Where to Start with Christopher C. Tubbs
If you are new to Christopher C. Tubbs, the absolute best place to start is at the very beginning of his flagship universe with A Talent for Trouble, the first book in The Dorset Boy series. This series introduces Martin Stockley, a scrappy young lad from the clay mines of Purbeck who escapes his harsh life to join the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic era. Martin’s journey serves as the anchor for Tubbs' entire historical naval universe, and reading his adventures in order provides the essential foundation for the spin-off series, Lady Bethany.
For readers who prefer a shift in tone or genre, Tubbs offers two other excellent starting points: Scarlett (the first book of The Scarlett Fox series) for 17th-century Caribbean pirate adventures, or Buddha's Fist (or The Pharaoh's Mask) for an action-packed, steampunk-infused alternate history featuring Charlemagne Griffon.
The Dorset Boy Series in Publication & Chronological Order
The Dorset Boy series is a continuous saga tracking Martin Stockley's rising naval career and espionage exploits. Because the character grows, matures, and takes on increasingly complex secret missions, it is highly recommended to read this series in strict publication order. Handily, the chronological storyline aligns perfectly with the order of publication.
- A Talent For Trouble (2018) – Introduces Martin Stockley as he runs away from the Dorset clay mines to begin his naval journey.
- The Special Operations Flotilla (2018) – Martin gets drawn deeper into espionage and high-stakes sea battles.
- Agent Provocateur (2019) – Martin takes on undercover operations behind enemy lines.
- In Dangerous Company (2019) – The naval warfare and political intrigue intensify.
- The Tempest (2019) – Martin faces both physical storms and human adversaries.
- Vendetta (2019) – Personal scores and naval duties collide.
- The Trojan Horse (2019) – Deception and strategy take center stage in the naval war.
- La Licorne (2020) – Martin commands new vessels and tackles complex operations.
- Raider (2020) – High-seas chase scenes and tactical showdowns.
- Silverthorn (2021) – Espionage missions get closer to home.
- Exile (2021) – Martin’s adventures weave directly into the epic scale of the Battle of Waterloo.
- Dynasty (2022) – Martin navigates legacy, family, and changing global politics.
- Empire (2022) – The reach of the British Navy expands across distant seas.
- Revolution (2023) – Martin faces uprising and unrest in overseas territories.
- Burma (2023) – An eastern expedition full of unfamiliar threats and environments.
- Independence (2024) – Martin navigates geopolitical shifts in the post-Napoleonic era.
- Restoration (2025) – Martin handles diplomatic crises and pirate actions during peacetime.
- Treasure (2025) – A quest for lost assets on the high seas.
- Opium (2025) – Martin travels to the Far East to deal with escalating trade tensions.
Lady Bethany: The Dorset Boy Spin-Off
Set in the 1820s, this series follows the Right Honourable Lady Bethany Stockley (codenamed “Chaton”), who is Martin Stockley’s daughter. Trained at a secretive academy, she works as a deadly operative for the British Secret Service. Since this series features Martin Stockley as an established Lord Viscount and Commodore, readers will enjoy it most if they have already read the early and middle volumes of the main Dorset Boy series, though it can be read as a standalone espionage saga.
- Graduation (2023) – Introduces Lady Bethany as she finishes her training and enters the dangerous world of London espionage.
- Betrayal (2025) – Bethany deals with double agents and shifting allegiances.
- Revenge (2025) – A personal quest that takes Bethany across the Caribbean.
- Duty (2026) – High-stakes diplomacy and maritime conflict in South America.
The Scarlett Fox Series
Taking a step back in time to the 17th century, this trilogy focuses on the Golden Age of Piracy. The story centers on Scarlett Browning, a fierce and independent female pirate captain sailing the Caribbean aboard the Scarlet Fox. This series is independent of the Dorset Boy universe and is perfect for fans of classic swashbuckling pirate tales.
- Scarlett (2020) – Scarlett takes to the sea to claim her freedom.
- Freedom (also published as A Kind of Freedom) (2021) – Scarlett fights to protect her crew and maintain her independence.
- Legacy (2021) – The dramatic conclusion to Scarlett's Caribbean piracy trials.
The Decoy Ships Series
This series centers around the historical use of decoy merchant ships (Q-ships) to lure in unsuspecting enemy vessels and pirates. It spans different naval eras and highlights the grit and cunning of crews performing highly dangerous undercover sea operations.
- Kingfisher (2023) – The crew of the Kingfisher undergoes hazardous missions disguised as a vulnerable merchant vessel.
- Warley (2024) – Follows a new crew and vessel tackling naval threats through deception.
- Farnborough (2025) – Continued high-stakes decoy tactics.
- Decoy (2026) – The culmination of the covert operations at sea.
The Charlemagne Griffon Chronicles
For readers who enjoy a blend of history and science fiction, Tubbs created an alternate history steampunk series starring the adventurer Charlemagne Griffon. This series features ancient secrets, lost civilizations, and clockwork technology.
- Buddha's Fist (2020) – Introduces Charlemagne Griffon's alternate-history adventures. Note: some publisher listings treat this as a standalone prequel or precursor to the main trilogy.
- The Pharaoh's Mask (2022) – Charlemagne travels to Egypt to uncover a hidden, high-tech conspiracy.
- Treasure Of The Serpent God (2022) – An adventure seeking mythological relics.
- The Knights Templar (2023) – Secrets of the famous crusader order are revealed.
- Romanov Gold (2024) – An expedition into Russia seeking lost imperial wealth.
What to Know Before You Start
Christopher C. Tubbs' style is heavily inspired by classical naval adventure authors like Patrick O'Brian and Alexander Kent, but he writes with a modern, fast-paced sensibility. Rather than getting bogged down in overly dense nautical jargon, Tubbs prioritizes character development, romance, humor, and non-stop action. Additionally, Tubbs frequently weaves elements of his Dorset heritage, love of dogs, and personal experiences living in the Netherlands Antilles into his settings and side characters, giving his novels a distinctively warm and personal touch.