Out of the Fire

Out of the Fire is the story of Ada, a young girl who survived and escaped the Nigerian Civil War in Biafra.

She arrived in the UK with her English stepfather, Clint Topper, her mother, Charity Topper, and her two younger brothers, Billy and Ben. The story recounts the family’s journey from Uli Airport in war-torn Biafra to their final arrival at Heathrow Airport in London.

 Ada’s story is one of adjustment and survival in a new world – a world where peace reigns, food is plentiful, and children can be educated and play in a safe environment.

Out of the Fire

Out of the Fire is the story of Ada, a young girl who survived and escaped the Nigerian Civil War in Biafra.

She arrived in the UK with her English stepfather, Clint Topper, her mother, Charity Topper, and her two younger brothers, Billy and Ben. The story recounts the family’s journey from Uli Airport in war-torn Biafra to their final arrival at Heathrow Airport in London.

 Ada’s story is one of adjustment and survival in a new world – a world where peace reigns, food is plentiful, and children can be educated and play in a safe environment.

Mr Polly's Bonfire Party

Augustus John Polly is a restless academic, uncomfortable in the colonial environment of 1950s Hong Kong. Prompted by sexual fantasies, he is drawn into a conspiracy that unfolds disastrously.

“Amidst the decline of empire, a restless colonialist in Hong Kong debates the meaning of history. By turns funny and philosophical, this story of one man’s whimsy – but also courage – in taking a side challenges our own complacencies with political notions of right and wrong, as well as the inequalities of our own time.”
– Cyril Wong, poet and fictionalist.

“Mr. Polly’s world is a rich tapestry. The reader is transported to a world already gone, but not forgotten. It’s a cornucopia of themes, impressions, and moods. Like preparing a magical potion in a sorcerer’s cauldron, Malcolm Jack’s prose effectively uses a number of fascinating ingredients: The blend is sensuous, lascivious, delicious, funny, witty, ironic, intellectual, philosophical, political, historical, and human – a true cornucopia of life.”
– João Mendonça, translator and author.

“Malcolm Jack’s latest is a page-turner, a taut political thriller that never loses its momentum. The text has a cinematic quality, the protagonist a quiet Briton who contemplates the end of history and the fragility of empire. Hong Kong is lovingly and nostalgically depicted in glorious Technicolour as a city on the brink of change, at once beguiling and inscrutable.”
– Kennie Ting, historian and curator.

The Mozhaisk Road

The time is 1978 and Moscow is still the capital of a Communist country. The political police continues to suppress the protests of dissident leader Alexander Razumovsky and his tiny group of supporters. Western observers Howard Wilde and Gels Maybey face an uncertain Christmas after a public rally is roughly broken up in the city’s Pushkin Square.

But when the elderly Razumovsky suddenly steps down in the New Year and a new young leader emerges, the whole world sees a sign of hope. Can this sluggish, downtrodden Russia, despised by its own leaders, suddenly change, inspired by the courage of one Boris Marlinsky? As the Kremlin responds behind the scenes, how close can Western reporters come to grasping the hidden ways of power which seem to seal Russia’s troubled fate?

This forcefully imagined prequel to the real events of 1991 changes the lives of Howard Wilde and Gels Maybey, and their American friends Arthur and Harriet. But what then of their Russian friends? Is it only Western hearts and minds that long for freedom along the Mozhaisk Road?

Life Beyond Tomorrow

Set in 1827 England, Life Beyond Tomorrow follows the adventures of young Lissa Hughes and Miles Johnson as they uncover long-hidden truths about their pasts. From their very first meeting, they find themselves entangled in a dangerous mission to bring down a consortium of smugglers. With the help of family and friends, their efforts catch the attention of Britain’s master of spies.

As they journey between Paris and London, Lissa and Miles are drawn ever deeper into a struggle to protect the nation. Amid lies, secrets, near-death experiences, and a pitched battle, Miles fights not only for justice but also to claim what is rightfully his: the title of viscount.

Desert Apprentice

This is the story of an 18-year-old who is handed a truck and rigorous training, transforming him into a formidable young man. But will it all be for his own good? Will he remain in the army, or will he take a leap into the emerging challenges of television and electronics?

Traveling across the Middle East and often living rough, he faces the intense demands of training and responsibility. Can an 18-year-old truly rise to the challenge?

Discover the answer to this age-old question in a tale of resilience, growth, and self-discovery.

The Hunt for Colonel Strasser

As the Second World War nears its chaotic end, Martin Cohen, a British operative working out of neutral Switzerland, is pulled into a dangerous hunt for one of the Reich’s most elusive figures – Colonel General Hans Strasser. Shot and left for dead by Strasser at a Swiss hotel, Cohen barely survives, but his thirst for justice remains undiminished. With Europe in flames and the Nazi regime crumbling, he joins a British detachment tasked with capturing war criminals. Strasser, once a powerful industrialist within the Nazi machine, is now a man on the run, using every means at his disposal to evade the net tightening around him.

But the pursuit is more than just a mission. For Cohen, it is personal. Strasser’s syndicate of looted gold, his brutal execution of prisoners, and his direct attack on Cohen himself have made him a singular obsession. From clandestine meetings in the shadow of the Alps to the final desperate days in Hitler’s bunker, the chase spans a continent in turmoil. As the Allies push into Germany, Cohen’s determination to see Strasser brought to justice leads him deeper into a world of deception, shifting alliances, and unfinished revenge.

Fishers of Men

The second instalment in the dramatic new series, The Flavian Trilogy.

