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Todd Ingram #1
The Last Lieutenant
“Powerful and engaging. Truly an inspiring and emotional story of bravery and sacrifice … a must read.” —Nelson DeMille, #1 NYT Bestselling Author
The year is 1942.
Bataan has fallen to the Japanese. The Philippines seem sure to follow. When a general surrenders the last American outpost in the West Pacific, Navy Lieutenant Todd Ingram refuses to give up the fight.
Taking to sea under cover of darkness, he leads his ten man crew to accomplish the impossible....slip through Japanese naval blockades, travel 1900 miles to Australia, and singlehandedly stop a ruthless Nazi spy.
There are no reinforcements. There will be no rescue.
And if Todd fails, he won’t just lose his crew...he’ll lose the woman he loves, too.
In the heart-pounding tradition of Ken Follett's Eye of the Needle comes a thriller brimming with raw courage, non-stop action, and an unforgettable villain.
_________________________________
Praise for John J. Gobbell and THE LAST
“Epic adventure in the grand tradition—a rip-snorting barnburner by a first-rate storyteller.” —Stephen Coontz
“There are no greater tales of epic combat than the fight for Corregidor and the Battle of Midway. John J. Gobbell masterfully combines them into a gripping war story that will be considered a classic in the decades to come.” —Clive Cussler
"Gobbell has, for me, personally resurrected the novel of World War II in the Pacific, combining thriller with war novel. [The Last Lieutenant] calls up memories of The Naked and the Dead and James Jones. A first-rate accomplishment." —Thomas Gifford
The year is 1942.
Bataan has fallen to the Japanese. The Philippines seem sure to follow. When a general surrenders the last American outpost in the West Pacific, Navy Lieutenant Todd Ingram refuses to give up the fight.
Taking to sea under cover of darkness, he leads his ten man crew to accomplish the impossible....slip through Japanese naval blockades, travel 1900 miles to Australia, and singlehandedly stop a ruthless Nazi spy.
There are no reinforcements. There will be no rescue.
And if Todd fails, he won’t just lose his crew...he’ll lose the woman he loves, too.
In the heart-pounding tradition of Ken Follett's Eye of the Needle comes a thriller brimming with raw courage, non-stop action, and an unforgettable villain.
_________________________________
Praise for John J. Gobbell and THE LAST
“Epic adventure in the grand tradition—a rip-snorting barnburner by a first-rate storyteller.” —Stephen Coontz
“There are no greater tales of epic combat than the fight for Corregidor and the Battle of Midway. John J. Gobbell masterfully combines them into a gripping war story that will be considered a classic in the decades to come.” —Clive Cussler
"Gobbell has, for me, personally resurrected the novel of World War II in the Pacific, combining thriller with war novel. [The Last Lieutenant] calls up memories of The Naked and the Dead and James Jones. A first-rate accomplishment." —Thomas Gifford
564 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 1995
10504 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
About the author
John J. Gobbell
16 books43 followersFROM USC TO YANKEE STATION.
Upon graduating from the University of Southern California, John was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy. He served as a deck and ASW officer aboard the USS Tingey (DD 539), a revered Fletcher-class destroyer and battle of Leyte Gulf veteran. He did a WESTPAC cruise and fought the battle of YANKEE STATION forming a protective destroyer screen around the carrier USS Hancock (CVA 19) in the South China Sea.
Professional Career
Most of John's career has been in executive recruiting. He was with KPMG Peat Marwick as a consultant for three years. And then for ten years, he was a Vice President Boyden Associates, Inc., a large New York City based international executive recruiting firm. He then founded THE GOBBELL COMPANY in Newport Beach, California where he worked on a retained basis with corporate clients to find senior executives. During a concentrated time of developing and presenting candidates for military aerospace clients, John became fascinated with advanced technology, weapon systems, and the executives who build them. Recently he was the Director of Development for the USC Catholic Center, located at the University of Southern California. There, he worked on a $35.0 million capital campaign to build a new Romanesque church and student center on campus.
