Britannia's Morass
The Dawlish Chronicles September - December 1884
by Antoine Vanner
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Pub Date Dec 01 2020 | Archive Date Mar 07 2021
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Description
1884: Florence Dawlish remains in Britain when her husband, Captain Nicholas Dawlish, leaves for service in the Sudan. She faces months of worry about him but she’ll cope by immersing herself in welfare work for Royal Navy seamen’s families at Portsmouth. It’ll be a dull but worthy time . . .
. . . until the suicide of a middle-aged widow whom Florence respects. Left wealthy by her husband, this lady died a pauper, beggared within a few months, how and by whom, is not known. The widow’s legal executor isn’t interested and the police have other concerns. Lacking close family, she’ll be soon forgotten.
But not by Florence. Someone was responsible and there must be retribution. And getting justice will demand impersonation, guile and courage.
Florence doesn’t hesitate to investigate blackmail and fraud in fashionable London. But a single wrong decision in circumstances far removed from that world plunges her into an ever-deepening morass, where loyalty to Britain and to seamen who served with her husband raises terrifying dilemmas
Old friends support her but old allies who offer help may have different, and sinister, agendas. Higher stakes are involved than she had ever anticipated. In a time of shifting international alliances, in which not all the enemies she faces are British, she can be little more than a pawn. And pawns are often sacrificed . . .
Britannia’s Morass plays out against a backdrop of poverty and opulence, of courtroom drama and political assassination, of subterfuge, treachery and espionage. It runs in parallel with Britannia's Gamble, which details Florence’s husband Nicholas's service in the Sudan. And the challenges she faces are no less deadly than his.
This volume includes the bonus short story Britannia’s Collector, which tells of Nicholas Dawlish’s service as a young naval officer in a gunvessel operating off the coast of South America in 1866.
Why The Dawlish Chronicles Series?
“I’ve enjoyed historical naval fiction since I was introduced to C.S. Forester’s Hornblower books when I was a boy,” says author Antoine Vanner. “I’ve never tired since of stories of action and adventure by land and by sea. The Napoleonic era has however come to dominate the war and military fiction genre but the century that followed it was one no less exciting, an added attraction being the arrival and adoption of so much new technology. I’ve reflected this in the Dawlish Chronicles and for this reason I’m pleased that nautical author Joan Druett has described me as ‘The Tom Clancy of historical naval fiction.’ My novels have as their settings actual events of the international power-games of the period and real-life personalities often play significant roles."
In many of the volumes of this series, Nicholas Dawlish's wife Florence (first met in Britannia's Wolf) plays a significant role. In two of them - Britannia's Amazon, and now Britannia's Morass - she is the main protagonist, acting independently of her absent husband. Clever, compassionate, courageous and fiercely loyal, she faces - and triumphs over - the suffocating social prejudices of the late Victorian era for having once been a servant. When faced with injustice or exploitation she is not prepared to stand aside and the battles she accepts are no less dangerous than her husband's.
Advance Praise
"5 Star Reviews on Amazon.com
5.0 out of 5 stars Victorian mystery thriller - superb expansion of the Dawlish Chronicles
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2020
Verified Purchase
Mrs. Dawlish - Florence - is the point of view character in this episode of The Dawlish Chronicles, titled Britannia's Morass. While her husband is off on the Nile Expedition to rescue General Gordon, Florence involves herself in the service of her community, as she did in an earlier episode, Britannia's Amazon. Investigating what seems to be a fraudulent business that preys on widows of means, Florence, with the help of her savvy friends, seems close to exposing one crime when she finds herself in great peril, unwittingly involved as a pawn in international espionage.
Setting us firmly in a Victorian place and mindset, the author broadens his Dawlish Chronicles with this installment as experienced from the distaff side, weaving in historical figures and events with realistic details. Part mystery, part thriller, Mrs. Dawlish is a strong point of view character who holds her own in the series, while never seeming ""modern"" or ""post-modern"" in her actions. Most believable and thoroughly engaging. A very intelligent read.
