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Alan Lewrie #23
A Fine Retribution
Dewey Lambdin, the reigning master of maritime fiction, continues the adventures of Alan Lewrie, Royal Navy, from his days as a midshipman to captain of his own ship and, though on somewhat dubious grounds, a baronetcy in the 23rd book in the Alan Lewrie series, A Fine Retribution.
Captain Alan Lewrie and his small squadron defeat four French frigates off northern Spain, winning honor, glory, and renown. So, why is such a successful captain suddenly without a ship, or another active commission? Why do rumors swirl that jealous foes' powerful patrons are blighting his career?
Months on end ashore, even in entertaining London setting up a household for himself and his retinue, getting his portrait painted, put him in serious sulks. Well, the artist is the sister of one of his midshipmen, a delightful and talented young lady of a modern outlook, but not modern enough to become Lewrie's lover. Dare he risk a second marriage? Then, just when things are the rosiest, at last, Admiralty calls upon him to develop and command a plan to raid French-held coasts, not with sailors and Marines from his own ship, but with a battalion of Army troops carried in a squadron of transports. It's intriguing, novel, and a way back to sea, but...can he part from the desirable Jessica Chenery? And if Lewrie does, will his foes allow him to succeed? Be certain that Alan Lewrie will prevail, scruples be damned!
Captain Alan Lewrie and his small squadron defeat four French frigates off northern Spain, winning honor, glory, and renown. So, why is such a successful captain suddenly without a ship, or another active commission? Why do rumors swirl that jealous foes' powerful patrons are blighting his career?
Months on end ashore, even in entertaining London setting up a household for himself and his retinue, getting his portrait painted, put him in serious sulks. Well, the artist is the sister of one of his midshipmen, a delightful and talented young lady of a modern outlook, but not modern enough to become Lewrie's lover. Dare he risk a second marriage? Then, just when things are the rosiest, at last, Admiralty calls upon him to develop and command a plan to raid French-held coasts, not with sailors and Marines from his own ship, but with a battalion of Army troops carried in a squadron of transports. It's intriguing, novel, and a way back to sea, but...can he part from the desirable Jessica Chenery? And if Lewrie does, will his foes allow him to succeed? Be certain that Alan Lewrie will prevail, scruples be damned!
354 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2017
124 people are currently reading
135 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 7, 2022
Books 23 and 24 are one long story starting with some very nice scenes of Lewrie’s recently discovered domestic bliss with his young wife in their newly acquired house. Sir Alan has certainly matured or aged and perhaps his ramcat days are over. He lobbies for a new ship and because of his experience with amphibious actions he is invited to present a plan to the Admiralty. His plan is accepted and he is given a new ship, a 64 gunner and a fleet of transports and an army regiment and they begin operations on the boot of Italy with intelligence provided by Mr. Quill. At this point the book almost becomes a procedural and after 20+ books and with the Napoleonic Wars heading toward a conclusion the author might be running out of ideas. Yet I am hanging in there with a daily dose of John Lee reading in his brilliant style and wondering what I will read next now that I have binged these books exclusively for months. At this point it is almost an addiction and I would probably keep reading them as long as they were available. The death of the author a couple years ago has sadly brought an end to the saga. Like most sagas the coming of age portion is most interesting and compelling. We root for our hero to become successful and achieve renown. This happened really in the middle of the series so for many books Lewrie has been Sir Alan Lewrie, Baronet, a sort of famous frigate captain who has rubbed shoulders with kings and emperors, put a leg over many a winsome lass and killed more people in hand to hand combat than Jack Reacher or John Wick. 23 and 24 almost seem like a procedural for early amphibious landings and there’s not a whole lot the author can do to make them thrilling or fascinating. Normally the stories are told from Lewrie’s POV but when the forces goes ashore we switch to British Army Colonel Tennant’s or Lewrie’s marine captain’s POV. To make the tale a bit more interesting Lambdin adds a problem Lieutenant Dixon a haughty aristocrat type who arrives with a new troop carrier and displays poor management skills. Lewrie relieves him of his command and moves him to Vigilance as fourth lieutenant.
