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Richard Bolitho #15
The Inshore Squadron: The Richard Bolitho Novels (The Bolitho Novels Book 13)
Copenhagen, 1800. After seven years of cruel war against France, Britain's long-standing ally, Denmark, suddenly poses a threat. The scene of battle shifts to the Baltic where the British navy encounters the bitter hardship of blockade duty.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1977
115 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Kent
228 books199 followersA pseudonym used by Douglas Reeman.
Series:
* Richard Bolitho
* Adam Bolitho
Series:
* Richard Bolitho
* Adam Bolitho
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 19, 2018
I enjoyed this story. Is it necessary to read them in chronological order by date, or by the order he wrote them?
February 3, 2022
En esta nueva entrega, Bolitho será nombrado contralmirante de una flota que acabará participando en la batalla de Dinamarca. Será herido de gravedad y volverá a encontrar el amor.
October 7, 2023
Bolitho never disappoints! Another advancement in the adventures of our hero!
October 17, 2021
I've been reading this series in chronological order and these books in the middle of the series are all run-on like it's one big book chronicling Bolitho's career from a Flag-Captain to an Admiral. I've been binging them like a TV series and there isn't much to separate one book from another. In fact I'm several books ahead now and I can't really remember much about this particular book. Even the book names are someone nondescript so I'll just give a general summary of the writing of the books in this time frame.
The writing is easy to read and follow. There is usually a lot of action, at least 1 ship to ship action. Apart from that, there's sometimes cutting out action. The action scenes are very well done if bloody and officers are not spared, quite a few die. Kent spends a lot of time on the characters and they are often well done and memorable. This is what I like about the books.
What I don't like: The hero worship gets a bit cringy at times. Not as bad as the Ramage books but sometimes close. CS Forester does a much better job of creating a hero and we don't need to be reminded every few pages how great Bolitho is.
What is worse is Kent's romance scenes. He is incapable of creating chemistry between the lovers and they often fall deeply in love after one meeting. The Ramage series is even worse and to be honest I'm not here to read romance.
There is sometimes recurring element of conflict, a plot device I dislike because it limits the plot and is predictable. In some of the books in this time frame, it's Bolitho's superior, either a commodore or admiral, who is grossly incompetent and Bolitho has to save him.
The writing is easy to read and follow. There is usually a lot of action, at least 1 ship to ship action. Apart from that, there's sometimes cutting out action. The action scenes are very well done if bloody and officers are not spared, quite a few die. Kent spends a lot of time on the characters and they are often well done and memorable. This is what I like about the books.
What I don't like: The hero worship gets a bit cringy at times. Not as bad as the Ramage books but sometimes close. CS Forester does a much better job of creating a hero and we don't need to be reminded every few pages how great Bolitho is.
What is worse is Kent's romance scenes. He is incapable of creating chemistry between the lovers and they often fall deeply in love after one meeting. The Ramage series is even worse and to be honest I'm not here to read romance.
There is sometimes recurring element of conflict, a plot device I dislike because it limits the plot and is predictable. In some of the books in this time frame, it's Bolitho's superior, either a commodore or admiral, who is grossly incompetent and Bolitho has to save him.
July 24, 2022
Never disappointed
I have re-read this book more than once, always enjoy these Bolitho novels no matter how many times I read them
I have re-read this book more than once, always enjoy these Bolitho novels no matter how many times I read them
April 4, 2024
Six-Word Review: Perhaps the best in the series.
Richard Bolitho is wounded and almost dies or lose his leg. But he survives and leads his squadron against the Danes in the Battle of Copenhagen.
He also meets a woman who reminds him of his wife, Cheney, who had died in a carriage accident while he was at sea. A good part of the book explores his mixed feelings as he tries to decide if he has fallen for a memory or if he could have a real relationship with the woman, Belinda.
He also shows up in place of his nephew for a duel to avenge his brother's reputation. Fortunately, he does not have to actually fight because the opponent quits when he realizes Bolitho is an Admiral. The entire episode is stage-managed by a Rear Admiral whose brother had been killed in a duel with Bolitho's brother.
Tsar Paul of Russia fomented this little-known mini-war between England and Denmark that only lasted for one battle ending in a cease-fire and truce when the Danes realized they could not win. Bolitho is given the toughest assignment once again due to the Rear Admiral's trying to get Bolitho killed. In the battle between Bolitho's squadron and the Danes, one of his ships is almost sunk and he loses a frigate.
The battle scenes are very well drawn, not quite to the Cornwell level, but better than in some of the previous books in the series. The need to close on the enemy created the brutality of naval warfare during the time of the sailing ships. It's hard to imagine how anyone could handle the aftermath of a battle without a bad case of PTSD.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book and can recommend it with the caveat that reading some of the earlier books in the series would enhance the experience of reading this one.
Richard Bolitho is wounded and almost dies or lose his leg. But he survives and leads his squadron against the Danes in the Battle of Copenhagen.
He also meets a woman who reminds him of his wife, Cheney, who had died in a carriage accident while he was at sea. A good part of the book explores his mixed feelings as he tries to decide if he has fallen for a memory or if he could have a real relationship with the woman, Belinda.
