The Falmouth Frigate

Isaac Biddlecomb #6

by James L. Nelson

The year 1777 is bleak indeed for the cause of American Independence, with the British army twice defeating Washington and taking the capital city of Philadelphia and the Royal Navy sweeping aside the defenses of the Delaware Bay. And for Captain Isaac Biddlecomb and the men of the half-built frigate Falmouth, things are direr still. After managing to slip through a British blockade, they find themselves trapped in a desolate harbor on the New Jersey coast and menaced not by the British but by the outlaw bands that terrorize the countryside and see Falmouth as a potentially valuable prize. Deserter Angus McGinty steals Biddlecomb’s most potent weapon, the captured British sloop Sparrowhawk, leaving him to face the ruthless Pine Robbers on his own, with only his diminished crew and the near-useless local militia to help. Meanwhile, Virginia Biddlecomb, trapped in occupied Philadelphia, sees her chance to play a clandestine role in the fight. In the course of her activities, however, she lets slip information that will put her husband, his ship, and his crew in mortal danger, leading to a desperate race to get the unwieldy Falmouth to a place beyond the reach of the Royal Navy.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

Unknown Binding

About the author

James L. Nelson (1962-) is an American historical nautical novelist. He was born in Lewiston, Maine. In 1980, Nelson graduated from Lewiston High School. Nelson attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst for two years, and then transferred to UCLA, with the ambition of becoming a film director. Nelson, his wife, Lisa, and their daughter Betsy lived for two years in Steubenville, Ohio, while Lisa attended Franciscan University. They also have two boys, Nate and Jack. They now live in Harpswell, Maine, where Nelson continues to write full time.

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant!!
I am so sad that this seems to be the last Isaac Biddlecombe book 😭😭

This series got better and better as it went on and I found myself loving them as much as I ever loved the Jack Aubrey books by Patrick O’Brien.

James Nelson is a superb writer, so much so that he made me detest the Brits (of which I am one) and cheer on the Americans.

Please write some more Mr Nelson ✍🏻😊

[Stuart]

Another excellent novel by Mr. Nelson. Surprising, interesting and well written. You get a good feel for the civil war nature of the revolutionary era. The characters draw you in nicely too.
I’m very glad he’s returned to this series after a seemingly twenty year hiatus.

[Chuck Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!!

A worthy tale, Biddlecomb’s luck and skill continues to hold forth. This book has a lot of depth, a quality Jim Nelson brings to all his works. Highly recommended!!!

[Steven Toby · Rating 5 out of 5]

a Wild Romp

We rejoin Capt. Biddlecomb stranded in Great Egg Harbor on the New Jersey coast in the unfinished frigate Falmouth during the late phases of the Revolutionary War. Having been born in New Jersey and having summered on one of the barrier islands from age 2 to 13, this is a familiar environment and the author’s treatment of it is authentic for local color except that I’m doubtful a ship as big as a frigate could negotiate the inlet and cross the bay to the mainland. Army deserter McGinty still has a part to play after deserting the frigate with the captured sloop. Virginia Bibblecomb, nee Stanton, with baby Jack nursing, has a role to be play as does the British captain formerly of HMS Rose who has encountered Capt. Biddlecomb before.
The plot is pretty improbable but it’s wonderful entertainment, keeps you guessing at every turn. I learned something new about the period: bands of bandits took shelter in the Pine Barrens, which to me was something you drove through on the way to the barrier islands, raiding people who were trying to farm that infertile, swampy land, even today sparsely populated. I’m amazed that was a thing.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book in a most excellent series

There are very few authors who can transport the reader back to the 1700's as well as Nelson does. I always thought it ironic that the author shares name with the greatest admiral ever to sail a ship. Its as if James L is a reincarnation of Horatio, and had actually been alive in the 1770's. His detail and story telling brings to life history, and the hardships and adventure the real life sailors of the time both endured and endured. This book and the entire series is very entertaining and educational at the same time.

[Joseph Halsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rollicking good sea stories

This series of revolutionary war naval actions is a fast and fun read Every bit as good as the Horn lower series.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific swashbuckling read of the adventures of Isaac Biddlecombe with the frigate Falmouth. Culminating with a nerve jangling confrontation with his arch rival Captain James Wallace. Can’t wait for the next episode!

[Carol Cronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent Biddlecomb story. I hope there will be more!