The thirteenth volume in the popular John Pearce Adventures set on the high seas 1795: Just as Lieutenant John Pearce feels that he has been freed from an old foe, a new one takes his place. In the face of fresh antagonism, and with complications in his relationship with the recently widowed Emily Barclay, Pearce must juggle personal difficulties with the call of service. Aboard HMS Flirt , Pearce and his Pelicans soon join the squadron led by Horatio Nelson on a reconnaissance which results in the destruction of a key French battery – though the success is short-lived. In raids ashore, split loyalties, and bloody sea fights, Pearce must show bravery and resource to ensure his survival and return to Emily. Only luck and Pearce’s fierce appetite for battle can save them from the perils ahead. A riveting maritime novel that will enthusiastically engage the reader from beginning to end. -- Midwest Book Review I love Donachie’s thrilling naval adventures, and this installment is no exception, with plenty of sea-battles, intrigue, romance and derring-do. -- Historical Novels Review Online High adventure and detection; cunningly spliced battle scenes which reek of blood and brine; excitements on terra firma to match ― Literary Review Outflanking and out-gunning C. S. Forester. ― Cambridge Evening News High-speed epic from an ace storyteller. ― Daily Sport Exciting and unpredictable. ― The Bookbag David Donachie (1944–2023) was born in Edinburgh. He always had an abiding interest in military history, including ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, the British navy of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and the clandestine services during the Second World War. He had more than fifty published novels to his credit, with over a million combined sales. David lived in Deal, the historic English seaport on the border of the English Channel and the North Sea.