Blown Off Course

John Pearce #7

by David Donachie

Lieutenant John Pearce is in London seeking protection for his friends, the Pelicans, from a reluctant Admiralty. Sat in the Pelican Tavern where they were first press-ganged, he wonders what future he has, lacking funds and an occupation if he leaves Navy, and without the evidence that would bring Captain Ralph Barclay to justice for perjury. Problems are mounting for Barclay as well. Emily, his young, estranged wife, is refusing to live under the same roof as him and intends to use the evidence Pearce thinks is lost to get her own way. What action will be necessary to silence those who spell trouble for Barclay? Matters are looking up for Pearce when a smiling stranger offers him employment; the very profitable but illegal task of fetching a ship laden with contraband back from France. But is that smiling stranger all that he appears to be? How much danger is Emily Barclay in and are Pearce and his Pelicans sailing into prosperity or danger?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Military Fiction, Audiobook

382 pages, Hardcover

First published December 14, 2010

About the author

aka Tom Connery, Johnny 'Two Combs' Howard, Jack Ludlow, Jack Cole.

David Donachie was born in Edinburgh in 1944. He has had a variety of jobs, including selling everything from business machines to soap. He has always had an abiding interest in the naval history of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which he drew upon for the many novels he has set in that period. The author of a number of bestselling books, he lived in Deal with his wife, fellow A&B author Sarah Grazebrook.

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the seventh book in the John Pearce Series. This series must be read in order otherwise one is lost.

The first half of the book deals with Pearce and the Pelicans trying to have the Admiralty agree to try Captain Barclay for perjury. All of the evidence Pearce had went down with the sinking of his last ship. The monies Pearce has coming from prize money is still tied up by the prize board. The three pelicans were forced off the ship they were supposed to wait on for John Pearce to come and get them. They have to make it on their own to London avoiding Press Gangs all the way.
Pearce is sitting in the Pelican Pub when a stranger offers him and his friends’ employment. The task is illegal but should be profitable. They are to fetch a ship laden with contraband back from France.

The book does not have a much of the sea action as prior books. As usual the book is well written, the history and setting is well drawn. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Jonathan Keeble narrated the book.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend

[S Glenn Krochmal · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, character is consistent and the history is real. Great author and intriguing series.

[Peter Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing saga. A bit thin in second half

[Sonny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the other books I have read in this series. Too much time spent on romance and not enough on the high seas as the cover states.

[Craig Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read this before

And it bugs me that it is marketed as a new book. I guess my old man memory is partially to blame. Getting tired of the unending romance