A Thriller Novel by Laurie Penman

 

Set in the eighteenth century – a tale of espionage, romance, social upheaval, and political intrigue.

The ‘prenticed Journeyman by Laurie Penman      

Laurie Penman is the author of the historically based Celtic Empire novel series. Also author of a number of clock related books, at one time Laurie lived in Totnes in a house that was literally just around the corner from the home and workshop of a well-known 18th century clockmaker William Stumbells. Stumbels has been ranked as one of the most accomplished clockmakers in 18th century Britain.

This tale revolves around his ex-apprentice John Richards who literally falls into a tangle of espionage on the last day of his apprenticeship and with Stumbells’ encouragement is introduced into the world of naval intelligence.

It was a time when French and British spies were tripping around both countries and ‘cloak and dagger’ adventures and misadventures were rife. French agents crossed the channel on smuggling vessels and so did British agents. But they often travelled openly as gentlemen; John as fully qualified clockmaker had a good education in the science of horology and astronomy and could mix with like-minded men of the ‘Enlightenment’; but much of his time was spent in the company of much more dangerous company.

Available in: Paperback US$15.00 –   Buy Now

                       eBookS £5.50  –  TBA

Review and Background

Jill and I have found Laurie Penman’s latest novel “The ‘prenticed Journeyman” both gripping and informative.  Both were left looking forward to the next book in the series as were friends who also read the draft version.

Laurie Penman commenced writing technical books in 1984.

In 1990 Laurie decided to diversify his writing.

About that time Laurie and Betty moved to Totnes, England, living about 60 metres from an 18th century clock workshop.  Having had a long association with clock construction he decided to write a novel based around the Clockmaker of Totnes and the turbulent times of the mid 1700’s.  War with France was an ever present reality.

The first book of a planned Clockman series is a thriller with an insight into the clock making industry in Britain, the social fabric of the time, and the political realities around the English Channel.

In 1990 getting a book published was expensive and finding a publisher prepared to accept a book was a long, frustrating process.  Laurie approached a couple of publishers without success and was then called back to his clock repair business and associated writing.

“The ‘prenticed Journeyman” has lain largely forgotten.  During the development of Laurie’s websites I read snippets of Laurie’s creative writings – including the Celtic Empire Series of historical novels based in the first century AD.  I suggested he write a thriller.

“Well I do have one almost finished.  I could dust it off” he responded.  The rest is history.  The first of the Clockman series is available both as a Print-on-Demand paperback and as an eBook.

I am sure you will enjoy meeting the Stumbels family and Master Stumbels’ recently graduated apprentice with the attendant adventures which follow.

Mark Gardner

Available in: Paperback US$15.00 –   Buy Now

                       eBookS £5.50  –  TBA

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