The short-lived Peace of Amiens is over. Entered into in bad faith, the Peace has provided both sides with the chance to take a breath and restock their arsenals.
Sir Nicholas Turnhouse, Bloody Nick, has recovered from his wound and is ready to go to sea again, supported by his lady. Only at sea will he be able to achieve the promotion in rank and honours that both believe to be his due. He is given Hawke, 44, again and sets out for the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea to tidy up the remnants of Napoleon’s Army of Egypt, if they should exist, and to make a general nuisance of himself around the Mauritius.
It is a long way from home, and the new happiness he has created for himself. It is back at sea, where he truly belongs. He sets sail, torn between domesticity and adventure, and wondering if he has taken the wiser choice.
Audacious action by a Captain that knows his crew. I liked the intelligent but compassionate decisions by Nick. The French appear hapless, but honorable adversaries. The element of surprise and shock and awe, Leaves Nick at a psychological and physical advantage. He gets his prizes, reckless ambition plus lock and admirable restraint save the day, or should I say night. .
Another Wareham series that I can't put down! I particularly enjoy the character development and the deeper strategic insight into the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars.
Another enjoyable of Captain Turnhouse & his motley crew of mixed followers . Once again naval detail was accurate although some of the promotions wouldn’t stand scrutiny
During a long voyage at sea, our hero, Bloody Nick, must harass the Spanish far from home waters. Despite being low on supplies and having many new crew members, Nick must find the Spanish and take a prize when he can. The story also sheds light on the use of crews drawn from press gangs and captured naval prisoners. The uncertain loyalties of the crew and the poor condition of the supplies add to the mix of problems that a maritime officer must deal with every day. The action is continuous, the descriptions of the men are colorful and full of insight into this period in British naval history. This series continues to deliver action and insightful commentary during this period of British history. I look forward to the next installment.
Our hero Nick Turnhouse is at home at his estate, overseeing the family and home when the Peace of Amiens ends. He returns to the sea in a new ship, tasked with clearing the remnants of the fleet dispersed at Egypt, and ultimately to help Sir Sidney Smith at Acre.
Turnhouse is a big, dangerous man in combat, but his real gift is handling people, no matter who they are. He has a real talent for keeping even unstable and dangerous people happy and that comes in handy when dealing with Smith who is brilliant and gifted but a bit off center bubble and has to be dealt with carefully.
Another chapter in the ongoing adventures of Bloody Nick Turnhouse. Great read, I am truly unhappy that I have to wait for the next book. I Highly recommend this book and all the books in this series.
Bring a Naval officer I understand all the problems of supervising a new officer that should have been a seaman for all his enlistment. A good read, maybe he will fall overboard and drown.
Wareham's prose improves with each episode. He puts his hero, Nick in historical context of Britiania ruling the waves before the Suez canal, when a passage to India was a gruelling slog around Africa.
A really good read. Lots going on and some good twists in the storyline. I had read the books up to number four and then moved on to others. Really pleased I found them again.