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It is 1757, and the British navy is regrouping from a slow start to the seven years war.
A Spanish colonial governor and his family are pursued through the Caribbean by a pair of mysterious ships from the Dutch island of St. Eustatius. The British frigate Medina rescues the governor from his hurricane-wrecked ship, leading Captain Edward Carlisle and his first lieutenant George Holbrooke into a web of intrigue and half-truths. Are the Dutchmen operating under a letter of marque or are they pirates, and why are they hunting the Spaniard? Only the diplomatic skills of Carlisle’s aristocratic wife, Lady Chiara, can solve the puzzle.
When Carlisle is injured, the young Holbrooke must grow up quickly. Under his leadership, Medina takes part in a one-sided battle with the French that will influence a young Horatio Nelson to choose the navy as a career.

The Jamaica Squadron follows The Colonial Post-Captain and The Leeward Islands Squadron as the third of the Carlisle and Holbrooke naval adventures. The series will record the exploits of the two men through the Seven Years War and into the period of turbulent relations between Britain and her American colonies in the 1760s.

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2018

488 people are currently reading
60 people want to read

About the author

Chris Durbin

15 books70 followers
Chris Durbin grew up in the seaside town of Porthcawl in South Wales. His first experience of sailing was as a sea cadet in the treacherous tideway of the Bristol Channel, and at the age of sixteen, he spent a week in a topsail schooner in the Southwest Approaches. He was a crew member on the Porthcawl lifeboat before joining the navy.

Chris spent twenty-four years as a warfare officer in the Royal Navy, serving in all classes of ship from aircraft carriers through destroyers and frigates to the smallest minesweepers. He took part in operational campaigns in the Falkland Islands, the Middle East and the Adriatic. As a personnel exchange officer, he spent two years teaching tactics at a US Navy training centre in San Diego.

On his retirement from the Royal Navy, Chris joined a large American company and spent eighteen years in the aerospace, defence and security industry, including two years on the design team for the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.

Chris is a graduate of the Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth, the British Army Command and Staff College, the United States Navy War College (where he gained a postgraduate diploma in national security decision-making) and Cambridge University (where he was awarded an MPhil in International Relations).

With a lifelong interest in naval history and a long-standing ambition to write historical fiction, Chris has embarked upon creating the Carlisle & Holbrooke series, in which a colonial Virginian commands a British navy frigate during the middle years of the eighteenth century.

The series will follow its principal characters through the Seven Years War and into the period of turbulent relations between Britain and her American Colonies in the 1760s. They’ll negotiate some thought-provoking loyalty issues when British policy and colonial restlessness lead inexorably to the American Revolution.

Chris now lives on the south coast of England, surrounded by hundreds of years of naval history. His three children are all busy growing their own families and careers while Chris and his wife (US Navy, retired) of thirty-seven years enjoy sailing their classic dayboat.

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5 stars
736 (59%)
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424 (34%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Ridel.
401 reviews18 followers
August 28, 2025
Skipped Stations

The Prussians pummel the Austrians in the early stages of the Seven Years War, but Captain Carlisle is far from continental concerns in The Jamaica Station. The author continues to be a sailing savant, smoothly integrating strategic complexities of the time with historical events. Every novel teaches something new: the difficulties of station keeping, running blockades, and how errant winds can turn the course of battle. War is similar to the bull market, and whether in privateering or the King’s navy, the talented will flourish. Prize distributions drive economics and influence the Admiralty. At last, we also get squadron warfare, with British ships of the line engaging their French counterparts while smaller frigates play critical roles in both signals and rescue.

The author’s ability to convey technical concepts through narrative is peerless. Sadly, he lavishes less attention on the cast. The back of the book prepares readers for a dramatic leap forward in Carlisle’s domestic life. Off-screen, our protagonist marries Lady Chiara, an aristocratic prospect he briefly met in the first novel and corresponded with through letters in the sequel. To say that their relationship is immature is to understate the matter. Our protagonist hasn’t met the terms between him and her overbearing mother. Yet the author bypasses key developments, presenting Chiara as an integral member of Medina’s crew. The pacing of the Spanish Governor subplot suffers for this, as the author introduces the Spaniard, his household, and key British figures in addition to Chiara. Her skills are established when she needs them to overcome obstacles, making her contributions feel like plot contrivances. It’s uncharacteristically sloppy work for the author.

