The Last Horseman

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Description

Dublin, 1899. On a foul night in a troubled city, lawyer Joseph Radcliffe watches the execution of a young Irish rebel. Radcliffe, together with his black American comrade Benjamin Pierce, has made a living defending the toughest cases in Dublin, but is haunted by the spectre of his defeats, the loss of his wife and child and his difficult relationship with his surviving son, Edward. While Ireland smoulders with rebellion, war breaks out in South Africa and when, after an argument with his father, Edward runs away to join the Irish forces fighting there, Radcliffe, accompanied by Pierce, sets out to find him and bring him home. South Africa, 1900. Both Radcliffe and Pierce have known war. Former cavalrymen in the US army, they have seen enough killing to last them a lifetime. But eight hundred miles north of Cape Town, amid the trackless veld, they experience the bloody brutality of a conflict that the British generals are shocked to discover they are losing. Under fire from Boer snipers and artillery, distrusted by the British forces, the two old soldiers will find their survival skills tested to the hilt as they search for the missing boy in this epic tale of heroism and treachery, love and loyalty. PRAISE FOR DAVID GILMAN: ''Gilman is a master author. His books are meticulously researched and historically accurate whilst at the same time being thrilling and suspenseful, he is an author in the same class as Bernard Cornwell, and if you like that author's books, then you will be delighted with this author' Army Rumour Service. ''Once again Mr Gilman demonstrates why he's a superlative talent in his field and why historical fiction fans like me will continue to hang onto his every breath-taking, shock-ridden, plot-twisting word' The Book Bag. ''Takes no hostages, this fast-paced story never lets up' Independent.

Reviews

A gripping ride through a memorable period of history -- Wilbur Smith
Gritty, compelling, an exciting yet moving tale of love, war and Africa -- Tony Park, bestselling author of THE DELTA
Gilman's writing is, as always, powerful and sympathetic to the subject... The simply excellent writing drags you from rain-soaked Ireland to the dusty plains of the Transvaal, making you experience every step and emotion along the way' * Parmenion Books *
Gripping and full of action, but is also smart and subtle about questions of loyalty and guilt in a war with few good guys * The Times *
David once again proves his ability to add texture into his tapestry in the form of sub-plots and back stories... A novel that packs so much alongside and under a totally riveting story' * The Bookbag Top Ten Historical Fiction Books of 2016 *
Gilman had me hooked from page one... [He] has actually remained neutral in telling the story, a feat that shows what a truly great author he is' * Breakaway Reviews *
The writing is sharp, contains some great characterisation... Back this up with top notch action sequences, more than a few heart-in-mouth moments, backed with good pace and all round it's a series for me to savour with each new offering. Cracking' * Falcata Times *
Packed full of intrigue, adventure and excitement... The writing is skilful, and while the story is a page turner full of adventure, there are moments in which we are reminded that though most of the characters are fictional, the horror of this war was not... A perfect read for fans of Bernard Cornwell' * Historical Novel Review *
Adventurous, thrilling... The South African maelstrom is well presented, especially the brutality of the conflict between British and Boer and the pitiful situation of the native Africans. The compassionate characters, willing to help regardless of who they are dealing with, stand out in this unforgiving world, and the novel ends on a message of hope' * Irish Times. *
His portrayal of a war so often overlooked is all too real * Land Magazine. *

Author Bio

David Gilman enjoyed many careers, including firefighter, paratrooper and photographer, before turning to writing full time. He is an award-winning author and screenwriter.