In civilian life, John sails in Southern California yacht racing regattas. In younger days he skippered in the Long Beach Yacht Club's Congressional Cup, one of the most prestigious match-racing regattas featuring skippers from around the world, including America's cup stand-outs.
John and his wife, Janine, also a USC graduate, live in Orange County, California.
Upon graduating from the University of Southern California, John was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy. He served as a deck and ASW officer aboard the USS Tingey (DD 539), a revered Fletcher-class destroyer and battle of Leyte Gulf veteran. He did a WESTPAC cruise and fought the battle of YANKEE STATION forming a protective destroyer screen around the carrier USS Hancock (CVA 19) in the South China Sea.
Professional Career
Most of John's career has been in executive recruiting. He was with KPMG Peat Marwick as a consultant for three years. And then for ten years, he was a Vice President Boyden Associates, Inc., a large New York City based international executive recruiting firm. He then founded THE GOBBELL COMPANY in Newport Beach, California where he worked on a retained basis with corporate clients to find senior executives. During a concentrated time of developing and presenting candidates for military aerospace clients, John became fascinated with advanced technology, weapon systems, and the executives who build them. Recently he was the Director of Development for the USC Catholic Center, located at the University of Southern California. There, he worked on a $35.0 million capital campaign to build a new Romanesque church and student center on campus.
In civilian life, John sails in Southern California yacht racing regattas. In younger days he skippered in the Long Beach Yacht Club's Congressional Cup, one of the most prestigious match-racing regattas featuring skippers from around the world, including America's cup stand-outs.
John and his wife, Janine, also a USC graduate, live in Orange County, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
October 11, 2020
Gritty WW 2 Novel
While the subject of the book was interesting and covered a period of the war that I haven't read too much about, it was not a quick or smooth read for me. It dragged on a bit when it could have moved on to the next topic. Also, while I understand the Japanese were cruel, I didn't care for the darker parts of the story. Lastly, the spy aspect seemed out of place that will deter me from continuing to the next book. Had high hopes for this series, but am disappointed in the writing style. While I give this book only 2 stars, I give myself 5 stars for finishing it. LOL.
While the subject of the book was interesting and covered a period of the war that I haven't read too much about, it was not a quick or smooth read for me. It dragged on a bit when it could have moved on to the next topic. Also, while I understand the Japanese were cruel, I didn't care for the darker parts of the story. Lastly, the spy aspect seemed out of place that will deter me from continuing to the next book. Had high hopes for this series, but am disappointed in the writing style. While I give this book only 2 stars, I give myself 5 stars for finishing it. LOL.
September 14, 2020
Best book in a long while
This book has almost everything that a good has, action, adventure, and just a little romance. This the best book that I have read in a long while.
This book has almost everything that a good has, action, adventure, and just a little romance. This the best book that I have read in a long while.
March 20, 2020
Run of the mill story of a group escaping from Corregidor just before it fell to the Japanese in April '42. The only twist to this tale is one of the escapees is actually a German spy working as a Navy cryptographer.
Beginning of a series featuring Ingram's naval adventures.
Beginning of a series featuring Ingram's naval adventures.
April 30, 2022
So glad I stumbled upon this FREE book!! amazing
It slowly reeled me in, but once it got me, it got me good. I’m intrigued at not only the storyline but the characters. All so amazing to follow. I’d recommend this book to anyone! Can’t wait to continue this Todd Ingram Series!
It slowly reeled me in, but once it got me, it got me good. I’m intrigued at not only the storyline but the characters. All so amazing to follow. I’d recommend this book to anyone! Can’t wait to continue this Todd Ingram Series!
March 28, 2022
A fantastic story about escaping from Corregidor following Japanese occupation, in 1942. First book in what promise to be a great series!
June 21, 2022
Here is a war series that I stumbled into - I love it. Good WWII Pacific Theater Navy action
April 4, 2024
Oh goodness, but this book . . .
