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Alan Lewrie #5
The Gun Ketch
It's 1786 and Alan Lewrie has his own ship at last, the Alacrity. Small but deadly, the Alacrity prowls the waters of the Caribbean, protecting British merchants from pirates. But Lewrie is still the same old rakehell he always was. Scandal sets tongues wagging in the Bahamas as the young captain thumbs his nose at propriety and makes a few well-planned conquests on land before sailing off to take on Calico Jack Finney, the boldest pirate in the Caribbean.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
161 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Dewey Lambdin
70 books278 followersDewey Lambdin (1945-2021 ) was an American nautical historical novelist. He was best known for his Alan Lewrie naval adventure series, set during the Napoleonic Wars. Besides the Alan Lewrie series, he was also the author of What Lies Buried: a novel of Old Cape Fear.
A self-proclaimed "Navy Brat," Lambdin spent a good deal of his early days on both coasts of the U.S.A., and overseas duty stations, with his father. His father enlisted as a Seaman Recruit in 1930, was "mustanged" from the lower deck (from Yeoman chief Petty Officer) at Notre Dame in '42, and was career Navy until May of 1954, when he was killed at sea aboard the USS Bennington CVA-20 (see below), on which he served as Administrative Officer, 5th in line-of-command (posthumous Lieutenant Commander).
Lambdin himself attended Castle Heights Military Academy, graduated in 1962, and was destined to be the family's first "ring-knocker" from the U.S. Naval Academy, "... until he realised that physics, calculus, and counting higher than ten were bigger than he was."[1] He studied at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in Liberal arts and Theatre, where he was published in The Theme Vault in 1963, also reprinted in a national textbook, which whetted his appetite for writing. However, he failed his degree. He finally graduated with a degree in Film & TV Production from Montana State University, Bozeman, in 1969. This was considered at the time to be the McHale's Navy of the academic set, so the nautical influence was still at work. He has worked for a network affiliate TV station as a producer/director for twelve years, an independent station as production manager and senior director/writer/ producer for three years, all in Memphis, and as a writer/producer with a Nashville advertising/production facility, or in free-lance camera, lighting and writing.
He has been a sailor since 1976 and spends his free time working and sailing on his beloved sloop Wind Dancer, with a special taste for cruising the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. Lambdin has thus far resisted the temptation to trade his beloved typewriter for a computer. He lived in Nashville, Tennessee.
He was a member of the U.S. Naval Institute, a Friend of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, England; Cousteau Society; the former American Film Institute; and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
-Wikipedia
Mr Lambdin passed away on July 26, 2021 at the age of 76.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/deweyl...
A self-proclaimed "Navy Brat," Lambdin spent a good deal of his early days on both coasts of the U.S.A., and overseas duty stations, with his father. His father enlisted as a Seaman Recruit in 1930, was "mustanged" from the lower deck (from Yeoman chief Petty Officer) at Notre Dame in '42, and was career Navy until May of 1954, when he was killed at sea aboard the USS Bennington CVA-20 (see below), on which he served as Administrative Officer, 5th in line-of-command (posthumous Lieutenant Commander).
Lambdin himself attended Castle Heights Military Academy, graduated in 1962, and was destined to be the family's first "ring-knocker" from the U.S. Naval Academy, "... until he realised that physics, calculus, and counting higher than ten were bigger than he was."[1] He studied at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in Liberal arts and Theatre, where he was published in The Theme Vault in 1963, also reprinted in a national textbook, which whetted his appetite for writing. However, he failed his degree. He finally graduated with a degree in Film & TV Production from Montana State University, Bozeman, in 1969. This was considered at the time to be the McHale's Navy of the academic set, so the nautical influence was still at work. He has worked for a network affiliate TV station as a producer/director for twelve years, an independent station as production manager and senior director/writer/ producer for three years, all in Memphis, and as a writer/producer with a Nashville advertising/production facility, or in free-lance camera, lighting and writing.
He has been a sailor since 1976 and spends his free time working and sailing on his beloved sloop Wind Dancer, with a special taste for cruising the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. Lambdin has thus far resisted the temptation to trade his beloved typewriter for a computer. He lived in Nashville, Tennessee.
He was a member of the U.S. Naval Institute, a Friend of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, England; Cousteau Society; the former American Film Institute; and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
-Wikipedia
Mr Lambdin passed away on July 26, 2021 at the age of 76.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/deweyl...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 13, 2020
I am a fan of historical naval novels about the British Royal Navy during the Napoleonic War. My favorite author in this genre is Patrick O’Brian. Lambdin is not as good as O’Brian, but is a good writer and knowledgeable about sailing ships of the 18th and 19th century.
