John F Hanley
IRISH LASS starts in EIRE (Southern Ireland) in July 1941, a supposedly neutral country which had escaped from the British Empire but, despite the urgings of the IRA, had no interest in joining the Third Reich. It follows on from DIAMONDS FOR THE WOLF as Jack is sent there to acquire a merchant schooner which can be used by S.O.E. (Special Operations Executive) set up by Churchill to "Set Europe Ablaze". It will be based in Helford, Cornwall and used to insert agents and carry out commando raids into Northern France.
Lt Commander Ian Fleming, who went on to write the James Bond series, is Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence and was instrumental in setting up the base and devising cunning plans which often sank without trace. He is also under orders to send Jack back to his home island, Jersey, to discover as much as possible about the German defences and plans as Churchill is under pressure from Stalin to retake the island in an attempt to draw off troops from the Russian front.
My initial inspiration for the whole series was my mother, Marjorie Renouf's experience living under five long years of German rule in Occupied Jersey, the only British territory Hitler captured and on which he subsequently wasted enormous resources to defend to the death. The island was declared open after the French surrendered but the Nazis attacked without warning and bombed it and its neighbour Guernsey on 28th June 1940 – an evening she would never forget. Normally, she walked with her mother and a young married couple, from across the road to the harbour after their evening meal. However, she was unwell and she and my grandmother stayed at home. The neighbours went but only the wife survived – she never remarried.
Jack Renouf has a complicated love life and this is reflected in the title as it not only refers to the schooner but to Molly Farnham, an Irish lass, who becomes one of the crew. This novel is the product of years of research but is first and foremost a thriller with several twists and turns – some of which surprised the author! The book's cover features the schooner which later became the HQ ship for the Helford Flotilla
EXPLOSIVE START
I was eagerly anticipating the publication of the latest novel in the Jack Renouf series and was certainly not disappointed! With an explosive start in Ireland the non-stop action continued to Cornwall and then across the Channel returning to Jersey where the author's first novel is set. We are introduced to new characters as the plot thickens but fans of the series will be pleased to know that the author keeps us well and truly informed of our favourite characters from the previous books - including the good, the bad and the downright nasty ones (who may or may not get their rightful comeuppance - no spoilers here!) Richard
JACK'S BACK
The author has really got into his stride with this latest book in the Jersey boy's Wartime adventures. This time he returns home by sailing ship to reconnoitre the Island defences. The story cracks along and Jack is very soon in the midst of trouble. J. Wood
AN EXCELLENT ADDITION TO THE SERIES.
Another excellent and well researched book with some new characters. Because the author has lived in both Jersey and Cornwall the geographic and maritime scenery is very authentic. Looking forward to the fifth novel in the series. Dr Ian Wort (paperback version)
AN EXCELLENT AND ENTERTAINING BOOK
Having enjoyed the previous three books, I was delighted to get hold of my copy of Irish Lass… The author has the ability to set the scene and paint a picture with just enough detail… and a remarkable insight into the murky workings of the intelligence services in wartime creating believable intrigue with a theme of continuous suspense. Jack Renouf is unbelievably resourceful which is as well given the scrapes he seems to he gets into. His complicated family situation is a recurring theme in the plot compromising Jack's options throughout. Well written and a thoroughly enjoyable read. Marshall Dagger
EXPLOSIVE START
I was eagerly anticipating the publication of the latest novel in the Jack Renouf series and was certainly not disappointed! With an explosive start in Ireland the non-stop action continued to Cornwall and then across the Channel returning to Jersey where the author's first novel is set. We are introduced to new characters as the plot thickens but fans of the series will be pleased to know that the author keeps us well and truly informed of our favourite characters from the previous books - including the good, the bad and the downright nasty ones (who may or may not get their rightful comeuppance - no spoilers here!) Richard
JACK'S BACK
The author has really got into his stride with this latest book in the Jersey boy's Wartime adventures. This time he returns home by sailing ship to reconnoitre the Island defences. The story cracks along and Jack is very soon in the midst of trouble. J. Wood
AN EXCELLENT ADDITION TO THE SERIES.
Another excellent and well researched book with some new characters. Because the author has lived in both Jersey and Cornwall the geographic and maritime scenery is very authentic. Looking forward to the fifth novel in the series. Dr Ian Wort (paperback version)
AN EXCELLENT AND ENTERTAINING BOOK
Having enjoyed the previous three books, I was delighted to get hold of my copy of Irish Lass… The author has the ability to set the scene and paint a picture with just enough detail… and a remarkable insight into the murky workings of the intelligence services in wartime creating believable intrigue with a theme of continuous suspense. Jack Renouf is unbelievably resourceful which is as well given the scrapes he seems to he gets into. His complicated family situation is a recurring theme in the plot compromising Jack's options throughout. Well written and a thoroughly enjoyable read. Marshall Dagger
Ireland and the Western approaches 1941
IRA NOT Neutral
IRA Threats
Dublin May 1941 - North Strand 28 killed by German bombs
Irish Lass under sail
Irish Navy MGB in pursuit of Irish Lass
Cornwall Helford River - SOE base
Raumboot (minesweeper) intercepting Irish Lass
RAF recon photo - Irish Lass berth in St Helier harbour
Raumboots tied up to the Albert pier
Confiscated Morris 8 open tourer Albert Pier
German on guard at Elizabeth Castle
German censor overseeing Jersey Evening Post production
German issued driving licence
German issued fishing permit
Germans marching along Charing Cross St Helier
Germans guarding St Helier Town Hall
Germans marching past Boots in Queen St
German band concert by the Cenotoph
Germans marching to fitness training
They march everywhere
At least the occupiers pay for their ice creams
Germans pay for bus rides as well
Germans requisition the Forum Cinema - locals welcome
Smile for the German propaganda machine
Germans use Burton but not for fifty shilling suits
Make way for the conquerors
On parade opposite the swimming club
Germans at Fort Regent
German machine gun nest at First Tower
Protecting Corbiere Lighthouse from the British
Not all ice creams and music
Irish Lass escaping from Jersey
Schnellboote in pursuit of Irish Lass
Ireland and the Western approaches 1941
IRA NOT Neutral
IRA Threats
Dublin May 1941 - North Strand 28 killed by German bombs
Irish Lass under sail
Irish Navy MGB in pursuit of Irish Lass
Cornwall Helford River - SOE base
Raumboot (minesweeper) intercepting Irish Lass
RAF recon photo - Irish Lass berth in St Helier harbour
Raumboots tied up to the Albert pier
Confiscated Morris 8 open tourer Albert Pier
German on guard at Elizabeth Castle
German censor overseeing Jersey Evening Post production
German issued driving licence
German issued fishing permit
Germans marching along Charing Cross St Helier
Germans guarding St Helier Town Hall
Germans marching past Boots in Queen St
German band concert by the Cenotoph
Germans marching to fitness training
They march everywhere
At least the occupiers pay for their ice creams
Germans pay for bus rides as well
Germans requisition the Forum Cinema - locals welcome
Smile for the German propaganda machine
Germans use Burton but not for fifty shilling suits
Make way for the conquerors
On parade opposite the swimming club
Germans at Fort Regent
German machine gun nest at First Tower
Protecting Corbiere Lighthouse from the British
Not all ice creams and music
Irish Lass escaping from Jersey
Schnellboote in pursuit of Irish Lass