David Churchill – författare

ONE SHOT AT STOPPING A TRAITOR. ONE CHANCE TO CHANGE HISTORY. Praise for Wilbur Smith'A master storyteller' Sunday Times'No one does adventure quite like Smith' Daily Mirror'Best historical novelist' Stephen KingWILBUR SMITH RETURNS WITH A BRAND-NEW SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING WORLD WAR II THRILLER1943. The tide of the Second World War is turning. The Russian victory at Stalingrad - the bloodiest battle in history - has opened the door for the Allies. Now, they must strike decisively at the heart of Hitler's Reich. But military success cannot be guaranteed without total secrecy.Special Operations Executive's Saffron Courtney is sailing from the west coast of Scotland to New York on the Queen Mary. Her mission - to identify the mole in the British Embassy in Washington, DC before Churchill and Roosevelt begin the talks that will determine British and American military strategy in the wake of the Russian victory.Haunted by the ghosts of her previous mission in the Low Countries, and with dangerous agents on her tail, Saffron must find the spy who could derail the Allied advance. Time is running out. Will Saffron complete her mission? Or will she succumb to the shadows of her past?THE SEVENTH BOOK IN THE ASSEGAI SEQUENCE IN THE LONG-RUNNING COURTNEY SERIES AND THE FOLLOW ON FROM WORLDWIDE BESTSELLERS COURTNEY'S WAR AND LEGACY OF WAR. SAFFRON RETURNS IN FLASHPOINT IN AUTUMN 2026. PRE-ORDER NOW.'A suspense-packed, fast-moving tale of perilous cat-and-mouse espionage' Lancashire Evening PostReaders are loving CROSSFIRE:'The plot twists are excellent and the characters are utterly fascinating''Had me gripped from the beginning''I couldn't put this book down. The heroine is funny, dangerous, clever and fearless and the storyline is riveting''A fantastic storyline from Wilbur Smith and plenty of action and intrigue'

The history of modern crime control is usually presented as a narrative of how the state wrested control over the governance of crime from the civilian public. Most accounts trace the decline of a participatory, discretionary culture of crime control in the early modern era, and its replacement by a centralized, bureaucratic system of responding to offending. The formation of the 'new' professional police forces in the nineteenth century is central to this narrative: henceforth, it is claimed, the priorities of criminal justice were to be set by the state, as ordinary people lost what authority they had once exercised over dealing with offenders.This book challenges this established view, and presents a fundamental reinterpretation of changes to crime control in the age of the new police. It breaks new ground by providing a highly detailed, empirical analysis of everyday crime control in Victorian provincial cities - revealing the tremendous activity which ordinary people displayed in responding to crime - alongside a rich survey of police organization and policing in practice. With unique conceptual clarity, it seeks to reorient modern criminal justice history away from its established preoccupation with state systems of policing and punishment, and move towards a more nuanced analysis of the governance of crime. More widely, the book provides a unique and valuable vantage point from which to rethink the role of civil society and the state in modern governance, the nature of agency and authority in Victorian England, and the historical antecedents of pluralized modes of crime control which characterize contemporary society.

Based on extensive research in several international contexts, this volume provides a nuanced assessment of the historical evolution of private security and its fluid, contested and mutually constitutive relationship with state agencies, public policing and the criminal justice system. This book provides an overview of the history of private security provision in its multiple forms including detective agencies, insurance companies, moral campaigners, employers’ associations, paramilitary organizations, self-protection and vigilantism. It also explores the historical evolution of private policing and security provision in a diverse set of temporal, national and international contexts and compares the interactions between public and private security bodies, structures, strategies and practices in different countries, cultures and settings. In doing so, the volume fills the existing gaps in historical knowledge about the emergence of private and public security organizations and provides a more robust understanding of changes in the division of responsibility for security provision, law enforcement and punishment between public and private institutions.This wide-ranging volume will be of great interest to scholars and students of history, criminology, sociology, political science, international relations, security studies, surveillance studies, policing, criminal justice and law.

This book sets an agenda for the development of historical approaches to criminology. It defines ‘historical criminology’, explores its characteristic strengths and limitations, and considers its potential to enhance, revise and fundamentally challenge dominant modes of thinking about crime and social responses to crime. It considers the following questions: What is historical criminology? What does thinking historically about crime and justice entail? How is historical criminology currently practised? What are the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to historical criminology? How can historical criminology reshape understandings of crime and social responses to crime? How does thinking historically bear upon major theoretical, conceptual and methodological questions in criminological research? What does thinking historically have to offer criminological scholarship more broadly, and the uses of criminology in the public realm? In this book, Churchill, Yeomans and Channing situate ‘historical thinking’ at the heart of historical criminology, reveal the value of historical research to criminology and argue that criminologists across the field have much to gain from engaging in historical thinking in a more regular and sustained way.This book is essential reading for all criminologists, as well as students taking courses on theories, concepts and methods in criminology.

