any metropolis
- Incorporating the themes of self-knowledge, wealth, class and the importance of the right marriage
McDine may not be an innovator but he has written with attention to most details of life and speech at this period of time. This book is typical of the series in which Anson has his hands full with naval responsibilities, desires for advancement, family disagreements and local politics. Definitely entertaining.
October 16, 2023
This is the third book in the trilogy packaged together I got on Kindle Unlimited. Our hero is still ashore (this is allegedly a naval sea series but he's only been on the water in harbors or very near the short except a run completely "off camera" between books) as a trainer and basically running a group of Sea Fensibles (short for defensible, we're told).
Anson is involved in an intelligence operation involving a Royalist French man and the attack by Nelson on Boulogne. The commander of the Fencibles, an unpleasant Captain with strong social climbing ambitions, features strongly in this book. Anson's romantic entangles and boneheaded moves in the previous book are prominent as well.
There are some annoyances again. Anson keeps using "good grief" as a reaction to things, a term invented by Charles Schultz in the 1960s. The anti-religious theme continues, with every single person involved in religion either a weak loser or incredibly annoying jerk save for one nice Baptist guy and his hippy daughter.
I understand this is alien to modern people but religion -- particularly Christianity -- was a very strong, unquestioned, assumed part of culture and belief at this time. People were not all Christians, but they assume Christianity was part of their world and were very familiar with the Bible and Christian teaching. It was as much a part of the worldview as pop culture is today. Too many modern writers do not understand this, cannot write a culture like this, and simply apply their modern worldview to people from centuries ago.
Also, there's way too much recapping of events from former books in blocks of dry exposition, reintroducing characters, repeatedly stating things like the description of Captain Anderson's post, and descriptions of characters. The almost loathing with which the author describes Anson's family makes me think this isn't about the story so much as a chance to bash his own family in thinly veiled fiction.
The story unfolds okay, but is sort of forced into a conclusion by actual historical events, which means some things that should not have happened or don't fit well into the story are jammed into the actual results, making the entire thing feel pointless and empty.
Overall its not a terrible series but I can't really recommend it. And why the author chose to write about a naval captain and then keep him away from the sea is puzzling.
Anson is involved in an intelligence operation involving a Royalist French man and the attack by Nelson on Boulogne. The commander of the Fencibles, an unpleasant Captain with strong social climbing ambitions, features strongly in this book. Anson's romantic entangles and boneheaded moves in the previous book are prominent as well.
There are some annoyances again. Anson keeps using "good grief" as a reaction to things, a term invented by Charles Schultz in the 1960s. The anti-religious theme continues, with every single person involved in religion either a weak loser or incredibly annoying jerk save for one nice Baptist guy and his hippy daughter.
I understand this is alien to modern people but religion -- particularly Christianity -- was a very strong, unquestioned, assumed part of culture and belief at this time. People were not all Christians, but they assume Christianity was part of their world and were very familiar with the Bible and Christian teaching. It was as much a part of the worldview as pop culture is today. Too many modern writers do not understand this, cannot write a culture like this, and simply apply their modern worldview to people from centuries ago.
Also, there's way too much recapping of events from former books in blocks of dry exposition, reintroducing characters, repeatedly stating things like the description of Captain Anderson's post, and descriptions of characters. The almost loathing with which the author describes Anson's family makes me think this isn't about the story so much as a chance to bash his own family in thinly veiled fiction.
The story unfolds okay, but is sort of forced into a conclusion by actual historical events, which means some things that should not have happened or don't fit well into the story are jammed into the actual results, making the entire thing feel pointless and empty.
Overall its not a terrible series but I can't really recommend it. And why the author chose to write about a naval captain and then keep him away from the sea is puzzling.
May 19, 2018
Lieutenant Oliver Anson is called to witness the burial of a French officer who had been held on a prison hulk. But he soon learns the death had been staged and Anson assigned to keep the French aristocrat in hiding before returning with him to France on a secret mission. The story is set duribg the Napoleonic wars. What I had thought was a sea tale was mostly landlocked, but still intriguing. Anson was in command of a coastal defence unit guarding the English coast against a French invasion or privateers. The story offers interesting characters and a look at a different side of the naval conflict between England and France. But for those of us craving a seafaring adventure it does include an exciting battle of English forces led by the great Nelson against a French port.
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September 1, 2024Still, with the Sea Fencibles, Anson is seconded to other services for a covert mission to France. He is quite successful but his pompous and incompetent Captain fails to pass on his intelligence to Adm Nelson. Nelson's attack on Boulogne fails; one of the few defeats in his illustrious career.
His personal life, after becoming estranged from his family. begins to look more promising with a senior friend's lovely niece. A good series continues. Hopefully, the Lieutenant will get back to sea in future episodes.
His personal life, after becoming estranged from his family. begins to look more promising with a senior friend's lovely niece. A good series continues. Hopefully, the Lieutenant will get back to sea in future episodes.
February 13, 2021
Interesting plot, rich details, lots of XIX century expressions, and even some easter eggs. The 3rd book from the Lieutrnant Anson's adventures is another page turner. The only reason I subtract one star is that some characters are very one sided, and some even are clichés, like the sober, disciplined marine Tom Hoover or the evil religious brother Augustine.
Would be nice to have some flaws in the heroes and some virtues in the villains.
Would be nice to have some flaws in the heroes and some virtues in the villains.
November 21, 2022
A nice story about a nice young lieutenant who rarely if ever goes to sea. Not a sea story. Good novel about British families, conditions, treatment of prisoners and defending the channel ports but not much about the Royal Navy at sea.
Forester never had Hornblower spend so much time ashore and not going into the families and their interactions.
McDine has the ability but evidently not the inclination for a real naval novel in this case.
Forester never had Hornblower spend so much time ashore and not going into the families and their interactions.
McDine has the ability but evidently not the inclination for a real naval novel in this case.
November 11, 2023
I enjoyed the book as part of a trilogy from Amazon, it is an easy read, there is enough factual information to keep it real, but not too much to distract from the actual story. The character is built up nicely with some insights into his home life. It is different to the likes of Hornblower and Ramage as he is based on land - but an interesting insight. Will be reading the remaining books in this series as I have become quite invested in Olivers future.
October 31, 2018
Looking for next book
All three books are great novels of the British Navy. Learned a great deal about the land based Navy in the last novel that I hadn't seen in other author's work. The ending of the third book is a cliff hanger. Can't wait for the next book in this series. Wish the author has a website
All three books are great novels of the British Navy. Learned a great deal about the land based Navy in the last novel that I hadn't seen in other author's work. The ending of the third book is a cliff hanger. Can't wait for the next book in this series. Wish the author has a website
November 28, 2018
Another great book in the series
Lt. Anson returns to battle the French and eager ladies both attempting to conquer him. His escapades and other colorful characters make for a lively and historically entertaining novel. The phonetics of the common English sailors are quite humorous as well!
Lt. Anson returns to battle the French and eager ladies both attempting to conquer him. His escapades and other colorful characters make for a lively and historically entertaining novel. The phonetics of the common English sailors are quite humorous as well!
January 9, 2025
I think the third book in the adventure is more in keeping with the adventure in the first book. Oliver Anson again is forced to see the ravages of war, and the times many have forgotten were so brutal. Step back to another time with this book and read how it was back then. This series is one to grab. This is the third book in a continuing adventure.
February 25, 2018
Excellent
David continues to enthrall with this Anson series.
This third book in the series has reinforced my opinion that he is on par with Alexander Kent (nee Douglas Reeman)
I eagerly await reading more of the Napoleonic era from him
David continues to enthrall with this Anson series.
This third book in the series has reinforced my opinion that he is on par with Alexander Kent (nee Douglas Reeman)
I eagerly await reading more of the Napoleonic era from him
April 11, 2018
A Connvincing Account
With a fine eye for historical detail and an accurate setting for this adventure, Mr McDine conjures up a most reailistic atmosphere in a gripping narrative which makes a compelling read.
With a fine eye for historical detail and an accurate setting for this adventure, Mr McDine conjures up a most reailistic atmosphere in a gripping narrative which makes a compelling read.
