Hawkhurst: The Smugglers’ Code

Along England's southern coast, the Hawkhurst smugglers have built an empire in the shadows. To the authorities they are criminals. To the people they are heroes. Thomas Kingsmill is drawn into their ranks by necessity, but talent and courage soon set him apart. As he rises through the organisation, he discovers that power comes at a cost. Every barrel landed in secret strengthens the gang's grip on the coast - and deepens the conflict with those sworn to destroy them. Across villages, taverns, churches, and hidden coves, lives become entwined in a struggle that will shape the future of Hawkhurst. Friends become enemies, loyalties are tested, and the line between justice and crime grows ever harder to see. ​​​​​​​The Smugglers' Code is a richly detailed historical novel filled with unforgettable characters, authentic eighteenth-century intrigue, and the thrilling true-world backdrop of Britain's most notorious smuggling gang.