A Good War is a decent debut novel from Patrick Bishop, the author of non-fiction bestsellers 3 Para, Fighter Boys and Bomber Boys. Bishop began his career as a journalist with the British task force sent to recover the Falklands in 1982. Since then he’s covered most of the major wars for the Daily Telegraph. He has a talent for crystallising the rationale behind events and the driving forces that compel major characters.

Set during World War II, his readable tale of love and betrayal contains enough intrigue to appeal to thriller devotees, and sufficient strategic and tactical detail for war fans to get their kicks and ample love affairs for romance lovers. Ultimately, this is a wartime adventure that’s a worthwhile read for almost anyone.

After the fall of Poland, Adam Tomaszewski joins the RAF as a Hurricane pilot during the Battle of Britain. Far from family and friends, he befriends a roguish and garrulous Irish soldier named Gerry Cunningham. Throughout the war Adam's and Gerry’s lives intertwine including falling for the same bewitching woman and fighting alongside each other behind enemy lines. Bishop brings to the story the kind of persuasive detail one associates with quality journalism. He handles the plot with dexterity and paints especially poignant pictures of the men and women who fight for their country during wartime. Overall this is a sensitive novel that is worth a read. Hodder & Stoughton, RRP $32.99.