The book is well written and researched. The characters are interesting and the story fun to read. My only complaint is the repetition about some historical details. Most of the action is in the second half of the book. This makes a fun get-away-from-it-all read. The book is narrated by my favorite audiobook narrator.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is thirteen hours and nine minutes. John Lee does an excellent job narrating the book. Lee is a British actor and voice actor. He has won many Audie Awards and Audiofile Earphone Awards. Lee was named the 2009 Golden Voice by Audiofile Magazine.
The book is well written and researched. The characters are interesting and the story fun to read. My only complaint is the repetition about some historical details. Most of the action is in the second half of the book. This makes a fun get-away-from-it-all read. The book is narrated by my favorite audiobook narrator.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is thirteen hours and nine minutes. John Lee does an excellent job narrating the book. Lee is a British actor and voice actor. He has won many Audie Awards and Audiofile Earphone Awards. Lee was named the 2009 Golden Voice by Audiofile Magazine.
February 14, 2020
Naval adventures! At last! Pirates, smugglers, treachery at sea! Good riproaring stuff!
August 1, 2019
When I am reading one of these, I awaken with a smile, looking forward to the further adventures of Alan Lewrie. I'm a push-over for British Age-of-Sail stories, and am delighted to have 21 more of these to go! At times the author's enthusiasm for dated nautical jargon makes my eyes glaze over ... but then there's a bit of humor, or excitement, or naughty high-jinks, and I'm right back on board.
September 8, 2020
Another gripper and racy episode in the life of this rascal. I'm glad I had a gap but coming back to Alan Lawrie he's become interesting and entertaining again.
November 11, 2019
This is the fifth Alan Lewrie book that I have read....all are exciting, all are well written....this one is the best so far...complicated plot that kept me guessing, more and better characters---especially Caroline. Very interesting history lessons following the American Revolution and excellent descriptions of life in Georgian England.
The books are stand alone, though I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series...
The books are stand alone, though I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series...
March 18, 2019
Quite exciting. As I have said before in reference to this series, it is no Patrick O'Brian. But then, nothing is. This, however, hits a lot of the buttons, so I would recommend it to those yearning for Aubrey et al. Comes short. But it will certainly do.
May 21, 2023
A good dash of naval action but also some humor. Alan Lewrie is a rogue.
September 17, 2021
I’ve only binged two other book series. One, of course, is the Aubrey/Maturin series by Patrick O’Brien. The other the Flashman series by George MacDonald Frasier. Dewey Lambdin is clearly influenced by both. I guess I’m stuck in the 19th Century with British military men. The plot of Book 5 of this long series, The Gun Ketch, focuses on Caroline Lewrie who convinced her husband to take her with him to his new assignment in Nassau where he joins the Bahama Squadron in his small warship with the mission of protecting British merchant shipping from pirates. It turns out that the Commodore in charge has been corrupted by the most prominent business man in Nassau who is supposedly a reformed pirate. The problem is that he is still deeply involved in nefarious activities. To compound the plot the villain falls for Caroline which brings him into conflict with Lewrie who, of course, wins out at the end, destroying his rival, the pirates and the Commodore. That’s the plot and though it is somewhat contrived, is well done and nicely written particularly Alan’s relationship with his first Lieutenant Mr. Ballard. But what about the influences of O’Brien and Faser? Lambdin owes much to O’Brien who set the bar for 19th Century Royal Navy yarns. But our hero, Alan, resembles old Flashy more than Jack Aubrey. Alan, in fact, has a bit of a split personality compared to Flashman who was a devout coward and in his adventures does everything he can do to avoid danger. Flashman’s immorality is mirrored somewhat by Alan Lewrie who in the early books seems more interested in the ladies than in the Navy. Lewrie, however, is no coward. In fact, he is quite vicious in a conflict and his personal body count through Book 5 must be close to 20 men. Caroline changes her husband’s attitude toward women as Alan Lewrie falls for her and respects her greatly. He admires her character, talents and courage which she demonstrates in a big scene with John Phinney the villain who Alan disposes of in the final pages. Caroline resembles Sophie Aubrey in that she is self-reliant and steadfast. O’Brien had the talent of writing strong and interesting female characters. Lambdin does a good job with females as well. These books are quite engrossing and entertaining and although they don’t rise to the level of O’Brien’s literary opus, they are terrific action adventure tales that rival Flashman for entertainment value.
