AN intriguing historical novel about a shadowy period from the past. Bonaparte has been beaten at Waterloo and exiled to St Helena; the Bourbons have been restored to the French throne and Bonapartists see a chance to restore the old glory through Napoleon’s young son, currently a prisoner of the French. And so a plot is hatched to release “the young eagle”, a plot centred around obscure teacher Maurice Rodange whose actions can decide the fate of Europe. This is a what-if? book to tantalise and tease, while also being entertaining and true to its period.

■ Read more about Darlington author Perkins at shroudeagle.co.uk