Charles A. Seavey
5.0 out of 5 stars On the home front
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2020
The Great Game, it turns out, was not only played in India.
Vanner leaves Nicholas Dawlish in the Sudan, and brings Florence Dawlish in England, to the fore in this novel. The book is an interesting mix of thriller, detective novel, and social commentary on a number of levels. It is considerably more layered than the other Dawlish novels, even Britannia's Amazon, Florence's previous stand alone novel. There are some ""I didn't see *that* coming"" developments that make it difficult to say too much about the plot without wandering into spoilers. Other readers should have those ""I didn't..."" moments without interference from a review. Suffice to say that Florence gets deeply involved in two separate situations that require a good deal of courage and fortitude on her part. One concludes in a marvelously etched courtroom sequence. And, for those with some knowledge of Royal Navy history, a look at ""...a coming man."" The other is complex, involving cross-channel trips, a lot of cold weather, and a cast of devious characters some driven by motivations not always obvious. Along towards the end of the book is this gem of a sentence as Florence enters a dining room in Dieppe ""She gave her name and a waiter, supercilious in English and probably unbearable in French...."" What a masterpiece of snark!
5 Star review on Amazon.co.uk:
Alison Morton
5.0 out of 5 stars What would Nicholas Dawlish be without Florence?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 December 2020
Verified Purchase
I admit I'm a big fan of the Dawlish Chronicles. From the first time I encountered Florence I have been intrigued by the complexity of her character. That said, both Nicholas and she have been deftly drawn over nine books. They very much reflect the Victorian age with its opportunity and innovation, yet face similar challenges those confronting human beings today – the hunt for job security, the blockages to helping others, class discrimination, etc.
But back to Florence whose book this is. Her first solo story, Britannia's Amazon, exposed a dreadful scandal but also showed how valuable female friendship and personal determination were and are. In Morass we see these renewed, but Florence has gained in self-assurance now, although her social conscience is as large as ever.
The author has developed his characters very nicely over the book series, but even better, his obvious ability for sound historical research is his great strength. A multi-layered plot stuffed with conspiracy, espionage and subtle and not so subtle manipulation by a truly amoral antagonist make this instalment in the Dawlish chronicles a terrific read. Highly recommended."
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9781943404315 |
| PRICE | $3.99 (USD) |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Account D, Reviewer
this was a really well done read, i enjoyed the plot of the book and getting to know the characters. It was a well written read and I enjoyed going through this book.
Reviewer 246080
I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I found this book incredibly interesting the author really kept me hooked until the end. very well written I highly recommend.
Reviewer 675076
"Britannia's Morass: The Dawlish Chronicles September - December 1884" by Antoine Vanner is a gripping historical novel set against the backdrop of 19th-century Britain. The story follows Florence Dawlish, a strong-willed woman who embarks on a quest for justice after the mysterious suicide of a widow she respects. What initially seems like a straightforward investigation into blackmail and fraud in London's high society takes a dark and complex turn, with Florence facing ever-increasing dangers.
Antoine Vanner's meticulous research and attention to historical detail shine throughout the narrative, immersing readers in the world of Victorian England. The author skillfully weaves together a tale of intrigue, espionage, and political machinations, creating a rich and immersive atmosphere.
Florence is a compelling and resilient protagonist, and her determination to uncover the truth is both admirable and relatable. The supporting cast of characters adds depth and complexity to the story, and their evolving relationships with Florence are a highlight of the novel.
The parallel storytelling with "Britannia's Gamble" provides a well-rounded perspective on the Dawlish family's experiences during this period of history. The bonus short story, "Britannia's Collector," is a delightful addition that adds depth to Nicholas Dawlish's character.
While the story is engaging and well-crafted, some readers may find the intricate plot a bit challenging to follow at times. Nevertheless, "Britannia's Morass" is a captivating historical novel that offers suspense, drama, and a strong sense of time and place. It deserves a solid four-star rating for its compelling characters and vivid historical portrayal.
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