Lone Wolf (The Wolves WW2 Series)
At the beginning of 1942, the United States is logistically unprepared to participate in another world war. In an example reflecting the themes of Barbara Tuchman’s A Distant Mirror, its industrial and manufacturing capabilities have yet to be restructured to meet the challenges ahead. Taking advantage, German submarines find easy pickings along the US east coast and in the Caribbean. Their British allies at first lead the way in forming escort convoys to protect the vital supply convoys. The small HMS Protea escort craft, described as being “like a tug boat,” and the Kriegsmarine U-127, along with their crews, find themselves pitted against each other in unfamiliar waters. The allies, though, have a distinct advantage through the dedicated enigma communications codebreakers back in Bletchley Park in the UK. The seaborne combat, however, remains complex and deadly for many.
Remember when classic military novels not only provided fascinating historical details but were also fiercely exciting? Author Allan gives us both in this superb novel. As with the best tales of combat, Lone Wolf is delivered from the perspectives of both combatants and shows the “hunter and prey” roles can be rapidly reversed based on a number of variables. He also provides interestingly detailed, understandable insight into the workings of cryptography. The stressful tension and sudden explosive impact of fighting at sea ring throughout, along with the dark humor that frequently accompanies dangerous operations. There is, ironically, a wee bit of a romance tale included between two of the boffins back at Bletchley Park. This is the third in a series but reads very well on its own without any gaps in context. Naval historical fiction doesn’t get much better than this fantastic book.
