'A hero to match Sharpe or Hornblower... Rip-roaring stuff' Northern Echo

It's 1880, and the atmosphere is explosive in the South African province of the Transvaal. The discovery of diamonds has bred greed and violence, while British forces contend with murderous bePedi tribesmen and subversive Boer farmers.

Former army captain Simon Fonthill has had his fill of conflict. But when he hears an old friend has been kidnapped by diamond smugglers, he and his servant '352' Jenkins embark on a rescue mission. Yet this is only the beginning. For when the acclaimed General Wolseley decides to lead his column against the bePedi stronghold, Fonthill and Jenkins once again find themselves marching to war...