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.

REVIEWS 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.

DP writes 

Have just finished Vindicta. I don't read many historical novels, but I really enjoyed this one. I thought the tension was going to slacken a bit towards the end once the Spaniards had been rescued, but you managed to keep it going with what looked like Marquet's successful pursuit of Robertson. And the end was truly a surprise, although I am not sure how likely it was that a man driven by his hatred as Marquet would take that option. (now you'll tell me it's true!)
You have clearly done a huge amount of research but have resisted the temptation to bung everything in! I would be interested to know how much is fact and how much fiction, and which characters were real people. Perhaps an Afterword in the next edition! 

A lot of first time novelists overwrite and use too many adjectives. You have a good crisp style. Also reasonably short chapters which I like.

The maps at the beginning were useful, although I couldn't work out where Heligoland was.

All in all I thought the book was excellent - I  read fiction when I go to bed and I found myself looking forward to picking it up, which is not always the case. Well done you! To be continued?

 

And from Amazon Australia, Noel H writes

This historic novel is an enthralling account of one of the great espionage stories of the Napoleonic wars.
Roger Hunt has thoroughly researched the background of his subject which certainly provides the reader with an increased knowledge of the battles between Napoleon and the British forces.
He successfully brings the characters to life which makes this fascinating story an adventure to be remembered.
With its fast pace and suspenseful ending Vindicta is a must read.
It will have immense appeal to all who enjoy historical accounts of political intrigue, espionage and events on the battlefield which had a lasting impact on Europe. I hope there will be a sequel as I never wanted to finish this book.

 

Simon W

A very easy read with nice short chapters and the plot gallops along. It's a fascinating moment in history with Napoleon ruling the European continent and Britain ruling the sea - a well-matched contest as it turns out. Roger Hunt has clearly done extensive research as the novel is packed full of authentic historical detail - I learnt a lot from reading it.