Larcum Mudge (Alexander Clay Series)
In 1800, mutinous plans are being hatched on the Royal Naval Sloop Peregrine as she plies the balmy waters of the Caribbean. What follows is a particularly vicious and violent event on the ship targeting its cruel and sadistic captain. But the rebellious crew members go too far, murdering all the officers, Royal Marines and even the teenaged midshipmen. They then plan to turn the ship over to the French and scatter to the four winds.
The Royal Navy cannot abide such a crime, and Captain Alexander Clay, commanding the Frigate Griffin, is sent to retrieve the sloop and punish the offenders if feasible. Thus begins a mission which will entail intrigue, mystery and maritime combat.
This is a physically pleasing and well-edited book of naval historical fiction. I’ve reviewed several novels about the infant U.S. Navy from the same era, and it was interesting to get the perspective from the “enemy” side. The characters, seamen and officers, drive the dialogue, and the plot drives the action in a splendid manner. The jargon of the time is entertaining, with some delightful phrases such as “gawking like damned nuns in a bawdy house.” Some of the intricate naval technical and tactical terms from the period may intimidate readers, but this career Army reviewer enjoyed the challenge. A map of the area of operations would have been helpful, and there is a bit of stereotyping associated with the French and Irish characters, but those are minor quibbles. Though this is book eight in a series, it reads just fine as a stand-alone. Recommended especially for fans of military and naval historical fiction.
