[Sir Thomas 'British Tommy' Armstrong and The War Between the States] [By: Tighe, Mr Barry] [December, 2012] Paperback – 19 Dec. 2012

At last a successor to George McDonald Fraser. I have been waiting for an author to write a story that involved real characters and situations from history ever since the demise of flashman. If the second part of this story is as good as the first then Barry Tighe has re-created a great series. I look forward to reading the next instalment.

Better than I expected, certainly better than most of the flashy rip offs. Hopefully there will be further volumes of our hero's adventures to come. Fraser alluded to another three or four at least. Bring them on.

When I first bought this book in hardback, it was entitled "Flashman and the War between the States". One can only assume that potential copyright issues with the GMF estate have prompted this change?While it starts well, this is a poor 'tribute' to the original Flashman series - much of what is written is a poor pastiche of "Flash For Freedom", it contradicts the known 'history' of his experiences in the war, relegating him to a sideshow and ends abruptly, after several hundred pages, with 'to be continued'.If you want to find a worthy successor to GMF, try Robert Brightwell's 2 books.

I haven't read this book but I was aware it was published as a 'Flashman' novel. The character of Flashman was invented by Thomas Hughes and has long been in the public domain so I wasn't aware of any copyright issues that would mean Mr Tighe couldn't use at least the name.

Not a patch on GMF, this is not the missing part of the Flashman papers we all want to read. Maybe it's better that the Flashman refs have been changed in this edition.

Some stick to genres they love while others read just about anything that sounds fun, may have a bit of a mystery, history and humor within the pages. Barry Tighe has done just that with Sir Tommy. Others may want to compare this book in style and concept with other books or writers. What I found is a unique twist that mixes history, a bunch of usual suspects from the Civil War and a fresh look at all the spectacular heroic acts that create a terrific adventure. What Barry Tighe our author has done is blend one terrific story (and there is more to come) into a fun classic tale. We have an Englishman finding himself in the middle of the American Civil War and almost in the lap of President Abraham Lincoln. Is he a coward or a misguided hero? The story is a puzzle, and each piece is well placed. The characters defined as people you might know or have worked with, and that makes for a thoroughly enjoyable plot. Oh, why spoil giving anything about the story away. It's history. It’s a great read, and I enjoyed every page. The book is part one in a series that promises to be one heck of a wild ride back in history. The unique part is; you might even learn some history along the way and enjoy the learning experience. This book is worth a read and sets you up to wait for the next installment.

Okay, "British Tommy" Armstrong isn't Harry Flashman, and this novel somehow lacks the full panache and mordant wit of the late, much lamented George MacDonald Fraser. Still, for those of us who still miss Mr. Fraser and need a "Flash Harry" fix, this novel is as good a substitute as I have found. This novel makes a commendable effort to provide the American Civil War exploits we have long awaited. It also fits in as much early Civil War history as can be managed with one character: the Knights of the Golden Circle, the war in the West, Southern plantation life, the Great Locomotive Chase, "Beast Butler" and the Union occupation of New Orleans, "Wild Bill" Hickok, Lee's lost Order No. 191, and a reasonably generous serving of historic personalities. It may not be rollicking, but it does rock along. I will certainly read the next volume Mr. Tighe produces for "British Tommy."

O.K. Flashman style story (it was originally titled Flashman and the War Between the States, but legal complications arose. The author cannot come close to Fraser's prose and humor, but not a bad read. I have read several faux Flashys, and NONE of them are up to the job.

History was my best class in both High School and College (yah, a lot of good that did me for a career...) and I ended up as a Russian Linguist for the USA overseas - now on to this review. I like historical fiction very much as not only does it entertain you, but puts some real information into your skull.George MacDonald Fraser was probably the very best, but author "Barry Tighe" and a couple of others have really added to the genre. Excellent story, with both adventure and intrigue, it is a worthwhile read. Different view with a Englishman writing the basis of the American Civil War and occasional dips into the Southern perspective, but done quite well and fairly.Read this author!!....as I know I will in the future!

Nobody replaces George MacDonald Fraser's Flashman but this book, a purported Volume 1 of what I hope becomes a long series, is an excellent read for someone who has read all the Flashman novels two or more times and is looking for a good yarn. The historical tie-in's to the Civil War were very good and with more footnotes it would have been a 5 star book. Fraser's detailed footnotes were part of the charm of his books.Take heart, Mr. Tighe, some of the Flashman novels were 4 star too. I am committed to buying Volume 2.