I should note that there are always pets to talk about in the stories. Lewrie has had three cats (William Pitt, Toulon and Chalky and a dog named Biscuit who didn’t come on this voyage. Chalky is the only cat still living). Lewrie’s servant keeps a pet rabbit in Lewrie’s cabin and Colonel Tennant, prominent in these two books has adopted a dog who often makes a nuisance of himself. There are also many descriptions of meals throughout the book. Lewrie has had Joville as a his private chef for many books now and he seemed to put out some fine meals aboard ship especially when they had access to fresh food from bum boats or shopping ashore. As book 24 comes to an end we learn that Dixon has been writing negative reports to his mentors and sponsors who also, for unexplained reasons, are enemies of Lewrie. The handwriting is on the wall: Lewrie will be losing his command even though his amphibious landings have been most successful.
I should note that there are always pets to talk about in the stories. Lewrie has had three cats (William Pitt, Toulon and Chalky and a dog named Biscuit who didn’t come on this voyage. Chalky is the only cat still living). Lewrie’s servant keeps a pet rabbit in Lewrie’s cabin and Colonel Tennant, prominent in these two books has adopted a dog who often makes a nuisance of himself. There are also many descriptions of meals throughout the book. Lewrie has had Joville as a his private chef for many books now and he seemed to put out some fine meals aboard ship especially when they had access to fresh food from bum boats or shopping ashore. As book 24 comes to an end we learn that Dixon has been writing negative reports to his mentors and sponsors who also, for unexplained reasons, are enemies of Lewrie. The handwriting is on the wall: Lewrie will be losing his command even though his amphibious landings have been most successful.
May 30, 2025
Well it was bittersweet finishing this book for several reasons. I now only have two Lewrie books left and with the demise of the author in 2021 no more will be forthcoming. It appears he did not finish the last book he was working on and four years later there is Jack and Shit for updates. Usually a sign that you dear reader are Fooked as the Irish say. Also, this book is I believe the last of the sea going Lewrie fighting books, the next two take place in that dreary shit hole known as London. So not terribly exciting to be honest. This one starts off with Lewrie waiting for a ship and powerful enemies lined up to stuff it is in his butt so he does not get the opportunity to seek further fame and fortune. He does find time to get a new young wife who is attractive and an impressive painter that makes her own income, which at this time is quite controversial. I say good for her and even better for him. Lewrie finally gets the call from Admiralty and it is an unconventional command. He is to sail to Sicily with transports and several companies of soldiers to land at various ports burn, loot, and pillage creating as much chaos as possible against Napoleon’s forces. Well we know what happens don’t we?! Lewrie of course kicks some serious frog ass and gets more fame and fortune heaped upon himself further pissing off those douchebag enemies. All in all a hearty sea romp I highly recommend.
June 8, 2017
Always good to be shipping out with Captain Sir Alan Lewrie. After twenty-three adventures finishing this latest one make me wish that number twenty-four wasn't so far away (next year).
After winning a specular battle against four French ships, the HMS Sapphire's in such bad shape the only thing Lewrie can do is pay off his crew and watch the ship go to the scrap yard. Now on half-pay Sir Alan, the hero of the hour, is almost forgotten. No one at the Admiralty offers him any hope or help.
Most of this book, in fact a large portion is Alan on land. First he renews his friendship with Jessica Chenery, who does his portrait and while doing so they fall in love, Lewrie re-marries,mostly with mixed results from his late wife's family and his daughter.
There might be a possibility that Sir Alan can get back on the high seas, but that might involve shepherding an amphibious invasion in the Italian coast by the army. Not what anyone has in mind.
A good mix of history, dare-doing and humor mark this well written book. To some others who didn't like this book, I say they should 'go fish; with Sir Alan's enemies at the Admiralty. Lewrie Rules!
After winning a specular battle against four French ships, the HMS Sapphire's in such bad shape the only thing Lewrie can do is pay off his crew and watch the ship go to the scrap yard. Now on half-pay Sir Alan, the hero of the hour, is almost forgotten. No one at the Admiralty offers him any hope or help.
Most of this book, in fact a large portion is Alan on land. First he renews his friendship with Jessica Chenery, who does his portrait and while doing so they fall in love, Lewrie re-marries,mostly with mixed results from his late wife's family and his daughter.
There might be a possibility that Sir Alan can get back on the high seas, but that might involve shepherding an amphibious invasion in the Italian coast by the army. Not what anyone has in mind.
A good mix of history, dare-doing and humor mark this well written book. To some others who didn't like this book, I say they should 'go fish; with Sir Alan's enemies at the Admiralty. Lewrie Rules!
June 12, 2019
This book is a typical Alan Lewrie seafaring tale except it centers on Lewrie's ability to liaize with his military partners in the Royal Army and to get them ashore in the developmental early stages of amphibious landings.
What really stood out to me was his courting of and subsequent marriage to Jessica Chenery who is the older sister of one of Lewrie's youngest Mids. His tenderness and caring for her show that he is capable of really loving a woman. We will have to see id he can be faithful to her, which he hasn't been to all his courtesans. One hopes that he will because she is terribly in love with him and is amenable to his way of living.
I think all will enjoy this novel, particularly the fairer sex.
What really stood out to me was his courting of and subsequent marriage to Jessica Chenery who is the older sister of one of Lewrie's youngest Mids. His tenderness and caring for her show that he is capable of really loving a woman. We will have to see id he can be faithful to her, which he hasn't been to all his courtesans. One hopes that he will because she is terribly in love with him and is amenable to his way of living.
I think all will enjoy this novel, particularly the fairer sex.
December 12, 2020
A classic Lewrie
Despite much of the book being set in England, I still found this a thoroughly enjoyable read. The well written action sequences were relegated to the final few chapters.
I have been puzzling about what sets this series set in Napoleonic times above the slew of others that follow the well tried formula of dashing hero battling incredible odds. I think it comes down to three things; attention to detail, believable characters and a sense of humour.
Thankfully Lambden has resisted the urge to drop in the odd improbable plot line and has stuck to immaculately researched details from the period mixed with three dimensional characters.
I am only sad that there are only a couple more books to read.
Despite much of the book being set in England, I still found this a thoroughly enjoyable read. The well written action sequences were relegated to the final few chapters.
I have been puzzling about what sets this series set in Napoleonic times above the slew of others that follow the well tried formula of dashing hero battling incredible odds. I think it comes down to three things; attention to detail, believable characters and a sense of humour.
Thankfully Lambden has resisted the urge to drop in the odd improbable plot line and has stuck to immaculately researched details from the period mixed with three dimensional characters.
I am only sad that there are only a couple more books to read.
June 14, 2017
Four stars, just for old times sakes.
I'd wasn't sure whether to give this novel a three or a four star rating. I gave it four out of loyalty I guess. The first third of the book has Lewrie mooning around like a love struck midshipman and rehashing tales from previous books. The novel finally takes off in the last two thirds. I guess Lewrie is to senior for the old derring do and to junior for a large command.
I think the ending hinted of something bigger to come, but that might be wishful thinking on my part.
I'd wasn't sure whether to give this novel a three or a four star rating. I gave it four out of loyalty I guess. The first third of the book has Lewrie mooning around like a love struck midshipman and rehashing tales from previous books. The novel finally takes off in the last two thirds. I guess Lewrie is to senior for the old derring do and to junior for a large command.
I think the ending hinted of something bigger to come, but that might be wishful thinking on my part.
June 24, 2017
I have enjoyed the Alan Lewrie series from the start to now. This latest addition to the series was just great. This time Lawrie has to fight not only the French, but persons,who have an axe to grind with him. To list all of them would take too long as Lewrie points out. On a more happy note Lawrie does get married for a second time. Then it is off on what Lewrie sees as a slightly crazy plan to raid the coast of territories held by the French in Europe. There is action aplenty for any diehard fans. So now I await the next adventure to begin.
August 20, 2017
After reading all books with the greatest pleasure, I must say this book was a huge letdown.
Most of the book Lewrie is stuck on land waiting for a new command. Lewrie uses this time hunting for a new wive, meaning this book feels more like an episode of Downtown Abbey instead of a naval novel.
When he gets a command and the action starts everything seems to rushed. All the action is crammed into the last 20 pages (of so it feels). I honestly can't recommend this book.
Most of the book Lewrie is stuck on land waiting for a new command. Lewrie uses this time hunting for a new wive, meaning this book feels more like an episode of Downtown Abbey instead of a naval novel.
When he gets a command and the action starts everything seems to rushed. All the action is crammed into the last 20 pages (of so it feels). I honestly can't recommend this book.
August 23, 2019
Great book full of Adventure
A great series of books Destin to be compared alongside the Hornblower series favorably. A book full of action and humor on equal parts. I would recommend starting with the king's coat which is the first book of the series following them in sequence it's well worth the time.
