Mark Simmons was born in Plymouth Devon, into a family with a long tradition of service in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. In the 1970's after passing the Commando course and gaining his green beret he served in the Royal Marines, with 40 Commando RM, 3 Commando Brigade, and the Commando Logistic's Regiment. He has written some 200 feature articles, mainly on naval/military and travel subjects for publications in the UK and USA. And is a regular contributor to the US Magazine World War II Quarterly. He has written ten books to date.2004 'A Crack in Time' a search for the echoes of the American Civil War. Where the author leads us on a sometimes strange, often amusing odyssey across the Southern States of America a journey of some 5000 miles, looking for the echoes of the Civil War, the event that more than any other shaped the nation.2007 'From the Foam of the Sea' a novel largely set on the island of Cyprus brings us high adventure under the Mediterranean Sun.
A stylish story, well paced, and full of fine detail, that bares comparison with the stories of Desmond Bagley or Alistair MacLean.2010 'The Serpent and the Cross' The story of an SOE operation in Italy during World War II set against the background of Motor Racing, this novel was reprinted in 2016.2011. 'The Battle of Matapan 1941' a non-fiction work tells the story of the Royal Navy's great one-sided victory against the Italian Fleet. This was the first battle in which Ultra, the Enigma de-codes, played a major role in British decisions. It was reprinted in 2012 and is one of Mark's best sellers.2012. 'The Rebecca Code' Rommel's Spy in North Africa and Operation Kondor.
Another non-fiction title that fairly crackles with atmosphere and has been reprinted.2013. 'Room 39 and The Cornish Legacy' A novel where the murky world of the secret service and international terrorism comes to a Cornish seaside village, against a background of Britain, gripped by civil disorder. Divided by the Miner's Strike, and struck by IRA atrocities in 1984.' A readers favorite.2014 'Agent Cicero' A non-fiction title the story of Hitler's most successful spy.2015 'The British and Cyprus' A non-fiction title. An outpost of Empire to Sovereign Bases, 1878-1974 already an Amazon best seller.
2016 'Shadows Washed in Blood' A novel set on the Island of Sicily in the 1930's. Where the character Father Carlo Miller appears again who was first seen in 'The Serpent and the Cross.'.