The Inshore Squadron (Richard Bolitho Novels/Alexander Kent, No 13)

Rating:
Summary: Read it at least 6 times.....always superb
Review: The INSHORE SQUADRON finds Bolitho in command of a small squadron of ships tasked to enter the Baltic at a critical time and try to keep the Danes from joining with Russia against England. Bolitho must pit his ships against the Russians, the Danes, the politics of the era and of course, the hated French. For the first time we see Rear Admiral Bolitho on his own with his trusted Allday, Adam Pascoe, Herrick and other s from the past. Even the great Nelson, noted several times in this book, relies on Bolitho's prowess and strategy to win the day. A great adventure. Don't miss it.

Rating:
Summary: Bolitho in Shadow
Review: This is a more sombre book than any of the earlier Bolitho chronicles, almost as if the grey northern skies it plays out under cast their shadow over events. The bulk of the action plays out in the eastern North Sea and in the Kattegat and Bolitho is seriously wounded and convalescent for much of the story. In the midst of all this romantic interest enters his life but the female in question is little luckier than Bolitho's earlier women - who appear to be born to suffer! The climax involves a side-action to the Battle of Copenhagen and while Nelson turns a blind eye, Richard Bolitho finds himself barely surviving attach by a swarm of Danish rowed-gunboats. The technical detail, and the continuing development of familiar characters, are as engrossing as ever, but the novel has little of the sense of adventure of earlier ones. It's possibly not surprising - the Copenhagen action was a painful necessity for the Royal Navy, undertaken with resignation and from a sense of duty, but without the almost missionary element that characterised the sea war against the French.

Rating:
Summary: Another Bolitho adventure, well told
Review: This novel fits right into the entire series. Bolitho is an excellent character, as are the many others in this series, Allday, Herrick, Pascoe and many others. Terrific action, plenty of battles at sea, intrique, all the dangers of working the sea in the "wooden walls of England". This novel takes Bolitho and company into harm's way against not only the French, but the Russians and Danes as well. Huzzah! Another Kent classic. Enjoy.