Book 3

The war in the Mediterranean, 1942:

The outcome of World War II hangs, as Churchill says, by a slender thread…

Only the tiny, embattled, half-starved Mediterranean island of Malta stands in Rommel’s way.

Now Available

Book 1 & 2

Books of the Battle of Britain

Book 1

Books of the Battle of Britain

Based on actual events, these novels follow Johnnie Shaux, a Spitfire fighter pilot, and Eleanor Rand, a brilliant Fighter Command mathematician.

“Superb”
—Paul Davis, Aviation Historian

Book 2

Book 1

Book 2

Based on actual events, these novels follow Johnnie Shaux, a Spitfire fighter pilot, and Eleanor Rand, a brilliant Fighter Command mathematician.

“Superb”
—Paul Davis, Aviation Historian

About John

Award-winning author John Rhodes uses fiction to retell the factual history of World War II. His focus on that titanic struggle stems from his earliest memories—he grew up in London where, he says, the shells of bombed-out buildings ‘served as our adventure playgrounds.’

Praise for John’s Books

“Rhodes’ knowledge of the historical circumstances of this tale, which crescendo with the siege of Malta, is magisterial—rigorous and granular but also with an impressive sense of context. He also sensitively captures the psyche of the fighter pilot, who must strenuously maintain vigilance and composure.”
—Kirkus Reviews on A Slender Thread

“The third in Rhodes’s WW2 series, A Slender Thread can easily be read as a standalone although the other two books are also fascinating. The main focus in all three is on ‘the few,’ that is, the RAF. Rhodes’s research is a deep dive yet never overwhelming. His characters are well drawn so we’re rooting for them to survive in this most perilous of places and times. All in all, an excellent, absorbing and most enjoyable read.”
—Historical Novel Society on A Slender Thread

“The author’s skill lies in his ability to insert his fictional characters into a detailed and well researched historical narrative. Very highly recommended.”
—Lillington History Society on A Slender Thread

“The saga continues. It is well written, packed with action and unexpected twists and turns. In short, it is a very good read, as we have come to expect from John Rhodes. ”
—Professor Les Bell on A Slender Thread

“Great touch, Mr. Rhodes—your fellow authors could take a page from your writing handbook.”
—2021 Benjamin Franklin Awards—Judge’s Evaluation on Infinite Stakes

“With considerable comedy amid the pathos, Infinite Stakes will find an audience with history buffs, fans of militaria and flying enthusiasts.”
—Ben Steelman, Star News on Infinite Stakes

“Rhodes memorably portrays Europe’s terrifying crisis….
A gripping, emotionally bracing account of a critical moment in history.”
—Kirkus Reviews on Breaking Point

“If you like historical fiction, or stories of women’s successes, read this book.
I highly recommend both this book and the writing of this author, John Rhodes.”
—Authors on the Air Review Crew on Breaking Point

“The author uses such logic, delivering the facts wrapped in a story about two people who lived the horrors and successes. How I wish those characters were not fictional… you cannot help but love and admire these two. Further, I want to thank John Rhodes for creating Eleanor… a woman with brains and courage and deep intellect. It is so rare to find an author generous enough to imagine such a woman who may well have had this kind of influence. I cannot wait to get volume three!”
—Amazon reviewer

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