Special Operations: Death Ray

The second heart-stopping WWII adventure featuring secret operative Finn Gunnersen. Now rejacketed with a stunning new series look

This exciting Finn Gunnersen adventure continues the story of Finn and his friends. The author firmly roots his story in fact, giving his readers a very accurate picture of what is was like to be in Europe during World War II

Craig Simpson is the author of twelve titles to date. After a long career in medical writing, Craig turned his hand to historical fiction, with his debut novel, Resistance, being published in 2007. It was followed by his highly acclaimed Special Operations series of wartime thrillers, the fist of which, Dogfight, won the Hampshire Book Award and was shortlisted for the Lancashire Book Award. There are now four titles in the series. More recently, Craig has written various short-format illustrated books for reluctant readers (EDGE published by Franklin Watts) and kept up his school visits with well over a hundred events under his belt. He has also appeared at various Literary festivals. Craig's latest novel, called Daniel, is a traditional swashbuckling adventure (published by Alsvith Books) and was shortlisted for the UK's Young Quills Award in 2016. A UK school tour with Daniel also helped Craig raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust. As well as writing, Craig is also an editor with a leading literary consultancy, helping both published and unpublished writers hone their work.

FRANCE, JANUARY 1941 
 
The Second World War is raging and Britain is staring at defeat. Intelligence indicates that the Nazis have built a deadly weapon on the French coast. Could a Death Ray really exist? There's only one way to find out - to steal it. Finn, Loki and Freya are fully trained agents with Special Ops. Officially, they don't exist - they're perfect for this secret and dangerous mission. 
 
A story inspired by one of the most amazing raids of WWII

Special Operations: Dead or Alive

The fourth high-octane WWII adventure featuring secret operative Finn Gunnersen

It has all the ingredients that have made this such an exciting series to read - great characters putting their lives on the line for the greater good, tight plotting, great action scenes, realistic dialogue and as much tension as any best-selling adult thriller

Plenty of twists and turns in this suspense filled story with so many heart stopping moments there is hardly time to draw breath between them. Full of atmosphere and so vividly told you feel you share the friends' danger . . . Unputdownable

This is exactly the sort of book to appeal to an 11-year-old child who loves a nail-biting adventure and is interested in how the French Resistance operated in World War 2. Highly recommended

Craig Simpson spent his childhood in southern England. At eighteen he headed off to veterinary school in Bristol but soon realized that in the wrong hands a scalpel could do more harm than good, and switched to studying science. He spent a while juggling test tubes before realizing there had to be more to life. After fifteen years scaling the corporate ladder, and travelling widely he became an independent consultant. A keen amateur historian, inspired by true stories he then abandoned the rat-race to write adventure novels. He now lives between the New Forest and the Hampshire seaside.

PARIS, FRANCE, NOVEMBER 1941 
 
A rogue British agent has vanished with a suitcase full of cash and a head full of secrets. Have Britain's defences been exposed? Special Operations must act fast. Finn Gunnersen and fellow agents head for the dark and sinister streets of Nazi-occupied Paris. Their orders are simple: 
Bring the agent back - Dead or Alive.

Special Operations: Dogfight

The first in the thrilling WWII adventure featuring agent Finn Gunnersen. Now rejacketed with a stunning new series look

A twisting tale of conspiracy, action and espionage, and I highly recommend it

Craig Simpson weaves fact and fiction together seamlessly to give his readers a thrilling and at the same time a meaningful reading experience. Readers will come to see how dangerous life was for many of the people who were living under German occupation during World War II

Craig Simpson spent his childhood in southern England. At eighteen he headed off to veterinary school in Bristol but soon realized that in the wrong hands a scalpel could do more harm than good, and switched to studying science. He spent a while juggling test tubes before realizing there had to be more to life. After fifteen years scaling the corporate ladder, and travelling widely he became an independent consultant. A keen amateur historian, inspired by true stories he then abandoned the rat-race to write adventure novels. He now lives between the New Forest and the Hampshire seaside

NORWAY, OCTOBER 1940 
 
Norway, a country invaded by the Nazis. Finn Gunnersen and best friend, Loki Larson, are determined to fight back. Joining the Resistance, they risk arrest, torture and execution. They also don't know who to trust. 
 
