A Regimental Affair: (The Matthew Hervey Adventures: 3): A gripping and action-packed military adventure from bestselling author Allan Mallinson (Matthew Hervey, 3) - Softcover

Mallinson, Allan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 055350715X ISBN 13: 9780553507157

Publisher: Bantam, 2002

Synopsis

Canada 1817

Captain Matthew Hervey is suffering the effects of unrest within his beloved regiment, the 6th Light Dragoons.

Their new commanding officer - wealthy, arrogant and cruel - has taken an immediate dislike to him. Somehow, Hervey must earn promotion while retaining his integrity and the loyalty of his men.

Then the regiment is sent to Canada where, in the aftermath of war with the United States, Hervey faces danger on two fronts. Murderous native tribes are on the move. While, closer to home, he and his commanding officer have embarked on a collision course - the consequences of which will be devastating...

'A riveting tale of heroism, derring-do and enormous resource in the face of overwhelming adversity.' Birmingham Post

About this title

Review:

Allan Mallinson is probably the most accomplished practitioner of the historical adventure series today and his series featuring Captain Matthew Hervey of the Light Dragoons has already established a devoted following that grows with each novel. A Regimental Affair is not only the equal of its distinguished predecessors, the acclaimed A Close Run Thing and The Nizam's Daughters, but in it Mallinson even more effortlessly layers a complex new strata of characterisation and historical detail. Although the pacing is initially steadier and less exhilarating, this is a strategy on the author's part that really pays off as the final confrontation in the novel approaches.

It's 1817, and Matthew Hervey has returned to find England as turbulent as the India he has just left. The country is on the verge of revolution, and the lack of any policing means that the army is obliged to keep order. The cavalry are at the forefront in this arena, and Hervey's life is further complicated by his pending nuptials to Lady Henrietta Lindsay. The crux of the novel, though, is his conflict with the new commanding officer of the Sixth, who has a massive hatred of him (as well as nurturing a sinister secret). Mallinson skilfully orchestrates the clash between the two men towards a climax that combines the epic and the personal. Many writers have tackled the novel of historical warfare, but few have imbued it with the literate and stylistic elegance that Mallinson possesses; this is a series that goes from strength to strength.

The downpour was so heavy that Hervey's reins kept slipping through his fingers, and he had to wedge his insteps in firmly to save losing his stirrups. Driven almost horizontal by the wind, the rain lashed his face viciously, and no matter how he bent his head, water found its way down his neck and inside his tunic and shirt

--Barry Forshaw

Review:

"'Assured and capable...a fine read - charming, intelligent and occasionally witty'" (The Times)

"'Many fascinating strands woven into this beautifully written saga endorse the author's mastery of narrative. Sympathy, style and control mark the polished horseman; these talents are surely applicable to this talented writer'" (Country Life)

"'A riveting tale...Matthew Hervey has now joined Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe and Patrick O'Brian's Jack Aubrey'" (Birmingham Post)

"'The novel's re-creation of the period ... should keep fans of the regency military-romance genre happy'" (The Sunday Times)

"'Confirms his undoubted talents and marks him out as the heir to Patrick O'Brian and C.S.Forester'" (Observer)

About this edition

• Publisher: Bantam
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 055350715X
• ISBN 13: 9780553507157
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 512