June 17, 2021
I continue on with this series which I feel is poorly written because the author is much too wordy on the simplest of events and the dialog and characters are inane and unrealistic. But I continue on because I like the main character and I like the action. I want him to succeed and I live my naval life vicariously through him. At least Lambdin is not pretentious like other CS Forester clones and the stories are pretty good fun.
Initially Lewrie seemed to have some Flashman in him but now that he's married, at least this part is curtailed. Lambdin has also seen fit to throw powerful antagonists at him a la Edgar Rice Burroughs; thankfully Lewrie dispatches them pretty easily and the antagonists don't keep coming back time after time. I hate reading books where the protagonist keeps getting stymied by the bad guys.
Spoilers ahead:
In this book, Lewrie is sent to the Caribbean where he battles pirates and corrupt officials. He is given a converted gun ketch with a shallow draft to command. He marries Caroline in this book and takes her with him to Nassau.
Once there he immediately picks up his archenemy Captain Finney who used to be a pirate openly but is now a "reformed" shady businessman and still in piracy but discreetly. Lewrie's commodore Garvey is a crook and in the pocket of Finney and puts obstacles in his way.
Fortunately Lewrie and Caroline also immediately picks up a lot of allies including: Commander Rodgers who helps him with his battles against pirates and a well respected loyalist couple, the Boudreaus who have relocated to the Bahamas.
Lewrie and Caroline fight pirates and Finney and ultimately win. Garvey however escapes to England before anything bad happens to him. Overall a fairly satisfying book of adventure in the Caribbean.
Initially Lewrie seemed to have some Flashman in him but now that he's married, at least this part is curtailed. Lambdin has also seen fit to throw powerful antagonists at him a la Edgar Rice Burroughs; thankfully Lewrie dispatches them pretty easily and the antagonists don't keep coming back time after time. I hate reading books where the protagonist keeps getting stymied by the bad guys.
Spoilers ahead:
In this book, Lewrie is sent to the Caribbean where he battles pirates and corrupt officials. He is given a converted gun ketch with a shallow draft to command. He marries Caroline in this book and takes her with him to Nassau.
Once there he immediately picks up his archenemy Captain Finney who used to be a pirate openly but is now a "reformed" shady businessman and still in piracy but discreetly. Lewrie's commodore Garvey is a crook and in the pocket of Finney and puts obstacles in his way.
Fortunately Lewrie and Caroline also immediately picks up a lot of allies including: Commander Rodgers who helps him with his battles against pirates and a well respected loyalist couple, the Boudreaus who have relocated to the Bahamas.
Lewrie and Caroline fight pirates and Finney and ultimately win. Garvey however escapes to England before anything bad happens to him. Overall a fairly satisfying book of adventure in the Caribbean.
December 31, 2024
This 5th book in the Alan Lewrie series continues to offer exciting Age of Sail naval action that will hold your attention. While it takes place after the war of the American Revolution and before the Napoleonic Wars, so there isn't much regular Navy action, there's a lot of piracy on the Bahamas Station, and Lewrie's main function is to control it. He captures a group of the pirates and brings them in for trial, only to find out he's trodden on some official toes and now he's persona non grata in Nassau.
So we readers get a dose of intrigue and mystery, well done. But on the other hand, the action on shore is less satisfying. For those who have read the previous 4 books, Alan Lewrie's character is well formed as a sexual predator, naturally promiscuous. He's nicknamed the "Ram-cat" which I think is about equivalent to today's "tomcat". So when he decides he's found true love and wants to marry, it's a little hard to swallow. Accordingly, I gave this book only 4 stars. But it's a fun romp that leaves you eager for more.
So we readers get a dose of intrigue and mystery, well done. But on the other hand, the action on shore is less satisfying. For those who have read the previous 4 books, Alan Lewrie's character is well formed as a sexual predator, naturally promiscuous. He's nicknamed the "Ram-cat" which I think is about equivalent to today's "tomcat". So when he decides he's found true love and wants to marry, it's a little hard to swallow. Accordingly, I gave this book only 4 stars. But it's a fun romp that leaves you eager for more.
January 5, 2023
The Education of a Rogue
This series continues with another fair installment. Not as good as the prior editions in this series, this edition has its moments of action humor.
In some of the reviews, Patrick O’Brian was mentioned as a worthy comparison to this series. I couldn’t object more. The O’Brian series is far superior in character development, action, and storyline interest. It’s an unfair comparison, Patrick O’Brian was a far superior writer.
Our rogue hero demonstrates the growth of character, and, growing naval skill at sea that will undoubtedly drive this series forward. An additional point of interest is the corruption of the British Colonial powers in the administration of their holdings in the Caribean. This question haunts British politics today with their relations with their former colonies.
