Brian Withecombe

Courtenay takes to the sea again as the flag captain forf an inexperienced admiral. An awkward beginning evolves into an excellent operational relationship as they cruise the Indian Ocean seeking an elusive French/Dutch fleet. Piratical Dayaks also complicate things but are summarily dispatched. Courtenay and the admiral team nicely as they trap and defeat the French. Reasonable historical background, good cast of characters, and a lively story make this a fine entry in this interesting show more series. Pimple on the butt, Spencer-Wwhire is also present but is generally ignored as he bleats and whines in the background. show less

Too bad, the wrong aristo midshipman got killed and we would have been spared dealing with the worst feud in England since the "War of the Roses".
Other than that quibble, this is a good coming of age look back at the beginning of Giles HMS career. Even then the demise of junior officers was the best way to promotion.

Another good tale in this always pleasing "Age of Sail" series. Courtenay is sent to Jamaica Station to sort out the mess made by an old enemy, Adm. Walton. He is quite successful; then his wife and daughter come to visit and the party gets exciting. Lots of action before most of the bad guys are smitten hither and yon. Marmaduke, the perennial bad penny makes several token appearances then sails off into the sunset again. No doubt, like the poor, he will always be with us.

Courtenay gets a squadron to sort things out in the Caribbean then again.with some Barbary pirates. Spencer-White shows up for two, hopefully, his final appearances; once to be shown off by Lady Jessica with her muff pistol and finally slugged by the coxswain and marched off to a cell. This tedious character is almost the only flaw in this otherwise excellent series. I am sorry to see it end.