1837 and Europe has recovered from the Napoleonic wars. King William IV is on the throne but ailing which heralds the ascension of Victoria to the throne. That brings its own problems for the government in the Kingdom of Hanover which William also rules. Upper and Lower Canada are in the depths of a rebellion which the government needs to know the cause of. Marty gets influenza and almost dies. To aid his recover Caroline takes him to Jamaica for rest and recuperation. But Marty can't stay still for long and stumbles over a mysterious map.
Meanwhile James is sent to Singapore where he is to patrol the Singapore and Malacca straights to combat pirates. His ship, the Firebrand, is the first steam ship to be seen in the region and is able to give the pirates a nasty surprise leading to an unexpected reward.
Action, Adventure, Sailing and more, Another great story from the author off the Dorset Boy Series
You go Tubbs…..now that I have written several books about Indian murder mysteries, can see why authors desire reviews so much as the instant feedback is invaluable.
I really liked the story taking place on a number of different levels and the plans for continuity as did Kent with the Bolitho novels.
It’s hard to believe that Marty always wins with nary a set back, but hey, these are stories, not history as you stated. I am really invested into the family and loved how you gave his wife a shady history with the Red Lady (my name) stories in her past!
Kent only stopped at death. You seem to be “young” enough to carry on fully into the next generation but then the sidekicks from Spain will have to be replaced as well.
A very good novel full of personal and political realities. Marty and Carolyn are everywhere supporting the English Commonwealth. Able assistance is provided by James and Bethany. Victoria is oin the throne and the golden age of the British Empire is just beginning. Problems discussed are very similar to today’s issues but seem to lend themselves to easier solutions. Diplomacy really works.
A series that continues to entertain and educate. Each of these action adventure instillments, always contain a tid bit of new knowledge. Real gems of some event that in contemporary with the story , give a new bit historical trivia.
The series feels like it's getting long in the tooth. This feels far more like a series of short stories than a single novel. That said, I still hope the series recovers and continues.
This series perseveres nicely. Tubbs manages to insert Caroline, Marty, and their ways appropriately into the history of this period. The transition from sail to steam is well underway, with side-wheelers soon to give way to screw propellers.