Joshua, Maria, and Linus Flavian now determine their destinies. From the Nazirites and the Essenes to the burgeoning fishing industry on the Sea of Galilee, Joshua and his band of followers are led from obscurity to the portals of the Roman Prefect in a movement poised to change the world. Maria of Magdala becomes a part of this movement, and is left with an awesome responsibility. Linus Flavian pits Roman pride and ambition against a Galilean past.

Fishers of Men provides a fascinating commentary on the origins of Christianity that is both challenging and yet plausible, incorporating traditional beliefs, fictitious thoughts, and new controversial interpretations. With vivid prose and compelling characters, Fishers of Men offers a captivating glimpse into the first-century Roman and Judean worlds.

“A provocative new picture of the ‘historical’ Jesus.”
– Kirkus Discoveries, Texas.

“Peter Longley’s unique interpretations of the life of the Messiah, along with his interesting and plausible explanations of miraculous events and his indications that Maria of Magdala played a vital role in the ministry of God’s son, make for a fascinating and intriguing story and increases anticipation for the third and final book in the series.”
– San Francisco and Sacramento Book Reviews, California.

“From the descriptive nature, it is obvious that this author has personal knowledge of these important first-century sites, giving authenticity to his work often missing in Biblical narratives.”
– Beecher, Springfield, Missouri.

Napoleon: Emperor Descending Shadows

In 1802, Napoleon mirrors Hannibal by crossing the Alps to deliver a decisive blow against the combined Austrian and Russian forces at Marengo. This crushing victory paves the way for the Peace of Amiens, bringing a temporary close to the Revolutionary Wars. Celebrated as the harbinger of peace, Napoleon is appointed Consul for life and soon ascends to Emperor, crowned by the Pope in Rome. Yet, the Pact of Armed Neutrality with Prussia, the Baltic States, and the Low Countries stirs unrest on the high seas, nearly erupting into open conflict when Nelson demolishes the Danish fleet at Copenhagen.

England refuses to stand idle as Dutch privateers supply Napoleon with ‘military contraband’ or let foreign navies slip into his hands. This fragile peace finally shatters when British ships clash with French escorts protecting privateers near Brest. Outraged, Spain joins France, and together they challenge Britain’s naval might, culminating in the legendary Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. While Napoleon’s forces sweep across Europe, only one man stands as the symbol of defiance against the Corsican upstart: Admiral Nelson.

The Migrants

Who exactly was King Arthur? Why are there many Welsh and Cornish place names in Brittany? What role did the Church play following the fall of the Roman Empire?

The novel gives answers by casting light upon this part of the ‘Dark Ages’ with a vivid picture of life in Britain and Brittany in the fifth century, a time of change and migration. The Roman legions had left Britain to its own devices and the Anglo-Saxons were invading. To escape, some Britons migrated to Brittany, taking their Celtic (Welsh or Cornish) language and their Christian religion with them.

The novel takes in known historical facts and puts flesh on their bones in a fast moving and compelling narrative. Two British bothers, Teged and Owain migrate to and settle in Brittany. They are wealthy, Romanised, devout Christians, literate in Latin and spoke the British (pre-Welsh) language. Cadwyr, the son of Teged, becomes an enthusiastic warrior. Teged’s daughter Nessa, who loves horses, becomes a successful horse-breeder.

The novel tells of battles, a warhorse, sea-voyages, saints, miracles, druids, monks, slaves, astrologers, and a pilgrimage, not ignoring daily life with its harvests, hunting scenes, and celebrations with music and rich fare.

Will Cadwyr and his young son prevail in a famous pitched battle?

We hear of historical characters: Arthur, Vortigern, Hengist, Consul Aëtius, Attila the Hun, St. Germanus, and more.

This fascinating period is brought to light by focusing on individual and colourful characters meeting the challenges of their age.

The Other Brunel

June 1821. Once admired for ingenious inventions that aided England’s navy, engineer Marc Isambard Brunel now lies broken in debtors’ prison. Though his innovations brought victory against Napoleonic France, accolades turned to accusations over his French roots. Now the fetid decay of King’s Bench Gaol repays his service.Yet Brunel’s determination remains unbowed. With steadfast wife Sophia ever by his side, he contends daily for freedom from this unjust fate. Beset by misfortunes, will he be forced to abandon his adopted England as he did his homeland? At what cost to his family – especially his beloved son, Isambard?This vivid portrayal illuminates a pioneering mind undone by the nation he served. Yet even stripped of acclaim and liberty, Brunel perseveres, a testament to irrepressible vision and spirit. His timeless struggle resonates still, for no bars can cage the soaring heights of human endeavour and hope.

A Time to Return

Harry Thomson grew up in an Australian country town, determined to break free from his destiny as a shearer’s son. The Nazi invasion of Poland became his escape route, leading him to enlist and board the Queen Mary with the 2nd AIF. But instead of adventure, Harry faced the horrors of war in Malaya, becoming a prisoner in Changi and enduring the brutal construction of the Death Railway.

Barely surviving, Hiroshima’s tragedy brought Harry liberation, but returning home began his greatest battle: life. Alcohol became his refuge from the haunting memories of war and what he had to do to survive. His one true friend, Jack Mills, whom he met during training and with whom he survived Changi, remained loyal despite their estrangement.

Decades later, Harry vanished, his whereabouts unknown until Jack’s great-grandson, Charlie, embarked on a search seventy years later. Born slightly disfigured, six-year-old Charlie believed he had lived before as Harry Thomson. Convinced he was his Poppy’s best mate reincarnated, Charlie carried the spirit and memories of the haunted, missing WWII POW.

Guided by his past-life entity, Charlie must solve the mystery of his own disappearance, uncovering unfinished business and secrets from a time long gone. A Time to Return uses historical events in a fictional narrative to create a gripping tale of survival, friendship, and the enduring power of the human spirit.