David Donachie (1944–2023)

No heroic swashbuckling officers in this "up from the hawse" story of a British frigate during the Napoleonic War. Evil midshipmen and a ship's boy add to the malevolence on board as a team of "lubbers" struggles to survive. The relentless cupidity of the captain is reflected by most of the command structure in their treatment of the newly pressed men. Their plight seems on the way to being resolved until a final act of treachery from the captain creates new problems.

Somewhat dryly told last part of Belisarius' life from his Italian campaigns and his Persian campaign and sad end of his life. His wife, Antonina, and the Empress Theodora, thwart him at every turn and influence Justinian against him. [The two women are two peas in a pod.] Belisarius' triumph is not that he won a great victory in battle, but that he held to his principles in spite of obstacles, even turning down temptations to become King of the Goths and taking the diadem. Sometimes the show more book read more like a nonfiction history rather than a novel. show less

Hard to miss with this combination mystery/detective story/nautical yarn. Harry Ludlow is an ex-Royal Navy officer now operating his own vessel as a privateer. His ship is destroyed, and he and his crew are taken on board the Magnanime, commanded by one of Harry's old enemies, Oliver Carter. James, Harry's brother, who had also been on Harry's ship, and is hardly a seaman, is discovered standing over the body of a murdered Magnanime officer. Harry must find the real killer in order to clear show more his brother.

Using his knowledge of the sea and ships, Harry worms his way into the good graces of some of the other officers and sailors. A raft of dark secrets soon emerges, including a secret space where several of the men and officers, would gather to conduct unmentionable activities.

I would rank Donachie somewhere between O'Brian and Forester. The addition of the mystery adds a nice twist to what would otherwise be a very credible naval series. show less

John Pearce still pursues a court-martial for his former commander. It does occur, but machinations by an admiral, produce unpleasant results. Serving on a ship escorting French sailors to another part of France provides an opportunity that requires unique solutions. Not exciting but a solid entry in this good Age of Sail Series.