Holbrooke’s assumption of command has comparable issues. Despite arguments with the more experienced Sailing Master, he smartly maneuvers the Medina and leads the crew in battle. His successes are almost effortless. He internalizes the context of his orders and arranges his ship to best effect. There’s no drama from peers passed over, and the French are a non-entity. Holbrooke and Chiara share the same problem: a lack of page count to establish their weaknesses, grapple with formidable foes, and build character. The author should have focused on one but not both. Their successes feel undeserved, which undermines their growth. Fortunately, the rest of the cast is handled with care. In particular, key historical figures such as Byng and Suckling have outsized influence despite relatively short cameos. Be it sailing the seas or navigating the business world, The Jamaica Station masterfully illustrates the systems our ancestors had to traverse. Now, the author needs to give his protagonists the room to thrive.

Recommended.
Profile Image for Edoardo Albert.
Author 55 books157 followers
April 11, 2020
The third instalment in Chris Durbin's Carlisle and Holbroke naval adventures set during the Seven Years' War, the global conflict that saw Britain vault up to the top-rank of world powers on the back of the superb seamanship and extraordinary, not to say reckless, courage of its Navy. The first novel in the series deals with the Menorca debacle that saw, extraordinarily, an Admiral of the Blue, Admiral Byng, court martialled and executed for desertion in the face of the enemy. The aftermath of that, naturally, was that British admirals were inclined to attack, whatever the odds, and the end result was British naval dominance. This book follows Captain Carlisle and Lieutenant Holbroke to the Caribbean and a series of well-drawn adventures there, based on excellent historical research and naval knowledge. While not quite in the top drawer in terms of writing (although not far off), Chris Durbin makes up for this in nautical nous - he really knows ships and the men who sailed them.
Profile Image for Steven Toby.
234 reviews
February 9, 2019
This is the third book of the series about Capt. Carlisle and Lt. Holbrook of the Royal Navy in the French and Indian War (Seven Years' War in British literature). This is even better than the last one, continuing the close reliance on historical research and improving the clarity of the naval battles to nearly a Hornblower-like pitch. It's an action-packed naval adventure with some neat twists and turns. The author obviously knows the Caribbean very well and the local color is superb. Details of the ships and tactics ring true in almost every respect. It's also clear Lt. Holbrooke is headed for an independent command and we are led to wonder how this could affect the Captain. I'm looking forward to how that plays out in future books, as the author says he's planning on taking his characters past the treaty that ended the war in 1763. I also liked the Historical Note that tells us the outcome of the campaign (yes, it really happened). I was wondering why the French admiral's name, de Kersaint, seemed so familiar -- he was a real person. Carlisle and Holbroook are fictional.

I have only a couple of tiny nits to complain about in this one. One is that a square rigger "hardening up sheets and tacks" to come closer the wind seems anachronistic. Surely it is braces that are handled to trim the principal sails, the square topsails and courses -- unless seamen of the period hardened in the sheets to FLATTEN the sails for better pointing ability? Maybe! Second, 1757 seems really late for a frigate to carry a Lateen mizzen. Certainly, in Chapelle's "American Sailing Ships" there's a drawing of a "Frigate, 1760" with a gaff spanker. Ships of the line were still carrying Lateens up to the Revolution, but I think smaller ships had already switched over.


Enough said -- this is a good read for those suffering withdrawal symptoms after the deaths of C.S. Forester and Patrick O'Brian. Our fix of naval action is here!
Profile Image for Studebhawk.
326 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2023
Action in the Caribbean

This is the third installment in the Carlisle & Holbrook series. And in this release, the action continues at a quick pace as well as the history lesson. Set in an area of the world less familiar to many, much of the story continues to inform and entertain. The mastery of the report by the author shows the depth of history by the author, Chris Durham. The push and pull of the British and French colonial powers for a strategic foothold in the Caribbean clearly underline the central thread of this story. The action builds through the story. The skill of the British Navy stands in contrast to the French Navy.
The relationship between Carlisle and Holbrook continues its growth in confidence and command ability. This series continues in its ability to entertain and inform. The author, Chris Durbin, displays a mastery of the Caribbean in this period. The detailed description of wood ships at war in difficult situations is beautifully described here.
The skill, the heroism of these men is a tribute that the author brings alive for the reader. For the fans of this series, we can only ask for more.
48 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2023
Good Yarns

As a big fan of this genre I was interested to find a series that moved a couple of generations earlier than the norm. The bar is pretty high here, because it is populated by the likes of Aubrey/Maturin, Ramage, Bolitho etc. so it's tough to stand out. I feel this does. Aside from being in the Seven Years War, a period sadly neglected. It is well written, with a cast of balanced, believable characters who develop over the course of the previous two stories in a pleasing way.

The descriptions of the action are well paced and exciting. Also the sailing, weather and locations are described vividly.

I like the way the adventures of Capt. Carlisle et al are interwoven with the real history them being on the periphery but not actually affecting the results. The little sections setting the scene before and after really add to the "reality" of the world.

It will be really interesting to see how things develop over the rest of the series. So far, so very good!
100 reviews
September 14, 2023
This series continues to show promise. Action. Ship always underway. Three stars? I have been reading these nautical yarns for quite some time now. Remember, we are talking about mermaid logic here. One thing I have learned (did I say I did a hitch in the US Navy?) is that sailors are superstitious. Really. Overly so. Like you would never re-name a ship. Ever. Another, and applicable here, is YOU NEVER SAIL WITH A WOMAN ONBOARD. EVER. To have the Captain ship out with three onboard without a sense of the crew resentment is quite truly literary malpractice.

The slogan of Michigan's upper peninsula is "If unique is what you seek, look about you." This book series could be "If you are after action and bleedin', keep on reading."
166 reviews4 followers
April 18, 2022
a Fanboy of C. Durbin

This latest book in the Carlisle - Holbrook series has pulled me in to the series and has made me an unabashed cheerleader for our two protagonists. Also, the delightfully 21st century Outlander wife of Capt Carlisle is a character I hope is carried forward in Durbin’s following novels in the series.

As a retired navy man, I absolutely understand the meanderings of naval policies and strategies that truly appear to be working against each other. I was blessed with working and living with naval personnel who were more human than the stuffed shirts you see too often in positions of power.
128 reviews5 followers
September 10, 2020
Important but little known war brilliantly brought to life

This third installment of the Carlisle & Holbrooke series maintains the action and pace of the previous volumes as it adds new twists and turns in this story of the Seven Years War. Durbin’s interest in his characters, and the tactical/strategic genius of the naval action make this story hard to put down.

I also very much appreciate the maps, lists of characters (distinguishing the historic from the fictional), and the historical context for those who are interested. I highly recommend the series.
70 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2025
The delight is in the details

I have read many age of sail novels and greatly enjoyed them. This series is the first where the actual ship roles of the master, bosun, commander, etc. have been a real focus of a novel. Exploring the inherent tensions in the responsibilities along with personality quirks adds a depth that I now realize has been missing from other works/authors.

Having the focus brings the workings of a ship much more into focus. The ship, crew, characters become much more real. This is a dimension I greatly enjoyed in this series.
Profile Image for Stephen.
328 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2021
Another thrilling tale of Carlisle and Holbrooke

I thoroughly enjoy these books. Chris Durbin is a fine writer producing readable, thrilling, page turners that are centred on historical accuracy. The accompanying website of Naval terms of the time is invaluable and aids the understanding of the sailing of these great ships. I look forward to further books in the series. Carlisle and Holbrooke are fitting companions to Hornblower, Aubrey and Maturin, and Killigrew, et al.
12 reviews
July 26, 2023
An otherwise good book almost ruined by too much female interference. Apparently, lady Chiara, seems to hold a commission in the king's navy. Absolutely ridiculous. Like many so called age of sail novels this is worthy of a read so long ás you don't expect authenticity.
Clearly All the readers awarding 4 and 5 star's are happy to read yet another average pulp version of this genre.
C.s Forester and Patrick O'Brien continue to set the standard which so far no others can attain.
Profile Image for gerry.
459 reviews5 followers
December 29, 2020
I am enjoying this series

