1. Tell us a bit about yourself 

I'm Barry Roberts, a retired Master Mariner from Liverpool.  I spent 50 years at sea starting in 1971 and retired with 30 years experience of Commanding a ship. I  mainly worked in the North Sea but spent time in Chinese, Korean and Spain shipyards delivering vessels to  the UK. I was Superintendent looking after the BP Jigsaw project for nine years and I also had a short stint moving oil rigs.

I am honoured to be Chairman of the HMS Hood Battlecruiser Association which takes up a lot of my time to maintain her memory but still manage some angling and learning to play golf

2. What books and authors apart from FX Holden do you enjoy or recommend? 

I tend to read technothrillers by authors such as James Rosone, Larry Bond , Dale Brown but also any naval history books

3. What was the first book you were a beta reader for? 

I think my first Beta read was "Pagasa" 

4. You have given input on several FX Holden books, what do you enjoy about it?  

I thoroughly enjoy using my knowledge and experience to assist in making the books as accurate as possible after reading so many books you drive buses through their narrative. I do  enjoy being the team's "Compass"! (Editor note from FX: I am directionally challenged. Barry knows his northeast from his southwest.)

 5. Are there downsides to being a beta reader?  

The only downside to Beta reading is you cant read it as an ordinary book which does break up the plot continuation and enjoyment but its still worth it. 

 6. What book(s) is/are next on your To Be Read pile? 

My present reads are "Palawan Gambit" and "Suwalki Crisis" by James Rosone. I also have books on Q ships and the Germany High Seas fleet in WW1 as light reading!