Ramage is sent to claim and survey a tiny island off S. American coast but discovers it is a nest of pirates with many hostages. He rescues hostages, captures remaining pirates and delivers them to British govt.

Another fast/satisfying read. Fully one half od the book are simple scenes of travel by sea and the mundane events on the vessel. But even though Pope spends time rehashing what has gone on in the past he does it in an interesting way and does not belabor these discussions.

When it comes to the action scenes toward the end of the book I like how he prepares the reader for the coming fighting but like as not he is quite brief in telling the tale. No spoilers here but often you know the result but have the details filled in by others in the story.

The Ramage series books are a tall drink of cool water for me. I space out reading this series so I don't overdose on them and don't take them fore granted. It is funny as I have read a couple of his non-Ramage books and not liked them as much. ( )

Lots of action! Pirates, hostages, & Ramage falls in love again! ( )

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.

Between wars and off to claim a far off island for King and Country. Already occupied by piratical renegades with their captives ( )

Read it , great story.