The underlining storylines were good, but the long, drawn-out technical descriptions were painful. I often had no idea what was going on. I was also confused about the lieutenant’s character. One minute, he was loyal to his men; the next minute, he was loyal to Helen. With that in mind, I have a new appreciation for what those who fought in the Pacific realm endured during WW2. I am humbled beyond belief.
The underlining storylines were good, but the long, drawn-out technical descriptions were painful. I often had no idea what was going on. I was also confused about the lieutenant’s character. One minute, he was loyal to his men; the next minute, he was loyal to Helen. With that in mind, I have a new appreciation for what those who fought in the Pacific realm endured during WW2. I am humbled beyond belief.
March 23, 2020
Better than I Remembered!
I originally read this book several years ago and very impressed with the story line and characters and remembered enjoying the rest of the series. I remembered that I had read the book before, but continued because I enjoyed the story line intermix of characters! Also my father was career Navy; was stationed at Singly Point (late 1950 till early 53) Philippines; my mother and family (3 boys and 2 girls) in late 51; and as 9/10 year old male, I was able to tour The Bataan Fortress, Corregidor, and the other island forts that protected Manila Bay. Manila Harbor was still filled with sunken ships! 👍😎🇺🇸
I originally read this book several years ago and very impressed with the story line and characters and remembered enjoying the rest of the series. I remembered that I had read the book before, but continued because I enjoyed the story line intermix of characters! Also my father was career Navy; was stationed at Singly Point (late 1950 till early 53) Philippines; my mother and family (3 boys and 2 girls) in late 51; and as 9/10 year old male, I was able to tour The Bataan Fortress, Corregidor, and the other island forts that protected Manila Bay. Manila Harbor was still filled with sunken ships! 👍😎🇺🇸
February 15, 2021
This COULD have been a really good book. Unfortunately, it does not appear there was any 3rd party editing to ensure pages/paragraphs weren't duplicated. The language and writing style was extremely difficult to follow...to the point that you just give up and go to the next paragraph vs. re-reading or trying to understand what the author is portraying. The writing style was so specific that if you weren't in the navy or a life long boater, you had no clue what was going on through much of the book. I got to the point where I just said seems like the boat seen is going good for the good guys or bad, I'll skip the next 3 paragraphs that make no sense to a normal reader. There were too many characters that played non-essential roles in the book, yet they were developed anyway. A good 3rd party edit could've fixed all of this and created a best seller. Instead, you get a book that you find yourself constantly wondering why you are still reading it, then you get a couple of good paragraphs that you understand enough to keep the plot moving in your head. There is a follow up book to this, and the plot was good enough that I'm interested in reading book #2, but I highly doubt I will based on the overall lack of editing, etc. on the first book.
October 30, 2020
Nicely mixes fictional characters in among actual events and real historical figures of WWII. It's an enjoyable read, although the author's character development is somewhat shallow and forced... shades of comic book defiance and heroics that just rings hollow if you are conversant with the history and with the actual first hand accounts of veterans who were there and experienced much of what LT Ingram did. Nevertheless, if you have an interest in WWII, the author does mix in authentic technical and historical data with the flow of action involving his fictional characters. Good WWII historical fiction....
October 21, 2020
This is an intense story of survival after the fall of the Philippines in May 1942. Navy Lt(jg) Todd Ingram leads a group that refuses to obey an order to surrender to the invading Japanese. This story describes the trials and tribulations they encounter as they try to get from the charnal house at Corregidor to the safety of Australia.
January 18, 2021
This is the first book in this series of WWII novels that feature U.S. Navy Lieutenant Todd Ingram. Todd is considered at the rank of captain, since he is the highest-ranking officer of the minesweeper he and his crew are operating. They are in Manila harbor, in and around Corregidor Island, shortly after the U.S. troops on the Bataan peninsula have surrendered to the Japanese. Initially when the U.S. troops on Corregidor surrender, the Japanese do not accept the surrender because there are other active U.S. troops in the Philippines. During this confusion, Lieutenant Ingram takes the surviving members of his minesweeper crew on another smaller vessel and escapes out to sea and then attempts to travel to Australia. Plenty of action occurs both while still in Manila harbor and also in their escape travels. However, at times the action drags somewhat, hence a 4 instead of a 5-star rating. The series features interesting characters and provides insight into the difficulties and sacrifices suffered by the besieged U.S. forces in the Philippines at the beginning of America’s entry into fighting WWII. I plan to continue reading this series and I would recommend it to others interested in WWII “realistic” fiction.