Military life back in the 1700s was probably just as complicated as it is today, despite all the technological advancements. Humans remain true: some are honest and some are not able to follow any code of honor. Fortunately our main characters are honest and excellent leaders. Insert politics and the plot becomes dramatic. The author's glossary of maritime terms has been extremely helpful.
69 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2021
Enjoyed

Continue to enjoy this series covering a little known era when America was still a group of colonies. Appreciate the accuracy and detail (having sailed a racing schooner and owned property {St Lucia} in the Leeward Islands). Detail adds credibility to the story, gives it a ring of truth.
Profile Image for Christopher Taylor.
Author 10 books79 followers
February 22, 2023
These stories are more interesting to me than most sea novels, because they are set earlier than the usual Napoleonic era (the first ends with Admiral Byng being hanged on his own quarterdeck). Holbrooke and Carlisle are likable enough, with Carlisle being the more Hornblower expert and Holbrooke the more thoughtful and physically capable of the two.
119 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2023
Excellent discussion of stratify, 18th Cent. naval tactics, and a good novel with reasonable and like characters

This is my second reading and am enjoying the chapter development and discussing of naval thinking. Some of the author’s time at the Naval War College may have contributed to the books. Print the maps.
311 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2018
The British Navy in the Carribean

A well written very enjoyable book. Gods to get back to Carlisle and Holbrook. Very well laid out study of naval intelligence and resulting strategy. Great character study of Holbrook. A great read.
12 reviews
January 25, 2019
Quite interesting as we usually only read about european or far eastern wars

I chose the rating because i probably wont read this again alone.
As a series its quite good but as a stand alone its only of specialist interest.
Im going to read the next one tho'
3 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2019
A good book

First time reading a book from this author. Although our of sequence i found the book to be very interesting and accurate in describing the period. Looking forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Chaplain Stanley Chapin.
1,978 reviews22 followers
September 25, 2019
A little different sea action

It is well known of my preference for sailing ship sea action. Probably brought on by being born and raised in hot, dry, flat Kansas and living near Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut, while in service.
54 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2020
Excellent

I've reviewed the two preceeding books in the series, all with five stars. No point in repeating myself. If you like this genre, a le P.O'Brien, and the previous books you'll love this one.
1 review
October 23, 2020
An excellent read once started I couldn’t put it down. Well written. Can’t wait to pick up the next in the series.

An amazing insight into such an exciting time and to naval traditions and actions. Well presented and well worth reading
37 reviews
November 24, 2020
Interesting book

Really good story, good naval battle scenes, with some interesting new characters emerging.
Like the detailed technical sail handling information, look forward to the next book.
14 reviews
February 1, 2021
Entertaining historical fiction.

A very captivating series. Historical fiction at its best. A big shout out for adapting a link to nautical terms used in the Carlisle and Holbrooke books for us non sailors to understand.
45 reviews
June 18, 2021
Great continuing story of life at sea in the early British navy

I truly enjoyed this book! It’s a bit predictable at how it comes out in the end , but still I can’t wait to read the next installment!!
1 review
June 21, 2021
Another good yarn

This series of books gets better as it continues through the story of the seven years war with France based on fact of true events , I look forward to the next installment.
2 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2022
Unusual period and unxcelled sailing exegesis

The characters are interesting if not compelling. What stands out to me is the author's understanding of navigation and the effects of wind and current on a sailing ship. There's nothing better in marine fiction.
17 reviews
November 23, 2022
wonderful

I love historical fiction, and Chris Durbin does wonderful work in interweaving the historical facts to a fictitious story full of adventure, love and intrigue. Thank you. Very enjoyable!
6 reviews
January 11, 2024
The boring part

I can't believe how many pages went on and on and on tivia about chiara and carisle and junior officers waiting promotion half the book boring stuff all from book one to three copy and paste,just name changes.
3 reviews
October 26, 2018
Excellent continuation of the enjoyable series

Thoroughly enjoyed this latest book in the Carlisle / Holbrooke series and look forward to read G the next installment soon.
3 reviews
December 28, 2018
Well researched, well written. An enjoyable look into the culture and history of the British navy of the period. Historical notes are excellent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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