Operation Fools Mate 48 by M.L Baldwin - REVIEW

Operation Fools Mate 48 is M.L. Baldwin’s second published novel and a sequel to Operation Fools Mate 24. 48 continues the story of dystopian Britain invaded and under attack by a believable foe. Baldwin’s main character, Mike Faulkes, finds himself and the British army up to their eyes in the sh*t, both physically and metaphorically.

At this point, I want to mention that I usually don’t enjoy war books, particularly when they are written in a way that is so realistic. Baldwin’s storytelling is more like war reporting than fiction. In the current climate, Operation Fools Mate 48 is an accurate guess or an informed prediction that could almost certainly happen. For this reason alone, Operation Fools Mate 48 is horrifically fascinating.

If you’re a fan of Andy McNab, Chris Ryan, or Stephen Leather, you will love this book even if, like me, tales of war make you feel unsettled. Baldwin’s writing, affection for his characters, and storytelling ability will get you past what looks like a Nostradamus prediction, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating the next book.

Baldwin’s main protagonist, Mike Faulkes, is a clever but complicated man whose relationship with his crew is fascinating. Baldwin’s recurring themes include camaraderie, the strong bonds necessary for the squad's safety, heroism, sacrifice, resilience, and the moral and ethical dilemmas of war.

Baldwin is a talented writer who doesn’t rely on machismo or misogyny, often present in this genre. Instead, he elevates his characters with a credible and intricate plot while revealing the undeniable truths faced by military personnel in combat zones.

The storyline touches on a political undercurrent so relevant to 2024 that one might think Baldwin has a hotline to 10 Downing Street. His antagonism for self-serving higher ranks is evident and enriches the plot, but not in the way you would expect. Operation Fools Mate 48 is realistic to the point that an appearance on The News at Ten won’t be surprising.

When an author has first-hand knowledge of any subject or event, the information can inevitably colour the storyline, leading to an arrogance that isn’t relatable or believable. Baldwin does not write with informed bias or an overtly bloodthirsty tone. The plot emphasises the changing face of war, highlighting the positive and negative impacts of technology on ground troops, while remaining pragmatic and almost optimistic about the outcome. The bottom line is that Baldwin is a skilled writer who doesn’t patronise his readers or talk to the informed with a nod, a wink, and an eye on the old boys' network.

M.L Baldwin published Operation Fools Mate 24 in July 2024; the follow-up Operation Fools Mate 48 will be published in the next few weeks. Baldwin was a tank commander with the Second Royal Tank Regiment, serving in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His lived experiences add levity to his writing without overpowering the story. Signing up at age 19 is brave; some might even say misguided or reckless. Still, Baldwin’s novels do not appear regretful or full of bravado, shadowing the Second Royal Tank Regiment’s motto - ‘Fear Naught’ and ‘From Mud, Through Blood to the Green Fields Beyond.’

Without giving the plot away, Operation Fools Mate 48 predicts the realistic resurgence of the Cold War with Britain as the primary target. Unlike the First or Second World Wars, Cold War-style tactics are characterised by political hostility, propaganda, espionage, and draconian economic measures rather than direct military conflict. Operation Fools Mate 48 could be mistaken for a Cold War manual, but it isn’t; the book avoids preaching to develop the complicated relationships within the story while pointing out the perils of relying on the digital world.

Expect analogue solutions and scientific strategies that will make you do a double take in the street; you will never look at a red telephone box the same way again. The writing's authenticity and realism elevate the story, and the small details add weight to the story so that the reader buys into the unfolding events.

If I had to be critical of Operation Fools’ Mate 48 in any way, it would be regarding the ending. Baldwin’s conclusion is a bold ‘mic drop’ moment, leaving readers with a sense of suspense. While it certainly makes an impact, a slightly more gradual build-up could enhance the anticipation. That said, this abrupt ending does leave you eager for more, a testament to Baldwin’s skill in creating a compelling narrative. When I shared this book with my reading group, it was a hit; they loved it, which is high praise considering our previous read was quite a different genre.

To find out more about the author M. L Baldwin and the Operations Fools Mate series, visit his website here: https://mlbaldwin.co.uk/

To purchase the books, follow the link here: https://mlbaldwin.co.uk/where-to-buy/