Treachery by Julian Stockwin
About 12 months ago I reviewed the previous book in the Commander Kydd series by this author. At least this time I knew what to expect.
This book opens with Kydd in absolute grief after the disasters that happened at the end of the last book. His love is dead, he has offended the admiral, and it seems that his navy career is destined to stay exactly where he is. As the book opens he is sent to serve with the fleet protecting the Channel Islands. But then he is framed for smuggling and life just gets a little worse. It seems that even Renzi has deserted him as finances force him to take a job on another island. But then Kydd gets the offer of a privateer vessel, and with it the opportunity to return to sea, continue the fight and improve his financial position.
Again, this book does not compare favourably with O’Brian’s wonderful series, although the plots share some similarity. (Check out The Letter of Marque Book 12 of the Master and Commander Series). But at least this time I am more used to the writing without vowels and the plot stays well away from staterooms and on the sea where Stockwin’s writing is much stronger. This plot is at least believable.