This book sets an agenda for the development of historical approaches to criminology. It defines ‘historical criminology’, explores its characteristic strengths and limitations, and considers its potential to enhance, revise and fundamentally challenge dominant modes of thinking about crime and social responses to crime. It considers the following questions: What is historical criminology? What does thinking historically about crime and justice entail? How is historical criminology currently practised? What are the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to historical criminology? How can historical criminology reshape understandings of crime and social responses to crime? How does thinking historically bear upon major theoretical, conceptual and methodological questions in criminological research? What does thinking historically have to offer criminological scholarship more broadly, and the uses of criminology in the public realm? In this book, Churchill, Yeomans and Channing situate ‘historical thinking’ at the heart of historical criminology, reveal the value of historical research to criminology and argue that criminologists across the field have much to gain from engaging in historical thinking in a more regular and sustained way.This book is essential reading for all criminologists, as well as students taking courses on theories, concepts and methods in criminology.

Based on extensive research in several international contexts, this volume provides a nuanced assessment of the historical evolution of private security and its fluid, contested and mutually constitutive relationship with state agencies, public policing and the criminal justice system. This book provides an overview of the history of private security provision in its multiple forms including detective agencies, insurance companies, moral campaigners, employers’ associations, paramilitary organizations, self-protection and vigilantism. It also explores the historical evolution of private policing and security provision in a diverse set of temporal, national and international contexts and compares the interactions between public and private security bodies, structures, strategies and practices in different countries, cultures and settings. In doing so, the volume fills the existing gaps in historical knowledge about the emergence of private and public security organizations and provides a more robust understanding of changes in the division of responsibility for security provision, law enforcement and punishment between public and private institutions.This wide-ranging volume will be of great interest to scholars and students of history, criminology, sociology, political science, international relations, security studies, surveillance studies, policing, criminal justice and law.

From the co-author of the Sunday Times bestselling Wilbur Smith novel, CrossfireTHE FATE OF ENGLAND HANGS IN THE BALANCE OF A FIGHT BETWEEN BROTHERS...'A real Game of Thrones and an outstanding read' ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐'I couldn't put it down' ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐'THIS is my kind of history... so vivid, so noisy, so alive' ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐'Outstanding, immaculate and thrilling' ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐THE LEOPARDS OF NORMANDY trilogy tells the story of William the Conqueror in all its dramatic glory - a world seething with rivalry and intrigue, where assassins are never short of work.The noble families of Europe are tearing themselves apart in their lust for power and wealth.Emma, Queen of England, is in agony over the succession to her husband Canute's throne... while her brother, the Duke of Normandy's sons battle in the wake of his death.Robert, the younger son, has been cheated of Normandy's mightiest castle and sets out to take it by force. He emerges from a bloody siege victorious and in love with a beautiful - and pregnant - peasant girl.Robert's child will be mocked as William the bastard. But we have another name for him... Conqueror.The fight for the Royal crown of England continues in the second and third books of the trilogy, DUKE and CONQUEROR.

**From the co-author of the No.1 bestselling Wilbur Smith novel, WAR CRY*The Conqueror will rise...The Leopards of Normandy trilogy continues with DUKE, as William of Normandy inherits his father's title and assumes command of his lands. David Churchill's 'exciting mix of medieval betrayal, violence and sex' (Wilbur Smith) is sure to enthral fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden.Normandy, 1037. Sparks fly from clashing swords as the game of thrones plays out in bloodshed. Of those named guardian to the boy Duke, all seek advantage and power. Most wish the boy dead. Some will go to any lengths to make it happen.Across the sea, the struggle for the English crown has seen Queen Emma's beloved son killed. She has two more sons waiting in the wings but Godwin, Earl of Wessex - kingmaker and arch manipulator - has other plans.As the noble families of Europe murder each other in their lust for power and fortune, the boy stands apart.His name is William. His destiny is to conquer.Don't miss the final instalment of The Leopards of Normandy trilogy, as Duke William prepares to take England by storm in CONQUEROR. What readers are saying about DUKE:'To read a novel linked by actual historic characters and events whilst still maintaining a racy narrative is quite something. A fantastic read''One of the best historical novels I have read. Well written, compelling, action-packed, good characters. This is seriously worth reading!'

