Vindicta

A Scottish monk takes revenge on Napoleon

Based on scarcely credible historical events

It is 1808. Napoleon is nearing the zenith of his power. Desperate to dent his supremacy, the British government sends James Robertson, a middle-aged, overweight monk on a secret mission to persuade a Spanish general to betray Napoleon. Meanwhile. Jacques Marquet, a passionate supporter of the Revolution, is appointed chief spy-catcher for northern Germany, despite his career being blighted by his aristocratic birth.

Landed on the north German coast, Robertson narrowly avoids capture. In Hamburg he is spotted by Marquet but on this occasion managed to evade him. The monk discovers that the Spanish general and his troops have moved into Denmark and travels north.

A desperate game of cat and mouse then unfolds as Robertson tries to persuade the general to defect, while all the time avoiding capture by Marquet. The journey will take him through Denmark, Germany and into Bavaria as the Scottish monk continues his fight against Napoleon.

Reveiws for Vindicta

Charles Esdaile, Emeritus Professor of History at Liverpool University

Review of Vindicta by Roger Hunt 15th May 2025

“An aging Benedictine monk sent on a secret mission to spirit a Spanish division marooned on various Danish islands in consequence of the machinations of Napoleon Bonaparte back to Spain with the help of the Royal Navy? Sound though this does like the plot-line from a Hornblower novel, the story is actually entirely true, while it is now brought to life in sparkling fashion by Roger Hunt. Well done that man indeed!”

Goodreads.com

A remarkable debut novel. Historical fiction is not my go-to genre but the fact that Vindicta is based on real life events during 1808 makes it an even more fascinating and engaging read.
Almost cinematic in its scope and visual detail, short chapters feel like different scenes in a movie transporting you first to Hanover, then to Oxfordshire, then to the Foreign Office in London and so on.
They also give the novel a lot of pace and a sense of urgency, especially as the story unfolds. You definitely want to keep reading!
The story itself is a ripping yarn and yet, almost unbelievably, based on a true story. The story of a portly, middle-aged Scottish monk being sent undercover through Germany and Denmark in an attempt to outwit Napoleon and get Spain to revolt against him.
The novel gives you amazing insights into the history of the period. I had no idea that only 3 years after the Battle of Trafalgar, England was in a precarious position with so few European allies, whilst the audacious Napoleon was reigning supreme.
Moreover the plotting, machinations, espionage, counter-espionage, betrayals and incredibly courageous acts keep you hooked right up to the last page.
I honestly loved Vindicta and would highly recommend it, whether or not historical fiction is typically your chosen genre.