E.V. Thompson Books In Order

Publication Order of Amos Hawke Books

Publication Order of Jagos of Cornwall Books

Publication Order of Retallick Saga Books

Chronological Order of Retallick Saga Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About E.V. Thompson/Ernest Victor Thompson

The British author Ernest Victor Thompson was primarily known for his many incisive and intelligent history novels. Transporting his readers to a different place and time, he would really capture the era which he was writing about, ensuring the period really came alive. Also known for researching each of his subjects extensively, he’d pay close attention to detail, giving his books an added layer of authenticity. Reaching readers worldwide, his books would transcend boundaries, as his writing proved to be accessible to all in terms of themes and ideas.

Speaking directly to his audience, his books really delivered when it came to entertaining his many readers as well. Keeping them glued to the page, he’d provide compelling and rich narratives that felt intricately woven, while being easy to follow. This approach allowed his readers to get lost in the worlds he created, taking them back in time, giving people a real insight into what it was actually like back then. Providing a window into the past, he managed to set himself apart as well, with his unique and idiosyncratic approach to writing.

Characters are another key feature of his work too, as he’d create protagonists that really stood out from the page. Over the duration of his long and illustrious literary career, he’d create a number of highly compelling and iconic characters that definitely made an impact. Coupling this with the series he created, he’d also ensure that reader came back time and time again for more of his compelling fiction. As more and more readers discover his work every day, his legacy continues to grow, as his work will remain for many generations to come.

Early and Personal Life

Born and raised in London, Ernest Victor Thompson MBE was born on the 14th of July in 1931, growing up with a keen interest in literature. This interest in reading and writing would develop through his career, as he would first go on to serve in Royal Navy for over nine years. Following this he would join the Bristol Police, working for some time within the force, gaining plenty of experience for a period of time.

After this he would go on to work for the Department of Aviation based in Rhodesia, working as the chief security officer there. Moving to Cornwall in 1970, he would settle down to become a full-time writer, focusing on historical novels based in and around the area. For his services to literature, he would become a Member of the Order of the British Empire for the New Years Honours in 2012, before passing away in Launceston, Cornwall, in July 2012 later that year.

Writing Career

Beginning his writing career in 1970, E.V. Thompson would settle down to focus on writing, releasing his first novel, ‘Chase the Wind,’ in 1977. Later that same his debut novel was voted as the best historical novel of the year, and he went on to publish over forty novels. He’s also published three historical series as well, with the ‘Retallick Saga,’ ‘Jagos of Cornwal,’ and the ‘Amos Hawke’ series.

Publishing under the pseudonym of James Munro as well, Thompson used his moniker to release several different books. Largely focusing on historical novels though, he would come to make a name for himself in this genre, along with non-fiction works looking at the area in and around Cornwall and Bodmin Moor. There would be omnibus editions of his work too, along with his contributions to different anthologies, ensuring he was one of the most prolific novelists of his generation.

Fires of Evening

Initially published through the ‘Little, Brown Book Group’ publishing imprint, this would first come out in 1999 on the 1st of July. Marking the eighth book in the ongoing ‘Retallick Saga’ series of books, it was the penultimate instalment in the series overall. Paving the way for ‘Brothers in War’ to follow in 2006, the series would focus on the Retallick family throughout the ages living in Cornwall.

Taking place in 1913, this sees Miriam and Josh Retallick as a part of the rugged Cornish landscape, along with their grandson Ben. But change is waiting on the horizon, as the tin mining industry of Bodmin Moor is facing changes, as trade unions rise up, and Ben’s position in the community could shift. Not only that, Ben’s cousin Emma Cotton is becoming increasingly interested in the Suffragette movement, and the Great War is soon to take place. How will they manage to deal with these changes, where will their journey take them all, and what will become of the fires of evening?

Developing the family saga, this book really builds upon what came before, creating a real sense of momentum throughout the entire novel. The story itself is well told, making it a must for fans of the series and of the author, really delivering upon its core concept. Clearly showing the time as it was too, it brings the period to life for the reader, along with the Cornwall as real living breathing place.

Chase the Wind

Once again brought out through the ‘Little, Brown Book Group’ outlet, this was the first book Thompson would release back in 1977. It would also be the second book in the ‘Retallick Saga’ series of novels, with the first coming out in 1980 titled ‘Ben Retallick.’ Paving the way for many more to follow, it would introduce him as a writer for the first time with this historical saga, setting the tone for years to follow.

As the son of a respected Cornish family, Ben Retallick is passionately in love with Miriam, who is the daughter of a drunken copper miner. Exploring the rural landscape of Bodmin Moor together during the nineteenth century, the discover all the hidden places and wild animals there. And that’s when fate tears them apart for several years, before bringing them back together, older and tougher, as the mining community faces even more powerful forces. Will they manage to get through it together, can they remain by each other’s side, and what will happen as they chase the wind?

As the first book from Thompson, this really works, and it’s no surprise that it was recognized as the best historical novel of the year in 1977. Introducing him as a writer for the first time, it would set about establishing his style, while also setting up a new series. With its engaging characters and grand sense of world-building, it really managed to create something that would stand the test of time for many years to come.