From the co-author of the No.1 bestselling Wilbur Smith novel, War Cry The Leopards of Normandy trilogy concludes as Duke William prepares to take England, and his rivals, by storm. This real-life game of thrones lead to the defining the moment of English history: Hastings, 1066, and is a must-read for fans of Conn Iggulden, Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett. 'An exciting mix of medieval betrayal, violence and sex' Wilbur Smith It began with a promise. It will end at Hastings.William of Normandy, sworn heir to the English throne, is no longer the boy Duke but a loyal and proven warrior. Few dare challenge him, but England is an irresistible prize.The handsome, ambitious Harold Godwinson and the Viking Hardrada are both determined to stake a claim. William faces his greatest ever battle: deny his own destiny or conquer the land he was born to rule.History will be written in the blood of those who fall.Readers love The Leopards of Normandy trilogy 'A wonderful end to a magnificent trilogy''I now know where Game of Thrones got most of its plot from''Well written, compelling, action, good characters - you name it - this is seriously worth reading!''History brought vividly to life''Wonderful storytelling and historical detail'

BOOK 16 IN THE EPIC HISTORICAL SAGA OF THE COURTNEY FAMILY, FROM INTERNATIONAL SENSATION WILBUR SMITH'Best historical novelist' - Stephen King'A master storyteller' - Sunday Times'Wilbur Smith is one of those benchmarks against whom others are compared' ­-The Times'No one does adventure quite like Smith' - Daily MirrorTWO HEROES. ONE UNBREAKABLE BOND. Torn apart by war, Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are thousands of miles apart, both struggling for their lives. Gerhard - despite his objections to the Nazi regime - is fighting for the Fatherland, hoping one day to rid Germany of Hitler and his cronies. But as his unit is thrown into the hellish attrition of the Battle of Stalingrad, he knows his chances of survival are dwindling by the day.Meanwhile Saffron - recruited by the Special Operations Executive and sent to occupied Belgium to discover how the Nazis have infiltrated SOE's network - soon finds herself hunted by Germany's most ruthless spymaster. Confronted by evil beyond their worst imaginings, the lovers must each make the hardest choice of all: sacrifice themselves, or do whatever they can to survive, hoping that one day they will be reunited.A Courtney Series adventure - Book 3 in the Assegai sequence.Courtney's War is an epic historical adventure of courage, betrayal and undying love that takes the reader to the very heart of a world at war, from Wilbur Smith, one of the best and most beloved authors of the century. Don't miss the thrilling conclusion of the Assegai sequence, Legacy of War, available now.Book 17 in the Courtney family series, Ghost Fire, is available now. 'Courtney's War' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/e 09-09-2018.

'Best historical novelist' - Stephen King'A master storyteller' - Sunday Times'Wilbur Smith is one of those benchmarks against whom others are compared' ­-The Times'No one does adventure quite like Smith' - Daily MirrorTWO HEROES. ONE UNBREAKABLE BOND.Torn apart by war, Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are thousands of miles apart, both struggling for their lives.Gerhard - despite his objections to the Nazi regime - is fighting for the Fatherland, hoping one day to rid Germany of Hitler and his cronies. But as his unit is thrown into the hellish attrition of the Battle of Stalingrad, he knows his chances of survival are dwindling by the day.Meanwhile Saffron - recruited by the Special Operations Executive and sent to occupied Belgium to discover how the Nazis have infiltrated SOE's network - soon finds herself hunted by Germany's most ruthless spymaster. Confronted by evil beyond their worst imaginings, the lovers must each make the hardest choice of all: sacrifice themselves, or do whatever they can to survive, hoping that one day they will be reunited.A Courtney Series adventure - Book 3 in the Assegai sequence.Courtney's War is an epic historical adventure of courage, betrayal and undying love that takes the reader to the very heart of a world at war, from Wilbur Smith, one of the best and most beloved authors of the century. Don't miss more in this sequence: Legacy of War and Crossfire, available now. Pre-order Flashpoint, coming in autumn 2026.'Courtney's War' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/e 09-09-2018.

A Courtney Series novel and the sequel to the global bestseller WAR CRY Torn apart by war, Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are thousands of miles apart, both struggling for their lives. Gerhard - despite his objections to the Nazi regime - is fighting for the Fatherland, hoping to one day have the opportunity to rid Germany of Hitler and his cronies. But as his unit is thrown into the hellish attrition of the Battle of Stalingrad, he knows his chances of survival are dwindling by the day.Meanwhile Saffron - recruited by the Special Operations Executive and sent to occupied Belgium to discover how the Nazis have infiltrated SOE's network - soon finds herself being hunted by Germany's most ruthless spymaster. Confronted by evil beyond their worst imaginings, the lovers must each make the hardest choice of all: sacrifice themselves, or do whatever they can to survive, hoping that one day they will be reunited.Courtney's War is an epic story of courage, betrayal and undying love that takes the reader to the very heart of a world at war.

