The Wastes Of Gadarike

Russia (988-990) Ethelwulf the Wanderer’s band flee to Gadarike (Russia) from Finland. However, they are soon betrayed, narrowly escape and seek revenge. This creates new enemies and they are despatched to Khazaria where conditions even worsen among a population of Christians, Jews, Moslems and pagans. With news of old enemies on their trail they escape using the river system, despite tragic events, through the Sea of Azov and head for Byzantium determined to find security there as mercenaries. With extensive factual End-Notes Part 7 of a nine part series set in the 10th century Viking world. Here the background is a pagan Russia gradually becoming Christian but threatened by pagan and Moslem enemies.

The Baltic (984-85) Ethelwulf the Wanderer and his company arrive in the court of the aged Harald Bluetooth in Denmark. Along with the giant Thorgrim the Short, Ethelwulf is persuaded to help a Wendish tribe plundered by the mysterious Sons of Hel. There follows the horrors of pagan rites, the treachery of a king and then the enforced recruitment into the forces of Styrbjorn, claimant to the Swedish throne. The attempt is a disaster and Ethelwulf has to somehow slip away without the slur of ‘niddering’. With extensive factual End-Notes Part 5 of a nine part series set in the 10th century Viking world. Here the background is a pagan world of the Baltic Sea, with a divided Viking society and savage neighbours.

1965 UK An under-current of racial unrest is fanned by unknown forces. Jonas Forbes battles those threatening British society but is almost overwhelmed by his own mistakes. A thriller firmly set in 1965 and with a frenetic pace.

The story of Ethelwulf of Arne, the Wanderer, winds to its end as he staggers alone and in despair towards Jerusalem, convinced that with the Second Coming of Christ, predicted within months, he’ll meet his destiny. But his life is not yet finished – a marriage, a child, a scarce-remembered cousin and a long-lost companion are yet to cross his path. Add to that a bloody climax of over twenty years of adventure when Ethelwulf realises his destiny isn’t quite as expected. With extensive End-Notes Part 9 of a nine part series set in the 10th century Viking world. Here the background is at Palestine about to be engulfed in the hysteria of the Second Coming in which the Wanderer seeks to confront his destiny.

1958. Europe Following revolution in Iraq a cousin of the deposed king is in danger. Jonas Forbes has the job of bringing a most uncooperative individual from Rome to London, under constant threat from the Mafia, the Unione Corse and others pursuing the contract. Will the 'package' arrive undamaged in London? A thriller firmly centred in historical fact which involves European railways, an uncooperative client and two of the world’s most dangerous criminal organisations

1954 Kenya Jonas Forbes in the colonial police battles vs. Mau Mau.. Askari Stay-Alive Johnson witnesses a massacre but deserts rather than give evidence. Jonas has to bring him back but the tale isn’t over by a long way, especially when love and jealousy play their parts.

1961 UK. Mao Zedong orders Chinese Intelligence (CID) to penetrate the British Labour Party and CND to produce a split between Britain and its NATO allies. In China a Western spy reveals the plot but then goes on the run. MI5 recruits Jonas Forbes to investigate the threat. Jonas becomes involved one of beautiful Chinese twins – but is she an enemy agent? Triads and the Soviet Embassy play a part before the end is reached. A thriller meticulously exploiting its historical context

979 France: Ethelwulf & his followers land in Jersey, still hunted as the murderers of King Edward. They soon become involved in mystery, corruption and violence in a small community. Whether it’s a monastic election, fossil discovery or murder Ethelwulf’s interference brings enemies – not least from England. Drastic action proves essential for survival. With extensive factual End-Notes Part 2 of a nine part series set in the 10th century Viking world. Here the background is a small multi-cultural Norman community threatened by corruption and violence

1963 UK. The Profumo -Keeler sex-and-espionage scandal crocks the Establishment. Jonas Forbes is hired to protect leading figures but stumbles on to activities which could guarantee future nightmares involving zombies and sewers. A thriller, rich in period detail, which uses evidence from actual legal and police activity

1967 USSR Jonas Forbes is hired to protect a guitarist in HAVOK, a rock group booked for concerts in Moscow; but Jonas is also working for MI6. Can he manage both jobs? Can he elude the KGB? As the group travel by coach across Europe he’s also threatened by the STASI and the SB. The Rock World, Cold War and murder feature in this fast-paced thriller.