This is a naval story without cannon balls or battles. Although touted as naval, it is actually a spy novel but a bit boring. As usual, it has long drawn out descriptions and conversations. I noticed that the author installed in the character a dislike of the Catholic Church whether this is personal or a sign of that time we will never know. ( )

Very exciting! The story starts with a ball where Ramage receives orders...but he still has a month leave! The Marchesa is not going to be happy! ( )

It is a good story and I like that every Ramage book is not simply a sea story. It was interesting to read about Ameins during the time of Napoleonic war. I have visited Ameins several times and visited the cathedral, Notre Dame d' Ameins every time and it was described well in the book. I recall little damage inside except for a female statue in a small grouping with its head chiseled off and on a main statue near the alter a name on a plate was carefully chiseled away. When I brought these acts of damage to the attention of a church official it was explained to me that these were acts that were committed during the French Revolution.

The story was a little simple in many respects. The spying went off like clockwork, even the capture/release of Ramage could be easily predicted. There was a lot of introspection on the part of Ramage but that did not bother me.

Overall it was a quick, enjoyable and satisfying read. ( )

Taking advantage of Ramage's linguistic skills, he is off on another spying mission ashore. 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. ( )