Wilbur Smith returns to his legendary Courtney Series with a brand new World War II thriller. 1943. The tide of the Second World War is turning. The Russian victory at Stalingrad - the bloodiest battle in history - has opened the door for the Allies. Now, they must strike decisively at the heart of Hitler's Reich. But military success cannot be guaranteed without total secrecy. Special Operations Executive, Saffron Courtney, is sailing from the west coast of Scotland to New York on the Queen Mary. Her mission - to identify the mole in the British Embassy in Washington, DC before Churchill and Roosevelt begin the talks that will determine British and American military strategy in the wake of the Russian victory.Haunted by the ghosts of her previous mission in the Low Countries, and with dangerous agents on her tail, Saffron must find the spy who could derail the Allied advance. Time is running out. Will Saffron complete her mission? Or will she succumb to the shadows of her past?BOOK 25 IN THE LONG-RUNNING EPIC HISTORICAL SAGA OF THE COURTNEY FAMILY AND THE FOLLOW ON FROM WORLDWIDE BESTSELLERS COURTNEY'S WAR AND LEGACY OF WAR.

AN IMPOSSIBLE MISSION. A QUEST FOR THE TRUTH. ONLY SHE HAS WHAT IT TAKES . . .1943, AmericaSOE's Saffron Courtney is back in New York, but even as she recovers from her mission to Washington, events on the other side of the Atlantic are making her return to England inevitable. The War Office need someone to extract an asset - a Jewish scientist, Caleb Ezra, a man vital to the war effort - from his hideaway on the besieged island of Leros. But first there is a debt to settle, and the mob do not wait - even for a decorated war hero . . . 1946, KenyaBack in her beloved homeland, and reunited with her lover-now-husband Gerhard von Meerbach, Saffron thinks that she might finally have found the peace that she craves. The war is over. But when she's paid a visit by an English operative who blackmails her with accusations of Gerhard's involvement in Nazi atrocities, Saffron has no choice but to return to the US at his bidding. With not only her life, but her family at stake, Saffron must track down Ezra once more - before it's too late . . .RETURN TO WILBUR SMITH'S LEGENDARY COURTNEY SERIES WITH A POWERFUL NEW WWII THRILLER - ESPIONAGE, CONSPIRACY and a RACE-AGAINST-TIME MISSION FOR THE TRUTH IN THE FOLLOW ON FROM WORLDWIDE BESTSELLERS COURTNEY'S WAR, LEGACY OF WAR AND CROSSFIRE.

FOR KING. FOR COUNTRY. FOR FAMILY. WILL SHE RISK IT ALL? Praise for Wilbur Smith'A master storyteller' Sunday Times'No one does adventure quite like Smith' Daily Mirror'Best historical novelist' Stephen KingWILBUR SMITH RETURNS WITH A BRAND-NEW SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING WORLD WAR II THRILLER1943. The tide of the Second World War is turning. The Russian victory at Stalingrad - the bloodiest battle in history - has opened the door for the Allies. Now, they must strike decisively at the heart of Hitler's Reich. But military success cannot be guaranteed without total secrecy.Special Operations Executive's Saffron Courtney is sailing from the west coast of Scotland to New York on the Queen Mary. Her mission - to identify the mole in the British Embassy in Washington, DC before Churchill and Roosevelt begin the talks that will determine British and American military strategy in the wake of the Russian victory.Haunted by the ghosts of her previous mission in the Low Countries, and with dangerous agents on her tail, Saffron must find the spy who could derail the Allied advance. Time is running out. Will Saffron complete her mission? Or will she succumb to the shadows of her past?A BRAND-NEW BOOK IN THE LONG-RUNNING EPIC HISTORICAL SAGA OF THE COURTNEY FAMILY AND THE FOLLOW ON FROM WORLDWIDE BESTSELLERS COURTNEY'S WAR AND LEGACY OF WAR.Readers are loving CROSSFIRE:'The plot twists are excellent and the characters are utterly fascinating' 'Had me gripped from the beginning''I couldn't put this book down. The heroine is funny, dangerous, clever and fearless and the storyline is riveting''A fantastic storyline from Wilbur Smith and plenty of action and intrigue'