The first in a new character series from the author of the wonderful The French Executioner. It is 1777, and Jack Absolute is off to crush the American Revolution. There are natural comparisons with the Sharpe novels but Humphreys is his own man, and Jack is a character who will undoubtedly grow. The historical detail is terrific and the action fast paced.
The brilliant first outing for a new kind of hero . . .
In 1777, Jack Absolute is famous ... as the dashing lover in Sheridan's famous comedy THE RIVALS. However, this notoriety comes as something of a shock to the REAL Jack Absolute when he disembarks at Portsmouth after four months at sea, and seven years in India ...
When his old commander is appointed to lead the army that will crush the American Revolution, Jack's history in the Colonies becomes vital. Years before he was adopted by the Iroquois, knows their language and ways, can rally these vital allies to the King's cause. Yet there is a traitor at the heart of the British army, betraying its every move.
From a field of honour in London through the Battle of Saratoga and the hunt for a double agent, Jack must fight revolutionaries, incensed rivals and a malevolent secret society - and all while trying to protect the woman he loves...
'Jack Absolute has been appropriated by CC Humphreys to become the star of this tale of action and intrigue... It's a neat trick, and one that Humphreys pulls off with aplomb... The author's eye for historical details is impeccable and there are several poignant subtexts, but he never lets his leading man take himself too seriously. In fact Humphreys previous form as an actor has certainly influenced his style as a writer, giving this entertaining romp the air of a true Hollywood blockbuster.' INK
'Jack escapes death more often than James Bond in his attempt to find the traitor in the King's ranks. There is some authentic historical detail in Jack Absolute as the background to an exciting romp.' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
'Vigorously imagined, dashingly done espionage adventure with newly retired military man, Jack Absolute... New territory for spy fiction, but utterly convincing in its period and ethnic detail. Few comparisons unless you go back to Fenimore Cooper's Last of the Mohicans. Quite bloody, thoroughly gripping, intensely readable.' LITERARY REVIEW
Author
About C. C. Humphreys
C.C. Humphreys is an actor, playwright, fight choreographer and novelist.
‘My first job out of school was as a motorcycle messenger, based in St Giles, where much of Plague and Fire takes place. It was a ghastly slum in 1665, and thousands died horribly there in the Great Plague. And much of this area suffered during The Great Fire of London in 1666. I think many Londoners have a deep-buried memory of the devastating things that have happened to their city. Walking those streets again, it’s not hard to sense the bones just below the paving stones.’
Chris has written nine historical fiction novels including The French Executioner, the Jack Absolute Series, Vlad and Shakespeare’s Rebel. Fire is a thriller set in London 1666 and follows on from Plague..