He also shows up in place of his nephew for a duel to avenge his brother's reputation. Fortunately, he does not have to actually fight because the opponent quits when he realizes Bolitho is an Admiral. The entire episode is stage-managed by a Rear Admiral whose brother had been killed in a duel with Bolitho's brother.
Tsar Paul of Russia fomented this little-known mini-war between England and Denmark that only lasted for one battle ending in a cease-fire and truce when the Danes realized they could not win. Bolitho is given the toughest assignment once again due to the Rear Admiral's trying to get Bolitho killed. In the battle between Bolitho's squadron and the Danes, one of his ships is almost sunk and he loses a frigate.
The battle scenes are very well drawn, not quite to the Cornwell level, but better than in some of the previous books in the series. The need to close on the enemy created the brutality of naval warfare during the time of the sailing ships. It's hard to imagine how anyone could handle the aftermath of a battle without a bad case of PTSD.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book and can recommend it with the caveat that reading some of the earlier books in the series would enhance the experience of reading this one.
July 2, 2023
"The Inshore Squadron" is the fifteenth book in the Richard Bolitho series written by Alexander Kent, which is the pseudonym of Douglas Reeman. The series is set during the Napoleonic Wars and follows the naval career of Richard Bolitho.
In "The Inshore Squadron," Richard Bolitho holds the rank of Rear-Admiral and is tasked with leading a squadron of ships along the coast of France. The mission of the squadron is to disrupt enemy shipping and coastal defenses, as well as gather intelligence on French naval activities. Bolitho faces numerous challenges and dangers as he executes his orders and engages in naval battles along the French coastline.
Like other books in the series, "The Inshore Squadron" combines historical accuracy with compelling storytelling, providing readers with a glimpse into naval warfare during the Napoleonic era. The books often explore themes of honor, duty, leadership, and the personal struggles faced by the characters in the midst of war.
October 18, 2025
Dieses Buch handelt vom seekrieg zwischen England und Dänemark in der napoleonischen Zeit aus Sicht des konteradmirals bolitho. Ich habe es von meiner Tante geschenkt bekommen, die ein großer segelfan ist und gerne solche Bücher liest. Mich persönlich hat es nicht so sehr abgeholt, weil es schon sehr viel kriegsszenerie ist und segler/militärjargon. Mir fehlt da etwas die rahmenhandlung, was vielleicht aber auch daran liegt, das ich nur einen Teil der buchreihe kenne. Für historisch interessierte auf jeden Fall lesenswert.
April 8, 2018
Rear-Admiral Bolitho's squadron is forced into dangerous forward activity to free the way for a Nordic attack by Nelson and discovers he was chosen for this assignment by an Admiral whose brother was killed by Bolitho's brother, Hugh, in a duel and is out to ruin Bolitho, his family's honour, and all dear to him.
On an aside Dick solidifies a new relation ship with a distant relation of Cheney's, his dead wif
On an aside Dick solidifies a new relation ship with a distant relation of Cheney's, his dead wif
December 26, 2020
Another good Bolitho story. Now promoted to Rear Admiral he is stationed near Denmark to try and prevent the French and the Russians from teaming up against the British. After several spirited battles he finds himself involved in the Battle for Copenhagen.
May 13, 2021
Stirring stuff ... as always!
June 30, 2021
Book 15 completed and still enjoying the re-read of Richard Bolitho, but this time in chronological order.
February 5, 2023
Action Inshore
This excellent series installment continues its arc of detailed action at sea, and the men involved in making the story happen. Richard Bolitho continued growth in responsibility in his new position as an Admiral. He has to lead his men and now has the responsibility for an entire squadron.
Although late in the book, the action at sea highlights the bravery and skills of the British sailor. The author’s detailed descriptions of the ships and the men who go to war in them leave the reader with a hunger for more.
This excellent series installment continues its arc of detailed action at sea, and the men involved in making the story happen. Richard Bolitho continued growth in responsibility in his new position as an Admiral. He has to lead his men and now has the responsibility for an entire squadron.
Although late in the book, the action at sea highlights the bravery and skills of the British sailor. The author’s detailed descriptions of the ships and the men who go to war in them leave the reader with a hunger for more.
October 20, 2008
September, 1800 into 1801, Richard Bolitho, now a Rear Admiral, is in charge of another small squadron. This time he is assigned to blockade duty around Denmark and the entrance to the Baltic under the command of an admiral whose brother, Bolitho's brother killed many years ago in a duel. There are more efforts to discredit Bolitho as well as more diplomatic and such things for him to deal with resulting in more complications for Bolitho who is more fighter than diplomat.
As usual, there is naval action which displays Bolitho's skills.
As usual, there is naval action which displays Bolitho's skills.
November 17, 2012
Bolitho, now a rear-admiral, must deal with the repercussions of his brother's past actions, explain the truth to his nephew, and deal with Russia's growing aggressive stances.
December 17, 2012
A typical Bolitho story w/ Kent's usual quality.
January 31, 2016
Best Bolitho book so far!
Want to read
July 24, 2014a capture for the reader from beginning to end
September 14, 2016
I read this entire series as a teenager and absolutely loved it.
December 14, 2016
See my earlier reviews of this series.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
February 27, 2023
Great story and a great part of the adventure.
January 13, 2010
ausome
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews