Writing historical fiction combines the first great love of Alan Bardos’ life, making up stories, with the second, researching historical events and characters. He currently lives in Oxfordshire with his wife… the other great love of his life.

There is still a great deal of mystery and debate surrounding many of the events of the First World War, which he explores in his Johnny Swift historical fiction series. The series starts with the pivotal event of the twentieth century, the Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The second book ‘The Dardanelles Conspiracy’ is based on an attempt by Naval Intelligence to bribe Turkey out of the First World War. In the third book ‘Enemies and Allies’ Johnny is employed as a useful idiot to flush out a traitor working to undermine the Allies.

His new World War 2 series follows Daniel Nichols, a former pacifist turned crusader, as he moves from the Fleet Air Arm to Intelligence and Special Operations.

The first book ‘Rising Tide’ is set against the backdrop of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor; as Nichols is embroiled in a conspiracy to keep the USA bogged down in the Pacific and out of the war in Europe.

The second book ‘Hunter Class”, is set in 1943, Nichols has been recruited into 30 Commando by Ian Fleming, taking part in the invasion of Sicily and collecting top secret enemy material before it is destroyed. After the fall of Mussolini, Nichols joins forces with Giacomo Moretti, a combat swimmer in the Italian Navy’s elite Decima Flottiglia MAS. As the fate of the war hangs in the balance, they embark on a treasure hunt that will require all their skill and guile to ‘pinch’ a German T52 teleprinter, used by Hitler to communicate with his senior commanders.

Katharine is a writer, editor and reporter. Katharine’s first historical novel, The Low Road, was published in 2023 in hardback and published in paperback by Eye Lightning in 2025. It has been shortlisted for the New Angle Prize for Literature 2025.

Film Producer and writer. 10 Scotland Street, an opinionated history of one house over two centuries- now out in paperback.

Lelita Baldock is an author of historical fiction.

Her novels The Keeper of Lost Art, The Baker’s Secret, and The Girl Who Crossed Mountains are out now through Storm Publishing UK.

Lelita was born and raised in Australia, living between the capital cities of Adelaide and Melbourne. In 2018 she relocated to Surrey. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English Literature and History, and a Bachelor of Education, specialising in English.

As a secondary school English teacher, Lelita taught across multiple disciplines, including High Level International Baccalaureate English Literature and A Level English, in both Australia and the UK.

Lelita enjoys engaging with other readers and writers through social media and publishing a regular writing newsletter. When not writing, Lelita will most likely be found reading, with a cup of coffee or icy white wine in her hand.

 

Donna Moore is the author of crime fiction and historical fiction. Her first novel, a Private Eye spoof called Go To Helena Handbasket, won the Lefty Award for most humorous crime fiction novel and her second novel, Old Dogs, was shortlisted for both the Lefty and Last Laugh Awards. Her short stories have been published in various anthologies. In her day job she works as an adult literacy tutor for marginalised and vulnerable women. She has a PhD in creative writing around women’s history and gender-based violence, and her third novel, The Unpicking, a trilogy of novellas set in Victorian and Edwardian Scotland was published in October 2023 by Fly on the Wall Press. It spans three generations of ‘hysterical women’ who experience systemic corruption and injustice. She is also co-host of the CrimeFest crime fiction convention and is a fan of film noir, 1970s punk rock and German Expressionist artists.

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series, known for its fast-paced storytelling and meticulously researched depiction of the Viking world. Drawing inspiration from Norse mythology and a deep passion for medieval history, Donovan’s writing blends historical accuracy with gripping adventure.

Following the success of the Ormstunga Saga series, he wrote The Charlemagne’s Cross series, published by Boldwood Books, further cementing his reputation as a rising voice in historical fiction. His latest work, The First Kingdom series, explores the rich tapestry of 5^th century Britain and the Anglo-Saxon invasion.

Born in South Africa and raised in England, Donovan developed a fascination with the Norse and Viking age at an early age. When he’s not writing, he enjoys spending time with his family, watching rugby (he supports the Emirates Lions and the Springboks), and walking his French Bulldog through the English countryside.