For Want of a Shilling by Paul W Feenstra

 

• Paperback: 420 pages
• Publisher: Mellester Press (1 Feb. 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0473424541
• ISBN-13: 978-0473424541
• Product Dimensions: 12.7 x 2.2 x 20.3 cm

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

The mysterious Russian invasion hoax that shook colonial New Zealand.

New Zealand, January 1873, in a sparsely populated coastal community on Wellington’s south coast, the peaceful lives of Owhiro Bay residents were shattered with the discovery of two brutal and senseless murders.

Under cover of darkness the Russian warship, Petropavlovsk, crept unseen into the quiet bay and sent six men ashore – all veteran English speaking Marines. Their mission, to covertly gather vital information on Wellington’s defences and rendezvous with the ship three days later. It all went wrong when one Marine of the landing screening force, deliberately shoots and kills two innocent teenagers. Determined to complete their mission, the Russians stop at nothing to reach their objective.

Veteran soldier and local Constable, Sergeant Moana Rangitira of the Armed Constabulary, investigates the murders, which leads him in frantic pursuit of the Russians through the streets of Wellington. The trail leads northwards where he encounters smugglers, and his violent past as a Forest Ranger remerges to haunt him when he is pursued by a Maori war party through Taranaki’s rugged bush and wilderness. Eventually confronting the Russians in the dark waters of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, he discovers they want more than information.

What begins as a local murder investigation turns into an epic plot of global proportions. From the political agenda of England’s Prime Minister, the Machiavellian son of Russia’s Tsar, to the famed exploits of America’s confederate ship Alabama. Intricately researched, this story uses many recorded historical events and people to weave a story of intrigue, conspiracy and greed.

Can Sergeant Rangitira, prevent the Russians from fulfilling their ultimate goal, and can he prevent Russia and England from going to war?

 

Review

For Want of a Shilling is the second book in the Constable, Sergeant Moana Rangitira books, but to can be read as a standalone novel whichis  I how I read it.  The book is set in New Zealand in the late nineteenth century, after British troops have left the colony so it could begin to govern itself. Constable, Sergeant Moana Rangitira is part of the Armed Constabulary that upholds the law, and keeps the piece in Wellington.  What makes him different is that he is the only Maori member of the Armed Constabulary, and post colonialism this was something surprising as there were still prejudice among the British citizens.

What stood out for me with this book was the detail and the research that has gone into this book.  There is a lot of historical narrative about post colonial New Zealand, British feeling about the colonisation and how other nations, like Russia, sought to take advantage of New Zealand’s lack of defences after the British troops leave.  In the synopsis it is referred to as a Russia ‘hoax’ but in fact Paul’s research shows this to be based in fact, which is extraordinary: the Russians hoped to invade to get their hands on gold and maybe take over the rule. I love my history but didn’t now much about New Zealand’s history, so I relished learning something new.

I really admired the main character Moana, he was Maori but served in the Constabulary which was mainly made up by the  British.  He had to put up with abuse, verbal and physical, by some but he was revered by his peers and superiors.  We see him in the town of Wellington but also in his Maori habitat, and using his skills learnt from his grandmother, to track and capture criminals and those with a grudge against him.  There is also a full cast of colourful and dynamic supporting characters that add to the pleasure of this book; a slightly mad Russian Captain, a band of Russian spy, and lovely old lady who comes to his defence when he is being attacked.

For Want of a Shilling is a tour de force of historical fiction, the time and research to write this book is obvious in the writing and the plot line.  There is humour, wit, drama and tension in the narrative which is written with intelligence, understanding and knowledge.  Paul W Feenstra is a new name in historical fiction but I will certainly be purchasing his other books if they are anywhere near as good as this: a compelling and engaging novel.