HMS Expedient

By Peter Smalley

Book Overview

1786: Captain William Rennie is on the beach and on half pay when he's given a prime commission: HMS Expedient is a 36 gun frigate; she is to be sent to the South Seas on a scientific expedition.
For Lieutenant James Hayter, in Dorsetshire, whose career had barely begun when the peace came, his own commission in Expedient out of the blue is equally surprising and exciting.

But for these two sea officers there is something odd and disturbing about the nature of their task. They sense that they are not being told the whole truth about the forthcoming expedition, and the shady, powerful figure of Sir Robert Greer is always at their backs. Is someone trying to sabotage their mission? Why is their progress dogged by a mysterious man of war? And what are the secret orders locked in Rennie's cabin which may only be opened once they round the Cape of Good Horn?

The answers lies on a beautiful uncharted island, in the remotest corner of the Pacific immensity, to which the storm-battered Expedient limps for desperately needed repairs. Soon the dangers of the voyage will pale in comparison with what they discover there, across the limpid waters of the lagoon...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0099474174
• ISBN13: 9780099474173
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Arrow
• Length: 402 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.1" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Nicely done !

This book in the new Rennie-Hayter series, set in 1786 kept me entertained throughout the whole book. I am a big fan of nautical fiction set in the age-of-sail - and I was not disappointed. Rennie, a kind of hot-headed Captain and his more sensible and "calm" 1st Lt. Hayter make a great team, as officers and as friends on their dreadful journey into the Pacific. I already bought the next 2 books in the series and I will also purchase the the 4th book ("The Hawk"). Recommended !