I hope the author continues developing this interesting rogue character because everyone loves a rogue.
This series continues with another fair installment. Not as good as the prior editions in this series, this edition has its moments of action humor.
In some of the reviews, Patrick O’Brian was mentioned as a worthy comparison to this series. I couldn’t object more. The O’Brian series is far superior in character development, action, and storyline interest. It’s an unfair comparison, Patrick O’Brian was a far superior writer.
Our rogue hero demonstrates the growth of character, and, growing naval skill at sea that will undoubtedly drive this series forward. An additional point of interest is the corruption of the British Colonial powers in the administration of their holdings in the Caribean. This question haunts British politics today with their relations with their former colonies.
I hope the author continues developing this interesting rogue character because everyone loves a rogue.
June 29, 2025
Audible/Kindle
Much better than book#4 - The King's Privateer, which I found to be meandering and honestly - too cluttered and difficult to follow.
It was nice to see that William Pitt (the cat) gets quite a bit of mention.
Alan marries Caroline and they head to the Bahamas on Alacrity to protect Brit merchants from Pirates. Runs afoul of villain Finney, who has designs on Caroline (who, it turns out is preggo).
Alan still very much the anti-hero with a sketchy morale compass. He's not even a year married and has a fling at the first opportunity...and I suppose a small criticism would be the explicit sex in the series...but he is a rogue.
It was a bit predictable towards the end, but Lambdin is so-damn-good at writing that it hardly matters. Fun.
He's now a father and headed back to England - and eventually the war with France. I heard the next book is filled with French and not very good. We'll see.
Much better than book#4 - The King's Privateer, which I found to be meandering and honestly - too cluttered and difficult to follow.
It was nice to see that William Pitt (the cat) gets quite a bit of mention.
Alan marries Caroline and they head to the Bahamas on Alacrity to protect Brit merchants from Pirates. Runs afoul of villain Finney, who has designs on Caroline (who, it turns out is preggo).
Alan still very much the anti-hero with a sketchy morale compass. He's not even a year married and has a fling at the first opportunity...and I suppose a small criticism would be the explicit sex in the series...but he is a rogue.
It was a bit predictable towards the end, but Lambdin is so-damn-good at writing that it hardly matters. Fun.
He's now a father and headed back to England - and eventually the war with France. I heard the next book is filled with French and not very good. We'll see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 7, 2020I missed the first 4 books so started on Book 5 with Book 6 to follow.
A bit slow to start with trying to catch up with different characters but Book 5 has the hero join a new ship and crew which he moulds into a fighting team. His 20th century views on positive man management are not what I think the 1760s were really like in the Royal Navy but as I got into the story it became like all good reads, not able to put down and needing to read more to see what happens next.
The story line was based in the West Indies and followed similar formats to other naval authors, the difference being that the hero is a more believable character in respect to his adulterous behaviour and lack of compassion for prisoners taken capture. More in keeping with the time.
I enjoyed the book and intend to read more by this author.
A bit slow to start with trying to catch up with different characters but Book 5 has the hero join a new ship and crew which he moulds into a fighting team. His 20th century views on positive man management are not what I think the 1760s were really like in the Royal Navy but as I got into the story it became like all good reads, not able to put down and needing to read more to see what happens next.
The story line was based in the West Indies and followed similar formats to other naval authors, the difference being that the hero is a more believable character in respect to his adulterous behaviour and lack of compassion for prisoners taken capture. More in keeping with the time.
I enjoyed the book and intend to read more by this author.
January 20, 2020
A pageturner
This latest story in the series about the reluctant sea officer Alan Lewrie does not disappoint those who have read from book one. It is also, because of the excellent and amusing foreword by the author, easy to follow as a stand alone novel. Lewis still dissects his every move, most of the time only afterward, and feels he comes up short on what someone should behave like and feel. He is all too human with human frailties and faults and to me is no better or worse than most. another very enjoyable tale for fans of naval historical fiction
This latest story in the series about the reluctant sea officer Alan Lewrie does not disappoint those who have read from book one. It is also, because of the excellent and amusing foreword by the author, easy to follow as a stand alone novel. Lewis still dissects his every move, most of the time only afterward, and feels he comes up short on what someone should behave like and feel. He is all too human with human frailties and faults and to me is no better or worse than most. another very enjoyable tale for fans of naval historical fiction
March 4, 2022
Other reviews have laid out the plot of this novel and commented on the characters as well. While the writing may not be at the level of C.S. Forester or O'Brian they are interesting and explore some historical areas and elements not delved into by other writers for this time period. There is perhaps bit too much nautical detail given for some, but I like these details.
