A Close Run Thing: A Novel of Wellington's Army of 1815

In the tradition of Patrick O'Brian's beloved historical military adventures comes the first in a dashing new series featuring Cornet Matthew Hervey, a young cavalry officer in Wellington's army of 1815.   A Close Run Thing

For two decades, since the French Revolution, England and her allies have fought a seemingly endless war to loosen Bonaparte's stranglehold on Europe. Matthew Hervey, a twenty-three-year-old parson's son, has risen through the ranks of His Majesty's cavalry to a junior command in the 6th Light Dragoons.

Torn by ambition and ensnared in the intrigues of Wellington's army, Matthew struggles to shape his destiny, but his efforts are about to be cast to the winds of fate. For amid the clash of armies, he will find himself a catalyst in the battle of the century...near the small Belgian village of Waterloo.

Rendering with meticulous detail the life of a cavalryman, "A Close Run Thing" combines historical accuracy, riveting drama, and superb battle scenes to take the reader along on the daring escapades of a young man whose indomitable spirit carries him through one of the most profound military campaigns ever waged.

"Stirring...stimulating...entertaining...a richness of detail."

-USA Today

"Now at last a highly literate, deeply read cavalry officer of high rank shows one the nature of horse-borne warfare....Colonel Mallinson's a close run thing is very much to be welcomed."

-Patrick O'Brian author of the Aubrey-Maturin series

"An astonishingly impressive debut in the field of Napoleonic fiction. Convincingly drawn, perfectly paced, and expertly written, this cavalryman's tale is a joy to read."

-Anthony Beevor, author of Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege

"A rousing...tale of valiant heroism and dashing derring-do."

-Kirkus Reviews

"Mallinson expertly captures both the glory and the gore of the battlefield in this sweeping saga.... An exciting historical adventure steeped in authentic military detail."

-Booklist