This is the second book in the series and continues the story of the chequered career of Jacob Fletcher, the illegitimate son of Lord Coignwood who was pressed into the Royal Navy in order to prevent him from inheriting his father's estates. In fact, Lady Coignwood, Jacob's stepmother is behind this because she and her children were disinherited by the late lord. Having failed to have Seaman Fletcher killed in the previous book in this one she hires the thief catcher, Samuel Slym, to kill him for her.

This book has two naval battles, one, the 'Glorious First of June', is a well documented fleet action and the other is a seemingly fictional engagement. Both are well written and vividly described but are not to the standard of either CS Forester, Patrick O’Brian or Alexander Kent IMHO. The real problem with this book comes when Fletcher returns to England.

Lady Sarah Coignwood is an excellent villain, a total sexual predator who has an almost mystical power over men. She will perform every sexual act imaginable with anybody whom she thinks will help her own personal cause and then throw then off without a flicker of conscience despite being close to 40. She’ll stop at nothing to get hold of the Coignwood estate. Sam Slym is totally captivated by her and is an interesting character . However, none of the other characters are either well drawn or particularly believable.

Personally I feel that this was a mish-mash that would have made two pretty good books but as one it just doesn't really work. That said and done I still found it a compulsive read that I struggled to put down.… (plus d'informations)

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PilgrimJess | 2 autres critiques | Mar 31, 2024 |

Thief Catcher par John Drake

Not at a level of Drake's other series. Characters are difficult to relate to and the plot hinges on Napolean's ability to load his invasion army in 30 minutes.

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jamespurcell | 1 autre critique | Sep 9, 2022 |

Fletcher and the Mutineers (Fletcher Series Book 3) par John Drake

The wicked stepmother is coming after Fletcher again, which makes for quite a boring book. In Jamaica to make a lot of money, and doing quite well. He messes with the wrong sisters' and word gets back to the Lady Sarah. So she packs her whole entourage and is off to frustrate her non- beloved stepson. She has just offed her only remaining son after his escape from the asylum that took him out of her life. May a pox fall upon Lady Sarah. With her lifestyle, it should be quite likely. Enough!

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jamespurcell | May 23, 2022 |

Fletcher and the Flying Machine par John Drake

Another in this almost good but puzzling series. His evil stepmother, mistress to many, continues to use her sexual prowess to send Fletcher on hopeless and possibly fatal missions. The two this time are to Ireland; to confront an Irish witch and the second to the Baltic to rescue a Russian princess. Some good navy and battle intervention ensues and his midshipman protege saves the day in the Baltic.

Signalé

jamespurcell | May 21, 2022 |

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