A great series of books Destin to be compared alongside the Hornblower series favorably. A book full of action and humor on equal parts. I would recommend starting with the king's coat which is the first book of the series following them in sequence it's well worth the time.
January 12, 2021
I love this whole series - can’t get enough.
The only downside with this book is that I like my “tall ship” adventures to take place mostly aboard ship, while this one spends a lot of time in England. It makes sense, fits in with the running order and doesn’t detract from the overall series, but is a bit tiresome.
The only downside with this book is that I like my “tall ship” adventures to take place mostly aboard ship, while this one spends a lot of time in England. It makes sense, fits in with the running order and doesn’t detract from the overall series, but is a bit tiresome.
September 8, 2022
Alan Lewrie has high ranking people who are intent on his failure. He has been ashore without a ship for a time and has proposed a system which will allow quick amphibious assaults on the French and Spanish coast. After the plan is approved by the secretary of the Navy, many roadblocks are thrown in his way.
July 8, 2017
Another well written novel staring Captain Sir Alan Leweriewerie
Huzzah! Dewey Lambdin is a very talented writer; we haven't missed reading one of his books yet. My husband and I highly recommend this book.
Huzzah! Dewey Lambdin is a very talented writer; we haven't missed reading one of his books yet. My husband and I highly recommend this book.
February 14, 2019
Another Lambdin winner
Always entertaining, Lambdin’s hero winds up on half pay once his ship is decommissioned. Lewrie is determined to find a way to be commissioned again even though there are certain factions who wish him to remain inactive. Highly recommended.
Always entertaining, Lambdin’s hero winds up on half pay once his ship is decommissioned. Lewrie is determined to find a way to be commissioned again even though there are certain factions who wish him to remain inactive. Highly recommended.
February 9, 2022
Another rollicking Lewrie story -- the old boy is getting on, maybe even slowing down. Fascinating times, and a wonderful window into them. I admire Lambdin's research and his wit. Hurry, Dewey, I'm almost caught up!
July 31, 2025
Sad to hear of Lambdin’s passing
We’ll miss his books. His able writing of battles a sea and on land. As well as his able descriptions of amorous encounters. One more book and on to looking for a writer as good.
We’ll miss his books. His able writing of battles a sea and on land. As well as his able descriptions of amorous encounters. One more book and on to looking for a writer as good.
June 27, 2017
Solid!
Dewey Lambdin does not disappoint in the latest installment of Alan Lewrie's nautical adventures. Great escapist reading for those who love the days of fighting sail!
Dewey Lambdin does not disappoint in the latest installment of Alan Lewrie's nautical adventures. Great escapist reading for those who love the days of fighting sail!
June 28, 2017
A good yarn of the naval type
Alan does it again. But boy is he missing his wife. A darn good read can't wait for the next one
Alan does it again. But boy is he missing his wife. A darn good read can't wait for the next one
August 23, 2017
A good one.
October 2, 2018
A continuation of his previous novel, easy to pickup and remember the history of past.
November 27, 2018
Chaste love later in life and staff work. What wonderful topics about which to read.
More Swashing and Buckling, please.
More Swashing and Buckling, please.
December 1, 2021
It takes a while,but read on
A lot of back story,takes a while to get going,but still a rollicking good yarn. Roll on the next adventure.
A lot of back story,takes a while to get going,but still a rollicking good yarn. Roll on the next adventure.
April 3, 2022
It's a good thing Alan likes to play with all kinds of artillery.
November 6, 2023
Smashing!
April 8, 2024
Good story.
April 8, 2025
Good read.
August 21, 2025
Great book
The Alan Lewis novels are my favorite historical fiction! Lewis is a character that you're going to love cheering for!
The Alan Lewis novels are my favorite historical fiction! Lewis is a character that you're going to love cheering for!
October 7, 2018
Great fun and adventure
Once again, Dewey Lambdin writes an engaging tale featuring my favorite naval Captain - Alan Lewrie. The battle scenes are rendered with exciting detail. Great fun and adventure.
Once again, Dewey Lambdin writes an engaging tale featuring my favorite naval Captain - Alan Lewrie. The battle scenes are rendered with exciting detail. Great fun and adventure.
July 7, 2021
Weak link in the Lewrie series.
Not enough action. Wife too young and does not add to the adventure. Only interesting if you read the rest of the series.
Not enough action. Wife too young and does not add to the adventure. Only interesting if you read the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews