Estate of Douglas scott
Agent: Sian Ellis-Martin
Douglas Scott (4 December 1926 – 1996) was the pen name of Douglas Smith, a British author of thriller fiction, mostly published during the 1980s. His subject periods run from the theatres of the Second World War to post war Europe. A number of his novels feature seagoing prominently and he sometimes get categorised as an author of naval fiction.
IN THE FACE OF THE ENEMY
WWII Thriller, 406 pages, Sapere Books, 2025
The Japanese army are advancing on Singapore and all is chaos as ship’s captain Robert Ross tries to load his cargo and ship out on his beloved boat, Machiko. Before sailing, he is forced take on board a group of officials evacuating the island and soon finds himself taking on more human cargo as he rescues an unlikely group from a sinking sampan out at sea.
Forced to dodge the advancing Japanese navy now dominating his trading route, Ross finds himself running out of fuel and a fire on board means seeking safe shelter on an uninhabited island north of New Guinea. Unbeknown to Ross and his passengers, their arrival has been watched by Major Hitoshi Kimura from the occupying Japanese Army who have set up base on the larger neighbouring island.
The Machiko’s captain, crew and passengers are captured and forced to work. Conditions worsen for the captives as they are subjected to cruel and deadly punishments.
As the tide of the war begins to turn against the Japanese, the future looks hopeless for the camp survivors. In a last desperate bid to outlive their ordeal, Ross and the islanders begin to formulate an escape plan. The question is, when to act…
EAGLE’S BLOOD
WWII Thriller, 448 pages, Sapere Books, 2025
Autumn, 1942
The pride of the Italian navy is lying at anchor in Genoa harbour. It is the mighty aircraft Aquila, capable of tipping the whole balance of the Mediterranean War.
As the Allied invasion armada steams across the Atlantic towards north-west Africa for Operation Torch, this huge ship must be prevented from sailing at all costs.
It is up to Commander Hetherington of the Royal Navy to ensure she stays put – whether above sea or beneath it. And he only has three men to depend on, who are fighting on different sides.
Assembling a team of special agents Hetherington sets the wheels in motion for Operation Snatch.
And with Allied forces closing in and German forces deserting Italy, can Hetherington and his team stay one step ahead of the enemy? Or will the Germans deal one final blow to leave their mark…?
THE SPOILS OF WAR
WWII Thriller, 303 pages, Sapere Books, 2025
1943. United States army sergeant Frank Quilley has been serving his war in the relative safety of Algiers, building a fortune on blackmail, gambling and murder. He knows what he wants and has no qualms pursuing his own selfish ambitions. He’s in control with his fortune secure in his own private jeep … until it is requisitioned and shipped aboard Fort Harrison.
To keep an eye on his money Quilley has no choice but to volunteer to join the American troops on board the Fort Harrison, a British merchant ship bound for the battleground of Salerno. For once in his life, facing the German lines in his own dug-out it looks like a terrified Quilley is out of luck.
Meanwhile the Fort Harrison and her British crew in dock are under heavy bombardment from the Luftwaffe.
Will the ship hold together alone at sea? Was it worth Quilley risking his life to protect his asset? Or will he finally suffer the consequences of amassing the Spoils of War?