In the eighth book of this popular series, Thomas Kydd and Nicholas
Renzi return to England in 1803 after tumultuous episodes on the other
side of the world, only to find England in peril of starvation and
bankruptcy. Kydd is placed back in command of his beloved vessel Teazer,
but he barely has time to prep her for the sea before he is sent on an
urgent mission. Smugglers, enemy privateers, and treacherous sea
conditions await Kydd on his journey to northern France on the eve of
war, but equally worrisome events are occurring ashore. When a growing
attachment to the admiral's daughter curbs Kydd's blissful reunion with
Teazer, he is forced to make a terrible decision that may cause the end
of his friendship with Renzi-or the end of his naval career.