Eddie Dawson Novel Series

Eddie Dawson returns in his most explosive outing yet.

If an officer wants to talk, something’s usually wrong. Plucked from his unit, Eddie Dawson knows trouble awaits.

The Netherlands is under Nazi invasion from land and sea. Amsterdam is besieged. But the Nazis aren’t interested only in conquest; they want the enormous Dutch oil reserves for their war effort.

Soon Dawson understands what game is afoot: he’s an explosives expert, and there’s a load of oil that needs to be destroyed. But can he get there in time and get out alive?

Based on true events, this latest James Barrington WWII thriller is intense and unputdownable, perfect for fans of Iain Gale and Jack Higgins.

Bravery and close combat in the fight against Hitler.


Eddie Dawson and Major Sykes are sent to the impregnable Eben Emael in Belgium, the strongest fort in the world. Once there, they witness a group of German soldiers landing on the roof in gliders. This main attack lasts 20 minutes, leaving Eben Emael crippled.

But Dawson is disturbed – he has seen the Germans do the impossible: blasting holes through solid 12 inch steel armour using some kind of new demolition charge.

This secret weapon could change everything. They simply must get one. But how? And can they make it through enemy lines, out all the way to Dunkirk and to safety?

The second explosive tale of Eddie Dawson’s derring-do in the Second World War, perfect for fans of Iain Gale and Alistair MacLean.

Treachery and valour in the Second World War


As Hitler’s armies march across Europe, Eddie Dawson, an explosives expert and lance-corporal in the Royal Engineers, is sent to France on an assessment mission.

His task completed, he anticipates an early return to Britain. Instead, he’s sent to German territory where the French have launched an ill-advised invasion. Dawson’s demolition skills are needed to clear a minefield.

Within hours everything goes wrong. Dawson and a fellow sapper are caught on the wrong side of the front line. Their obvious escape route blocked, they head north, but their troubles have only just begun…

To Do or Die is the first in a series of exciting adventure novels from James Barrington, writing as Max Adams. Set in the Second World War, a time of heroes, outlandish bravery and brutal hand-to-hand combat, they are sure to enthral fans of Band of Brothers, James Holland and Iain Gale.

‘[An] absorbing story… [James Barrington] knows his stuff.’ – The Historical Novels ReviewThe Eddie Dawson novelsTo Do or DieRight and GloryOperation XD