Assigned to determine why post office packets are being captured by privateers at an alarming rate Ramage discovers that the crews and commanders actually profit from capture and are therefore not fleeing effectively or fighting back.

The only thing that kept my interest in this book was the information on the Packet Boats. Although it is based on true events, we have to take it with a grain of salt. I skimmed through pages of descriptions and conversations, like the discourse with the agent in Lisbon. Just a jumble of words. If the next book doesn't improve, I'll have to ditch this series. ( )

This book begins with an Author's note that this story is based on true events.

This story begins with Ramage in Jamaica during hurricane season. He receives a letter from Sir Pilcher with an offer. On the Jamaica Station promotion is rapid for those who are favored. Ramage would never be in Pilcher's favored circle. Originally Ramage had come to the Caribbean with secret orders from the First Lord of the Admiralty, and that insured that he would never be one of Pilcher's favorites. Ramage had lost his ship during a hurricane. His friend, Yorke, owned fives ship that he could order to come for him. Ramage figured that the offer from Pilcher was for an unpleasant job. Yorke found his life in London was boring, & felt that meeting Ramage was a refreshing change. Ramage had been lucky so far, but he was weary. The packet boats weren't getting thru with the mail, & the Deputy Postmaster-General blamed the Navy. More packet boats were being taken, but the navy saw fewer privateers. Why was Pilcher offering him this job instead of giving it to a captain with a 74 gun ship with a few frigates? Ramage & Yorke agreed that Pilcher should be given an ultimatum. ( )

I liked this book for a couple of reasons.

First of all Pope's Ramage series in general is well written with a brace of characters that are well defined but also grow in character with each book. Secondly I like the stories as they are not typical sea warfare books. In this book there is a puzzle to solve...ie: why are Postal Mail packets being captured?

A very good read and enlightening as well. ( )

Currently, without a ship to command, Ramage is assigned to solve the mystery of the missing postal packets. Less ship action but another interesting insight into the resources required to sustain Britain's far-flung empire.
Excellent series, sometimes based upon actual events. Always a good story with interesting characters, puzzling quandaries and sometimes quirky solutions. Age of sail tyros should read early in their literary questing for his knowledge and insights into fighting, sailing and British Navy life during these quite fascinating times. Many set in the Caribbean where Pope lived for most of his writing career enabling him to provide very helpful maps, not often found in fiction, for his scenarios. ( )