Audio Clips
Pipe Major J. McWilliams composed by Donald MacLeod. Piper: Jack Lee
My Gentle Joanie
by Pipe Major James L. McWilliams
News & Events
- A Secret Of The Sphinx... read more
- Pipe Major Jim McWilliams... read more
- What The Critics Say... read more
- A SECRET OF THE SPHINX has been chosen as one of the five finalists by BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARDS for 2017!... read more
My Books
A Secret Of The Sphinx
Spring of 1798: Young Rory MacHugh leaves his Blackfoot World for an Ancient World. There determination, versatility, and several unique friends enable him to survive many new lives -- a British sailor, an Egyptian Mameluke, a convict, a Secret Agent, a French Grenadier, a Highland soldier, and a forbidden lover in an Egyptian court. But the most devastating is his first encounter with the man destined plunge the world into war and to become Rory’s own personal demon, the young General Napoleon Bonaparte
On Secret Service
It is 1810, shortly after the British victory over the French invaders of Portugal. During the winter lull, MacHugh is sent to London to track down a beautiful French spy. Things do not work out as planned and he ends up kidnapped and imprisoned in France. He soon encounters, among others, the notorious Joseph Fouché (head of Napoleon’s Secret Police), the future King George IV, and the Duke of Wellington. MacHugh even finds himself embroiled in American plans to invade Canada.
What The Critics Say
AMIENS! DAWN OF VICTORY
“What a great movie it would be! This clear-minded account is overdue and welcome.”
- NATIONAL POST
“A magnificent research effort!”
- CONVOY
“McWilliams and Steel deploy their impressive knowledge of Amiens with skill but, most importantly, they really give a sense of the atmosphere of that heady day.”
- NIALL BARR
Reader in Military History at the British Defence Studies Department, Joint Services Command
and Staff College, Author of YANKS AND LIMEYS
GAS! THE BATTLE FOR YPRES
“McWilliams and Steel have done as good a job of describing the action as they have of researching it.”
"Stirring and compulsory reading for every Canadian.”
THE SUICIDE BATTALION
“A superb story of a very gutsy bunch of men.”
“Definitely not for the faint-hearted.”
“Captures the flavour of the period as much as any written word can.”
BLACK WAR-BONNET
"What an enjoyable novel! MacHugh's exciting and action-packed memories of his youthful capture, adoption, and upbringing by a Blackfoot band late in the 18th Century provides an in-depth study of native customs and activities that keeps the reader turning pages in interest and anticipation. A job well done, worthy of any library.”
- Richard Shaw,
Author of THE OIL NOOSE
“BLACK WAR-BONNET features Rory MacHugh in what is destined to be a very readable series. Author James L. McWilliams supplies historical details that add another reason to read his book. Historian McWilliams has produced a tale that is enticing for what it promises of future adventures with its hero. Highly recommended.”
- Robert W. Mackay
Author of SOLDIER OF THE HORSE
Gold Medal Winner, Independent Publishers Award
A SECRET OF THE SPHINX
“If you want to escape today's world and enter into the life and times of the early 1800s in Egypt - and meet Napoleon - this novel will quickly take you there.”
“The author's strength is his great attention to historical detail and accuracy, and the way he enables the reader to vicariously experience the battles, espionage, and romances that the main character encounters."
- Jeffrey Mcmurdo,
AMAZON
THE FUGITIVES
“Once again the reader follows Rory MacHugh as he encounters fascinating characters, intrigues, dangers and actual historical events. If, like me, you don't know much about this period of history and haven't been to Spain or Portugal don't worry. As you become engrossed in the story you acquire a sense of familiarity with that time and place that stays with you.
“MacHugh is a great companion - both for those he encounters, and the reader. It's an entirely enjoyable read, and a good way to learn some history.”
- Jeffrey Mcmurdo
AMAZON