Lewrie continues to grow as he gets married and battles against tricky pirates in the Caribbean. The chase and final confrontation with the pirate leader is exciting and leaves me wanting more. Onwads to book 6.
Lewrie continues to grow as he gets married and battles against tricky pirates in the Caribbean. The chase and final confrontation with the pirate leader is exciting and leaves me wanting more. Onwads to book 6.
April 5, 2022
Perfect navy adventure! Battles and intrigue, and some masterclass sailing. The calm before the storm, hunting pirates in the Bahamas and getting married. Soon it's time for the napoleonic wars and the great Age of Sail! A good balance between o briens absolute fanaticism about naval minutiae, and hornblowers equally fanatic stoicism. Lewrie, a happy go lucky scoundrel, rakehell and for the moment, married with kids!
Peefect break from the long wait for the next hooty, and a break from war and climate change.
Peefect break from the long wait for the next hooty, and a break from war and climate change.
January 12, 2020
The first half of this particular Dewey Lambdin book is pretty good--the last half, however, jumps around awkwardly in time and place, and has a bit of a contrived, weak villain. With a lot of these historical fiction series (Alan Lewrie, Flashman, Uhtred, etc), there comes a point where a lot of things seem rote, and books seem harder and harder to distinguish. I've pretty much arrived at that point in this series.
October 1, 2020
All Hail Alan Lewrie
There is no question that I am addicted to this character, this story, this whole entire series. I have read the series through at least a dozen times and am in the process of purchasing each on my kindle fire so that I can enjoy them anytime without having to travel to the library. HOW EXHAUSTING! Read this series... You won't regret it
There is no question that I am addicted to this character, this story, this whole entire series. I have read the series through at least a dozen times and am in the process of purchasing each on my kindle fire so that I can enjoy them anytime without having to travel to the library. HOW EXHAUSTING! Read this series... You won't regret it
November 27, 2020
One of the slowest Alan Lewrie novels to date (but still not a terrible one). There is very little actual naval action, but the little that is here is pretty solid. It is still an important volume in the series, though, because Lewrie goes through quite a bit of growth by getting married and maturing just a tiny bit as a result.
February 5, 2021
The continuing saga of the dashing Alan Lewrie. This instalment sees him married and assigned to the peacetime Bahamas Squadron wheer he gets to combat villainous pirates and a corrupt commodore. Always enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, rife with colorful dialogue, a plethora of period and nautical details, and thundering naval combat.
February 10, 2019
Always entertaining, the Adventures of Lieutenant Alan Lewrie continue with the newly married Lewrie reporting to Nassau in the Bahamas. He immediately runs afoul of the Naval Commander in Nassau and is off again after pirates.
October 29, 2019
Too much romance, not enough sailing, although the book improves when they finally reach the Bahamas. Lambdin describes battles at sea very well so perhaps his other books in the series will be better.
January 2, 2021
The Gun Ketch catches the day
Again I have stepped into the world of Allen Lewis and again I am entertained.. The Gun ketch is wonderful and will be enjoyed for as long as I live. Thank you Mr. Lambdin
Again I have stepped into the world of Allen Lewis and again I am entertained.. The Gun ketch is wonderful and will be enjoyed for as long as I live. Thank you Mr. Lambdin
January 5, 2024
This is book 5 in a series of at least 21 books.
An adult book but weaves very good stories of life in the Royal Navy around 1800s.
The main character grows in stature in each book.
Highly recommended.
An adult book but weaves very good stories of life in the Royal Navy around 1800s.
The main character grows in stature in each book.
Highly recommended.
July 30, 2024
Lambdin is a master of Setting
His settings and historical research are to be admired. The penultimate chase with Finney felt contrived however. Are we to believe that a pirate from lower class runs away out of class shaming? Seems unlikely.
His settings and historical research are to be admired. The penultimate chase with Finney felt contrived however. Are we to believe that a pirate from lower class runs away out of class shaming? Seems unlikely.
February 12, 2018
Good tale of jack tars and pirates in the caribee......
September 3, 2018
I thought it was a great book it was right up my street. It might not float everybodies boat (pardon the pun). I am now reading the last book in the series.
April 15, 2019
Well written.
Exciting to read well researched sailing terms for sailing ships and crews. Look forward to the next adventure. Enjoyed it.
Exciting to read well researched sailing terms for sailing ships and crews. Look forward to the next adventure. Enjoyed it.
August 2, 2020
Qué última escena de acción más bien hecha. Lo que estoy disfrutando.
August 4, 2020
Back to Lambdin’s usual excellence, a fast-paced, entertaining, rollicking-good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews