Articles











Author Interview



The past isn’t dead, it isn’t even past
Writing historical fiction combines the first great love of Alan Bardos’s life, making up stories, with the second, researching historical events and characters. He currently lives in Oxfordshire with his wife… the other great love of his life.
There is still a great deal of mystery and debate surrounding many of the events of the First World War, which he explores in his historical fiction series. Through the eyes of Johnny Swift, a disgraced and degenerate diplomat and soldier.
The series starts with the pivotal event of the twentieth century. The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The second book The Dardanelles Conspiracy is based on an attempt by Naval Intelligence to bribe Turkey out of the First World War. In the third book Johnny will be employed as a useful idiot to flush out a traitor working to undermine the Allies.
Praise for his books
‘Written with polished panache, it kept me gripped from the first to last.’ A.A. Chaudhuri, She’s Mine
‘As far as writing humorous cads and bounders goes, I am not sure I want the competition…, but this is a brilliant book that kept me gripped to the end, and I bought the next one straight away.’ Jemahl Evans, A Rake’s Progress
‘Political intrigue, an enthralling account of the assault on the beaches of Gallipoli and romantic comedy… it’s all in this highly entertaining romp.’ Shaun Lewis, The Custom of the Trade series
‘I have to say that I think Bardos has really cracked it. Johnny Swift is an excellent drunken anti-hero, somewhat debauched, but with a good heart.’ David Boyle, Before Enigma
‘Gives a carefully-researched and graphically real insight into the doomed campaign, as well as telling a gripping story of courage and redemption.’ Allan Martin, Death in Tallinn
‘With its war-damaged, womanising, loose cannon of an anti-hero, Johnny Swift, The Dardanelles Conspiracy vividly captures the flux and uncertainty – as well as the horror – of war.’ R.N. Morris, A Gentle Axe
‘A thrilling romp through the delights and dangers of WW1 espionage.’ Matthew Willis, The Fortress of Malta series