Historic Naval Fiction Series
The Merriman Chronicles
A Certain Threat
Book 1
Updated 2024 Edition
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The Year 1792. With French Revolutionary agents travelling freely but secretly between Ireland and England and war with France inevitable, the English government of Mr. Pitt is desperately anxious to uncover any plots between Irish rebels and the French.
Lieutenant James Merriman with his ship, the sloop Aphrodite, is ordered to the Irish Sea to assist the principal Treasury agent Mr. Grahame in this work. Merriman is plunged headlong into the world of espionage and when Grahame is seriously wounded it falls to Merriman to carry on the investigation.
Young James Merriman must keep all his wits about him to foil these plans especially when his adversary is revealed to be an exceptional French agent Henri Moreau who hopes that by helping the Irish to throw off the English yoke, France will be able to use Irish ports from which to attack England.
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Reviews of A Certain Threat by Amazon customers
A Certain Threat
"What a great read, I enjoyed that. Our young hero navigates his way around the Irish Sea with his on board spy and his crew determined to crush a conspiracy between the wicked Irish and the even worse French who wish serious harm to England (nothing new there then) in the months before war is declared between the French and the English in 1793"
Could not put it down
"Being from the Wirral and knowing the area very well, mind you the 1960's not the 1700's although the sea hasn't changed much I was captured from the first chapter. I have sailed many of the areas mentioned and have even dangled my hand in the water at Parkgate although it is mainly vegetation now.
I am so pleased I was as it is a wonderful read and I am in love with Helen"
Britannia Rules The Waves
"To all who appreciate a rousing tale of British seamen, this book is for you. Intrigue, spies, rebels and the British Navy. Who could ask for more. Well, me for one. I'm ready for the next one. Enough authenticity to leave the smell of ocean spray and tar in the nostrils"
A good read
"I am a fan of sea going yarns and as I read many am quite disappointed on a number of occasions - but not this time. Kept me interested all the time - now looking forward to the next one"
Merriman and Company
"A plot involving the Irish, Welsh and French and add a bit of pre -war espionage and you might have a story. Give it to Roger Burnage and that is what you have.
Mystery and naval mayhem add further intrigue, throw in government and the secret service and you certainly want to read a little just to find out of this what it is about and you are booked
Don't worry there are another six more to read"
New sheriff in town
"This book is excellent, historical and give us a run for the money to all previously known authors. A great read"
If you like sea stories, this book is for you!
"This book kept me turning pages well into the night. Excellent writing about an action packed story. Would love to read the next book in the story of Captain Merriman"
Exciting read for someone who enjoys naval stories
"Well written and accurate in detail. A close account of the French and Irish position reflected at the time. I will follow the series"
Excellent read!
"Characters were believable and the story was exciting. The book is based on some letters found behind a fireplace and the author stuck what was documented in the letters. He has faithfully recounted what was in the letters. I now wish he would let his imagination take flight and create some adventures for a thoroughly likable character"
Excellent!
"A very good age of sail novel. Characters are well done, story line is gripping,, and the political entanglements are easy to follow.
Onto the second book…."
Great!
"This book was well thought out and written, and one of the rare books that can hold ones interest all the way through........"