Military sequel pulls no punches

The action moves to India in Newark MP Patrick Mercer’s latest novel, Dust And Steel. The follow-up to last year’s To Do And Die continues the exploits of Captain Tony Morgan, an officer in the British Army.

We join him two years after the horrors of the Crimean War when he is facing a fresh ordeal of helping to quell the Indian Mutiny.

As with To Do And Die, Patrick pulls no punches in describing the barbarism and bloodbath that soldiers faced.

Within hours of landing in Bombay, Morgan is witnessing the execution of three rebels by literally blowing them to pieces.

Joining Morgan on his latest adventure are plenty of familiar faces.

These include the lazy but likeable Corporal Pegg, cowardly Captain Richard Carmichael and the ever-practical Colour-Sergeant McGlucken.

Morgan’s married lover, Mary, is also in India where, with her son, finds herself caught up in the entourage of rebel leader Rhani of Jansi.

Commandant Dick Kemp, hell-bent on revenge after seeing his wife and children slaughtered by rebels, is determined to kill Rhani — and her entourage — and is in no mood for showing mercy to any natives he meets along the way.

Seeing Mary’s life in danger, Morgan joins him on his suicidal quest, putting aside his disgust at Kemp’s wanton murderous actions to help his friend — and rescue Mary.

Patrick’s military and historical knowledge once again shines through.

He expertly guides us through the minefield of the Indian mutiny, the military protocols, and into the mindset of the soldiers.

But while all the military detail is there, it is not at the expense of the drama and the characters, which we learn much more about in this book.

The result is a totally absorbing and gripping read.

Next stop for Morgan is Afghanistan.

Dust And Steel is available on hardback, priced £17.99 — SH.