Fletcher Series by John Drake

Three of John Drake’s lively Jacob Fletcher novels are collected here together for the first time. FLETCHER’S FORTUNE When the evil Lady Sarah sees to it that her wealthy husband, Sir Henry, meets a sticky end, she discovers the entire family fortune has been left to a mysterious illegitimate son, Jacob Fletcher. She and her two loathsome sons won’t stand for this, of course, and plan to dispose of him... moreThree of John Drake’s lively Jacob Fletcher novels are collected here together for the first time. FLETCHER’S FORTUNE When the evil Lady Sarah sees to it that her wealthy husband, Sir Henry, meets a sticky end, she discovers the entire family fortune has been left to a mysterious illegitimate son, Jacob Fletcher. She and her two loathsome sons won’t stand for this, of course, and plan to dispose of him. Unfortunately for them, he’s been forced aboard His Majesty’s Frigate Phiandra, ready to do battle with what looked like half the French fleet. What will become of Fletcher and his fortune? Fletcher's Fortune is the first in a rollicking series of memoirs that bring the 18th Century back to life in its tawdry glory. FLETCHER’S GLORIOUS FIRST OF JULY Captured by an American privateer before escaping under fire to the safety of the British frigate Phiandra, war hasn’t been easy for Jacob Fletcher. Nor are things any better on dry land. Lady Coignwood and her loathsome son Victor are plotting something sinister, while Samuel Slym, common thief with a bone to pick – is digging up dirt. Fletcher’s Glorious First of June is an epic tale of exciting naval battles, raunchy encounters and murderous villains. FLETCHER AND THE MUTINEERS Driven out of England by Lady Sarah, Jacob Fletcher has reached the shores of Jamaica, where he might finally be able to make his fortune. But with the island under threat from the evil Vernon Hughes, and Lady Sarah unwilling to stop at anything to destroy her troublesome step-son, he may not be as free as he thought. Will Jacob Fletcher ever be allowed to pursue a life in trade as he so wishes? Fletcher and the Mutineers’ is the third in a rollicking series of memoirs as Fletcher evades the dangers of Maroons, mutineers and his stepmother. Praise for John Drake ‘Broad comedy, high drama, plenty of action, a pinch of sex ... the genre has room for this cheerily debunking outsider’ - Daily Mail ’Swashbuckling adventure on the high seas doesn't get much better than this. […] John Drake writes beautifully, and you'll be torn between savoring the words and quickly flipping the pages. Any favorable comparison to Stevenson or Patrick O'Brian is totally justified.’ - Nelson DeMille, #1 New York Times bestselling author John Drake trained as a biochemist to post-doctorate research level before realizing he was no good at science. His working career was in the television department of ICI until 1999 when he became a full-time writer. John's hobby is muzzle-loading shooting, and his interests are British history and British politics (as a spectator), plus newspapers, TV news, and current affairs. He is married with a son and two grandchildren. less

It is 1800 and Jacob Fletcher’s plans for a career in trade are once again dashed by the allure of ocean adventures.Sent to America as a roving ambassador, Fletcher finds himself caught up in one of his most demanding challenges yet, fighting against the robust French Navy. It is during this epic battle that Fletcher first sees the Blue Star, a diamond to surpass all others... moreIt is 1800 and Jacob Fletcher’s plans for a career in trade are once again dashed by the allure of ocean adventures.Sent to America as a roving ambassador, Fletcher finds himself caught up in one of his most demanding challenges yet, fighting against the robust French Navy. It is during this epic battle that Fletcher first sees the Blue Star, a diamond to surpass all others.Determined to find the source of the diamond, Fletcher embarks on a journey through Africa, where he finds himself entangled in a new and dangerous enterprise: providing weaponry, and fighting side by side with Prince Inyathi, the Buffalo, a Zulu leader, who is battling against the Arabs. Fearsome Zulus, witchcraft and even love stands in Fletcher’s way as he navigates the diamond mines and works to secure safe passage back to England.This action-packed adventure is the sixth book in the Fletcher series. less