When vital secrets fall into their hands and the enemy is in hot pursuit, they must escape. But to succeed they face their greatest deadly challenge - how to steal an enemy plane and fly it to freedom. Can two boys take on the might of the Nazi power?

Resistance

A gripping action-adventure tale set against the historic war-time backdrop of occupied Norway.

Simpson's awareness of the divisions and dilemmas of a country under foreign occupation and the injustice and ruthlessness inherent in war itself, lifts this novel beyond run of the mill heroics

The book is clearly the result of considerable research and enthusiasm. This will appeal to readers of 14 upwards, particularly boys. The relationship between the two contrasting brothers is strongly conveyed through dialogue

This book is written with an obvious understanding of how a young boy might feel as he tries to understand the events taking place around him. He is surrounded by adults who are having to kill and who are being killed, all for a cause which he does not understand and yet which at the same time hurts and confuses him

A terrific romp, full of car chases, explosions, stiff upper lips and U-boats; fans of films starring Bruce Willis (or David Niven) should love it

Born in the New Forest in 1962, Craig Simpson spent his childhood in southern England. At eighteen he packed his bags and headed off to veterinary school in Bristol. Soon realizing the study of anatomy wasn't for him and that in the wrong hands a scalpel could do more harm than good, he handed in his stethoscope and switched to studying science. The animal kingdom blew a collective sigh of relief. After graduating, he moved to Cambridge and spent a while juggling test tubes before realizing there had to be more to life. After fifteen years scaling the corporate ladder, and travelling widely in Europe and North America, he jumped ship to become an independent consultant. A keen amateur historian and inspired by true stories of remarkable courage shown by ordinary people, he set himself a challenge - to abandon the rat-race and write fictional adventure novels. He now lives between the New Forest and the Hampshire seaside.

Norway, September 1943 
 
For brothers Marek and Olaf, a hunting trip out on the frozen Hardanger plateau offers a brief chance to escape the German occupation. But returning home they witness the horror of their father's arrest by the Gestapo and the start of a brutal regime under the evil Lieutenant Wold. When their daring plan for revenge goes horribly wrong, they are forced to seek refuge in the vast and unforgiving Norwegian wilderness. 
 
Saved from an icy grave by Resistance freedom-fighters, fourteen-year-old Marek is captivated by their courage and determination. He may not be a crack shot like his brother, but he is quick-thinking, resourceful and a talented mechanic. With youth on his side, the Germans probably won't suspect him - perfect for a part in the ambitious sabotage attack planned by the group. But can he keep his nerve, especially when the final assault throws his friends and family into the path of the enemy?

Craig Simpson

I would recommend this book to any child or teenager. It is a thriller and an action-packed book. It is one of my favourite books I have read in a long time, so anyone who likes thrillers or action books, this is the one for them

Full of secret and double agents this exciting, atmospheric story never loses pace and has many breathtaking moments that will have you on the edge of your seat

HOLLAND, MAY 1941 
 
A traitor has struck at the heart of Special Ops, jeopardising the entire Dutch Resistance network. British aircrew are trapped behind enemy lines and an important double agent has been stranded. Secret agents Finn, Loki and Freya must go into action once again. For Finn, with his father missing in action, presumed dead, this mission is more than critical. . . it's personal.

Special Operations: Wolf Squadron

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Praise for Special Operations: Wolf Squadron

I would recommend this book to any child or teenager. It is a thriller and an action-packed book. It is one of my favourite books I have read in a long time, so anyone who likes thrillers or action books, this is th ...

Full of secret and double agents this exciting, atmospheric story never loses pace and has many breathtaking moments that will have you on the edge of your seat

Books by Craig Simpson

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Special Operations

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