August 6, 2021
A fascinating and intriguing look at the bravery, compassion, and horrors of Corregidor
There was virtually no let-up in the Japanese bombardment of the island fortress which guarded the minefield which denied access to one of the worlds greatest harbors. Terror was a common denominator and only the dust and smoke filled tunnels provided any promise of safety. To venture outside was to court instant and violent death. Evacuations we’re few and on a priority based on the upcoming conflict with Imperial Japanese forces and slowing or even stopping their relentless and cruel march to subjugate as many people and as much territory as possible. A superb introduction to an outstanding series. Well worth the time.
There was virtually no let-up in the Japanese bombardment of the island fortress which guarded the minefield which denied access to one of the worlds greatest harbors. Terror was a common denominator and only the dust and smoke filled tunnels provided any promise of safety. To venture outside was to court instant and violent death. Evacuations we’re few and on a priority based on the upcoming conflict with Imperial Japanese forces and slowing or even stopping their relentless and cruel march to subjugate as many people and as much territory as possible. A superb introduction to an outstanding series. Well worth the time.
April 7, 2022
I didn't know much about the fall of Bataan and Corregidor when I started this book so appreciated learning something on that score. Other than that, I found the story line very contrived and not very believable. The merry band always seemed to come up with just what they needed in the way of materiel and supplies just in the nick of time. Their mechanical skills are way over the top. It is inconceivable to me that Amador and the other Philippinos could store all their supplies right under the Japanese' nose. I rather agree with some other reviewers that visualization is often difficult and too many Navy specific terms make the action difficult to follow. This is a fairly long novel so a not insignificant investment of time. If I had read a review like this, I would not have wasted mine.
January 21, 2022
Oh Man! Now Mr Gobbell has caught me hook, line & sinker. I was offered this book by Kindle on a trail basis & it was something.
This novel of a US Navy Lieutenant in the opening days of the Pacific Theatre in WWII is full of excellent detail, historical fact as well as an understanding of how individuals will act in crisis particularly under fire. The interaction between characters is extremely believable and the dialogue matches the interaction.
My father served as a physician in the Asiatic - Pacific Theatre in WWII so this is of particular interest to me. Like wise I have already begun looking for non-fiction titles that correspond to the battles in the first book.
I eagerly await book two to see the fate of Lieutenant AC Ingram!
This novel of a US Navy Lieutenant in the opening days of the Pacific Theatre in WWII is full of excellent detail, historical fact as well as an understanding of how individuals will act in crisis particularly under fire. The interaction between characters is extremely believable and the dialogue matches the interaction.
My father served as a physician in the Asiatic - Pacific Theatre in WWII so this is of particular interest to me. Like wise I have already begun looking for non-fiction titles that correspond to the battles in the first book.
I eagerly await book two to see the fate of Lieutenant AC Ingram!
March 18, 2022
This book was recommended as summer reading in one of the military magazines at work. I was also interested because it takes place in the Philippines where my parents are from. It had some slow parts but once the action started I started looking forward to what was going to happen next. I know this is only the first book in the series and I don't know if I'll continue to read the rest but I want to find out what happens with Todd and Helen. I’m rooting for them! A scary thought in the book as if the Japanese took Midway then my current life in San Diego would not be what it would be. So thankful for the US Navy and how they were able to stop them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2021
A Visceral read
Nothing can compare to the events that occurred when the Philippines fell to the Japanese during the war, however the descriptions in this book come close to describing the horrors and provocations suffered by those who served throughout this turbulent time. The author has not stunted on graphic detail but throughout it also brings forth the consummate human spirit of service and dedication to duty and the suffering of the civilians who had to endure without hope or understanding, a cracking read and looking forward to the next instalment.
Nothing can compare to the events that occurred when the Philippines fell to the Japanese during the war, however the descriptions in this book come close to describing the horrors and provocations suffered by those who served throughout this turbulent time. The author has not stunted on graphic detail but throughout it also brings forth the consummate human spirit of service and dedication to duty and the suffering of the civilians who had to endure without hope or understanding, a cracking read and looking forward to the next instalment.
December 27, 2023
I found this to be a challenging read. The plot sounded interesting, and it is, but the story is not told very well. I found the precise ( and oft' repeated) descriptions of the ships, guns, and ammo somewhat disruptive and often unnecessary. Basically, the book moves from one challenging situation and narrow escape to another without much else in between. One of the best chapters describes Japanese Admiral Yamamoto's long term and loving relationship with his mistress. I will not continue with the Todd Ingram series.
September 19, 2025
Truly disappointing. This book received such good ratings and reviews, I had to read it. I searched nearby libraries for quite a while and finally bought it. How disappointing. I understand making a hero look human but Ingram blundered his way through every scene. He couldn’t even bring himself to shoot a gun and his crew kept them away from him…. The crew were much more hero than he was. Where is Rambo when you need him. As someone else mentioned, it was far too drawn out and the next book brings back spies. No thanks.
December 16, 2025
A WWII tale of survival
I am always on the look out for war stories with a good mystery. I had very high hopes for this series. However, the detail that the author went into about boats, boat travel, and who reported to who, and how many different settings the people were in, was a no-go for me. Also, it kept jumping back and forth between the Japanese command, the American command, and the primary crew of the book so much that I got lost a few times. I liked the first 20% and then had to force myself to finish. Not my type of story. A 3.6 out of 5 rating.
I am always on the look out for war stories with a good mystery. I had very high hopes for this series. However, the detail that the author went into about boats, boat travel, and who reported to who, and how many different settings the people were in, was a no-go for me. Also, it kept jumping back and forth between the Japanese command, the American command, and the primary crew of the book so much that I got lost a few times. I liked the first 20% and then had to force myself to finish. Not my type of story. A 3.6 out of 5 rating.
June 4, 2020
You couldn’t imagine what they went through...
but they knew what was coming and chose fight. They had no real choice. The human body can be physically resilient, tough and can take a pounding, but is the human mind as resilient? Surrounded, ammunition and supplies depleted and yet they fought. You have to read this in order to get a hint of an idea what these men and women went through. Action, tension, human nature, greed, and to top it off, SPIES.
but they knew what was coming and chose fight. They had no real choice. The human body can be physically resilient, tough and can take a pounding, but is the human mind as resilient? Surrounded, ammunition and supplies depleted and yet they fought. You have to read this in order to get a hint of an idea what these men and women went through. Action, tension, human nature, greed, and to top it off, SPIES.
September 7, 2020
Good war story.
Looks like it will be a good series. I had a really hard time following the first fifty pages of this one, I almost quit, but I hung in there’s and kept reading. It was worth it. A good story emerged. The author gives a mostly believable account of a small navy team’s encounters with miserable conditions, sadistic enemies and many narrow mistakes. Looking forward to the next volume in the series.
Looks like it will be a good series. I had a really hard time following the first fifty pages of this one, I almost quit, but I hung in there’s and kept reading. It was worth it. A good story emerged. The author gives a mostly believable account of a small navy team’s encounters with miserable conditions, sadistic enemies and many narrow mistakes. Looking forward to the next volume in the series.
December 24, 2021
The Horrors of WWII...
I find the period of history leading up to and during World War II fascinating - history as well as historical fiction. I have to admit I got lost in the weeds on this book. It seemed to take an overly long time to get to the point to me. The author painted a compelling picture of the horrors the men and women endured in the Pacific Theater. The makings of a very good story - just didn't resonate with me as well as it could have.