May 25, 2018
A Good Story
Like other modern fiction writers on the Age of Nelson, McDine has placed his hero in events other than frigate duels and fleet battles. There’s action, humor, and a bit of romance. A very entertaining tale!
Like other modern fiction writers on the Age of Nelson, McDine has placed his hero in events other than frigate duels and fleet battles. There’s action, humor, and a bit of romance. A very entertaining tale!
May 29, 2018
Excellent Story
This book and it's predecessor captures the essence of C.S. Forester's Hornblower series. The characters are believable and the dialogue is well-defined. The action scenes are good and the historical buy-in was accurate.
This book and it's predecessor captures the essence of C.S. Forester's Hornblower series. The characters are believable and the dialogue is well-defined. The action scenes are good and the historical buy-in was accurate.
November 22, 2018
Excellent book
I have enjoyed this whole series so far! this book I read in the one long day, I didn't want to put it down.There had better be more of these stories or I will be one unhappy Kindle customer!
I have enjoyed this whole series so far! this book I read in the one long day, I didn't want to put it down.There had better be more of these stories or I will be one unhappy Kindle customer!
March 12, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved how the author managed to make us despise Captain Hoare with every ounce of our being (we’ve all met people with similar attributes). McDine covers a rarely explored part of naval history and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Sea Fencibles.
January 16, 2025
The best of the books in the series with Anson going undercover in France and being wounded for the zillionth time. In all of the other books I have read on the age of Nelson anyone who does what Anson does would have been promoted numerous times but alas he remains a Lieutenant.
March 7, 2018
Great Series! Anxiously Awaiting Next Book
Lots of realistic action and emotional twists. At times wanted to
jump through the pages to throttle the villains !
Lots of realistic action and emotional twists. At times wanted to
jump through the pages to throttle the villains !
May 27, 2018
Delightful
Great portrayal of many characters, very good plot and vivid story telling. Waiting with bated breath for the next chapter about Lt Anson.
Great portrayal of many characters, very good plot and vivid story telling. Waiting with bated breath for the next chapter about Lt Anson.
July 7, 2018
Very good yarn, I'd like more...
November 5, 2018
Excellent reading matter
Read all three of the Anson novels and believe there's at least one more to come. I am looking forward to it
Read all three of the Anson novels and believe there's at least one more to come. I am looking forward to it
January 5, 2019
A somewhat disappointing sequel after a promising first story. The historical research is still there but the baddies are too exaggeratedly motivated. Finishes on a rather silly cliffhanger note.
June 10, 2019
Top stuff
Could Oliver Anson be the natural successor to Jack Aubrey? Maybe so... we shall see but I think I'm convinced.
Could Oliver Anson be the natural successor to Jack Aubrey? Maybe so... we shall see but I think I'm convinced.
April 24, 2020
Really good series of books from this author. Just about to start book 4. Very good colourful characters in a well told unique storyline. Keep them coming.
September 17, 2020
Great Read
Really enjoyable reading with a different slant from most Brit Navy of Napoleonic era. Hard to put down so reserve time for this one!
Really enjoyable reading with a different slant from most Brit Navy of Napoleonic era. Hard to put down so reserve time for this one!
July 22, 2024
Ends on a cliff hanger. Eager to read the next in the series.
March 9, 2018
A seafaring story ?
It actually had very little seafaring action. I have followed this series and enjoyed the prior books that had more swashbuckling activity.
It actually had very little seafaring action. I have followed this series and enjoyed the prior books that had more swashbuckling activity.
July 8, 2018
Excellent sea story with lots of action.
I liked this book, it had lots of action and reference to my hero Admiral Nelson.
I look forward to more books by David McDine, he does write a good novel
that keeps your interest.
I felt the book ended to soon, I did think that the author should have completed this phase of the story before ending the book.
If wanted leave a method of starting a new novel, I this was to open ended.
But was still good read
I liked this book, it had lots of action and reference to my hero Admiral Nelson.
I look forward to more books by David McDine, he does write a good novel
that keeps your interest.
I felt the book ended to soon, I did think that the author should have completed this phase of the story before ending the book.
If wanted leave a method of starting a new novel, I this was to open ended.
But was still good read
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews