My first book by Reeman, I had seen his novels numerous times but always overlooked them. Although I like seafaring plots they just never really appealed to me. I am glad I decided to pick it up and am sure I will look for more of his books.

We find Commander Andrew Lindsay taking on a former cruise ship, 'HMS Benbecula', now converted to an armed merchant vessel. He is being blamed for the loss of his previous vessel and now as some sort of punishment has to oversee a sort of motley crew. Taking to the seas against the German war machine he must whip them into shape whilst also coming to terms the potential death of a new love interest.

Most of the novel is spent sailing the oceans and with very little in shore, it really gives you a feeling of life aboard during the war and may other ships/events are factual. Obviously this is because Douglas Reeman joined the Navy in 1941. He did convoy duty in the Atlantic, Arctic and the North Sea, and later served in motor torpedo boats so has plenty of his own experience to draw upon.

Well worth a look. ( )