I find the period of history leading up to and during World War II fascinating - history as well as historical fiction. I have to admit I got lost in the weeds on this book. It seemed to take an overly long time to get to the point to me. The author painted a compelling picture of the horrors the men and women endured in the Pacific Theater. The makings of a very good story - just didn't resonate with me as well as it could have.
September 21, 2022
5 star, would give more if i could
This book has it all, Naval action, realistic combat, human (they make mistakes) but courageous leaders, drama, romance, spies, water battles, land battles, geography lessons. The story is primarily about the fall of Corregidor in the Philippines and the escape and survival of a wonderful group of Americans aided by brave Filipinos. On to book #2
This book has it all, Naval action, realistic combat, human (they make mistakes) but courageous leaders, drama, romance, spies, water battles, land battles, geography lessons. The story is primarily about the fall of Corregidor in the Philippines and the escape and survival of a wonderful group of Americans aided by brave Filipinos. On to book #2
June 10, 2023
This is an insightful historical novel about the early years of WWII and the Philipines. After General MacArthur leaves Corregidor, General Wainwright surrenders all the troops in the Philipines—the largest known surrender ever at this point in history. Left hidden in the jungles are the Filipino Resistance and a few American, British, and Australian soldiers that would rather die than surrender.
This is a story of a band of men and one woman who resisted and finally fled to Australia.
This is a story of a band of men and one woman who resisted and finally fled to Australia.
April 27, 2024
wow!
I’ve read 3 of the Todd Ingram books. Decided to finally read the first one—it’s a page turner. I’ve never read such a harrowing description of the last days and surrender of Corregidor. What American soldiers, sailors, and Marines were subjected to gave me a whole new appreciation of WWII. This is a great read. Many twists and turns and Lt. Ingram may be a fictional character, but a hero and at the same time a conflicted soul. Great series.
I’ve read 3 of the Todd Ingram books. Decided to finally read the first one—it’s a page turner. I’ve never read such a harrowing description of the last days and surrender of Corregidor. What American soldiers, sailors, and Marines were subjected to gave me a whole new appreciation of WWII. This is a great read. Many twists and turns and Lt. Ingram may be a fictional character, but a hero and at the same time a conflicted soul. Great series.
October 13, 2024
Five stars
Captivating read! A few years ago I had a retired Air Force officer show me maps of the Pacific theater and told me stories of his part in fighting for control of many of the locations in this fascinating story. That helped me comprehend a lot of this. Well told, Mr. Gobbell! If you are interested in historical novels featuring WWII and battles therein, then this book is filled with a lot of action. I highly recommend it.
Captivating read! A few years ago I had a retired Air Force officer show me maps of the Pacific theater and told me stories of his part in fighting for control of many of the locations in this fascinating story. That helped me comprehend a lot of this. Well told, Mr. Gobbell! If you are interested in historical novels featuring WWII and battles therein, then this book is filled with a lot of action. I highly recommend it.
July 29, 2020
This novel is one of those books you can sink your teeth and mind into. It is fast paced with enough action and suspense to keep any military war novel fan engaged from beginning to end. The book has more twists and turns than an anaconda on speed. It is the first book in a series that promises a reading adventure.
September 14, 2020
Outstanding
One of the best historical fictional novels on the early war in the South Pacific that I have read. The author weaves a tense plot, sufficient action and excellent character development. Gritty details of the fall of Corregidor enhance the narrative and the escape by boat is harrowing. I will read the next in the series.
One of the best historical fictional novels on the early war in the South Pacific that I have read. The author weaves a tense plot, sufficient action and excellent character development. Gritty details of the fall of Corregidor enhance the narrative and the escape by boat is harrowing. I will read the next in the series.
November 17, 2020
I would consider the book a bit of historical fiction. Having read a good bit about WW2 I think the portrayal of the fall of Corregidor was realistic and fairly accurate. I also believe the atrocious behavior of the Japanese is well documented and realistically portrayed. I also liked the character development and the human nature of the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews