Caribee

Captain Thomas Kydd and his ship, the L’ Aurore, have just arrived in Barbados in the hopes of gaining reinforcements for the fleet in Buenos Aires.  Admiral Cochrane tells him that he is too late; reinforcements from England have already passed through.  Since Kydd and his ship are no longer needed to the south, the admiral attaches him to his fleet.

The purpose of the fleet was to prevent the French from taking control of any of the British islands.  While on singular patrol, they hear explosions.  Sailing rapidly to the sound they find nothing, but hear a massive explosion.  Coming to the site of it, they see nothing, but find a single sailor hanging onto a piece of wood.  Suddenly Kydd realises that there is a volcano below them about to explode!

After a few patrols out of Barbados, the L’ Aurore is sent to join the fleet at Jamaica.  Kydd is quite excited about the prospect of working out of Jamaica.  He finds out that his task will be to take on privateers.  With that comes the possibility of prize money.  One privateer that they capture is made into a tender for the L’ Aurore and thereby will help in their assignment.

Napoleon’s decree against trade has the sugar plantation owners in a dither.  How will they ever sell their sugar now?  Desperate, ships still sail, only to be picked off by a couple of French frigates.  L’ Aurore, in conjunction with the Anson, is tasked with putting an end to the Frenchies.  Although successful on this occasion, the French still are causing consternation.  What to do?

Kydd’s private secretary and good friend, Nicholas Renzi has an idea, but can he ferret out the necessary information?  Only author Julian Stockwin has the answer to that question.  He has crafted another swashbuckling historical naval thriller.  A thoroughly enjoyable read.  I look forward to the sequels.