My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Espionage on the island of Malta plus conflict at sea. The whole saga is captivating. Steven Maturin really shines in this. On land that is. Where he excels.
Jack Aubrey is the same at sea, but rather like a fish out of water on land. These stories seem to switch between Maturin being the star in port or land with Jack Aubrey being a total master and commander aboard ship.
The espionage angle of this story is very gripping. Maturin is aware of all the deceit and complications too. A skilful enemy agent and his recruits want to infiltrate the Admiralty on the island of Malta. They are blackmailing a Sicilian Lady who is married to a captured British seaman. As Maturin uncovers things we are presented with more puzzles for future stories.
Jack Aubrey is ordered to come to terms with a titled middle eastern man who they suspect is allying with the French and who is demanding vast sums of money for neutrality or alliance etc. This leads to a great duel of ships at sea.
Another enjoyable part of the Aubrey/Maturin saga. I've already got the following story to this. The Far Side of the World. Truly splendid seafaring yarns.
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