Hunting Shadows: A Family’s War.
Jimmy Corbin has always wanted to join the RAF, so when his wish is granted in 1940, and he learns to fly his beloved Spitfire, Jimmy is delighted. But the Battle of Britain is about to begin.
When Charlotte’s twin sister is murdered during a bombing raid, she vows revenge on the German pilot she believes is responsible. But someone helped him escape the country and her search for justice will lead her in directions she could never have foreseen.
Fred Corben (same family, different spelling*) was delighted to be asked to work for the RSS, the Radio Security Service, but working in the shadowy environment of the listening services he soon learns that everything is not as it seems.
Frederick Farmer fought and was injured in the Great War so when war loomed again he was one of the first to volunteer for the Home Guard. But Frederick’s life is not all it appears, he has a secret that could affect the outcome of the war.
Geoffrey Maund is a member of the RAF Air Sea Rescue Service based in Singapore, but it is his other activities that occupy his every waking thought. Why won’t anyone listen to his warnings?
John Perriman, a Telegraphist on HMS Cleopatra, joined the Royal Navy in 1921, aged 16, but nothing in his past had prepared him for bomb alley.
Hunting Shadows: A Family ‘s War is a mix of fact and fiction, inspired by the true story of five members of the same family who fought for their country during the Second World War. The book is co-authored by Carole McEntee-Taylor and Brian Corbin (Jimmy’s son).
Jimmy Corbin was awarded the DFC
John Perriman was awarded the DSM, Atlantic and Mediterranean stars, the RN Long Service and Good Conduct medal
*The reason for the different spelling is in the book.
Reviews:
Hunting Shadows – A Family’s War by Carole McEntee-Taylor and Brian Corbin is a fascinating historical fiction based on the actual lives of the Corbin family and others associated. Almost epic in its depth, this story takes us from a peaceful town in Britain, where a family is not only torn apart by the incipient war and attacks on England by the NAZI forces, but the sudden murder of one of their own. We follow the dramatic thread of each member of the family and those close to them, as the war rages; taking us into war zones in the South Pacific, France, North Africa and of course, England. Each story, like threads, form the weave of a fascinating story that spans the war and its domain, and finally culminates in the most unexpected and certainly no less exciting, finish, one that answers all the questions, all the secrets that surround this war-time family and what happened to them, who was working for which side; and finally, the truth about the family member who was murdered years before. Definitely a recommended read for war-buffs, historical fiction lovers, and frankly, anyone who loves a good story. IWIC review
A tale of a resourceful and patriotic family from the great generation, The war tested them all to the limit in so many different ways across the many theatres of action. The spy thriller connected all the strands into a beautiful tapestry, Great read!
Another great fact and fiction story from Carole. A great page turner.
Good read. Interesting family.
Interview with James Hoggarth on BBC Radio Humberside 10/07/2023 – go to 12.41
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0fwcvbf
Jimmy talking about his time as a fighter pilot
