Originally an ordinand at theological college in Durham, Allan Mallinson decided to take a break in his training with a short-service commission in the infantry, and served in Cyprus, Malaysia, Northern Ireland and Germany.

He subsequently took a regular commission and transferred to the 13th/18th Hussars. He continued his career at the Staff College, Whitehall, in Norway, Cyprus and Germany again and ended up commanding his regiment. Recently retired from the army, Allan Mallinson last appointment was as our Defence and Military Attaché in Rome.

Allan Mallinson's has always been a keen student of military history. His writing career started with a series of articles for History Today and Horse and Hound. He was asked to write the history of his regiment when it was amalgamated with the 15th/19th Hussars in 1992. This was published by Leo Cooper, the military publisher and husband of the bestselling author, Jilly Cooper. It was Leo Cooper who suggested that Mallinson turn his hand to fiction.

Allan Mallinson continues to write and review regularly for The Spectator, The Field and The Times. He lives with his family in Scotland.

A Call to Arms

'Once more Mallinson displays his extraordinary knowledge of military history and practice. Throw in the fact that his usage of English is as pure and precise as Jane Austen's and his imagination as vivid as Kipling's and we have another cracking adventure in what is proving to be an altogether outstanding series.'
Birmingham Post

Rumours of War

'Mallinson's descriptions of what it's like to be on campaign are as compelling, vivid and plausible as in any war novel I've ever read.' Telegraph

A Regimental Affair

'Confirms his undoubted talents and marks him as the heir to Patrick O'Brian and C.S.Forester.'
Observer

"Many fascinating strands woven deep into this beautifully written saga endorse the author's mastery of narrative and of deep historical and military erudition."
Bruce Shand, Country Life

"This is as good as military historical fiction can get. I cannot wait for the next instalment."
John Joliffe, The Field

"To be able, in one's debut novel to draw the reader effortlessly into an unfamiliar world, create an attractive and believeable hero - not to mention a huge supporting cast - and drive the story forward with the skill and verve of a high-spirited charger is no mean achievement…I have never read a more enthralling account of a battle…the next Matthew Hervey novel can't come soon enough for me."
Christopher Matthew, The Daily Mail

A Close Run Thing

'Now at last a highly literate, deeply read cavalry officer of high rank shows one the nature of horse-borne warfare in those times . A Close Run Thing is very much to be welcomed.'
Patrick O'Brian

"Allan Mallinson's grasp of the technical side of his subject is effortless and impressive and we follow his expertise with perfect faith. It is a pleasure to read a book based on so much genuine knowledge, no doubt painstakingly acquired, but lightly worn."
Juliet Townsend, The Spectator