If you like Patrick O'Brian and C. S. Forester, you will love this gripping collection of swashbuckling maritime tales from multi-million copy seller Alexander Kent - guaranteed to keep you hooked!'One of our foremost writers of naval fiction' - THE SUNDAY TIMES'A rattling good tale...Alexander Kent captures the ethos of Nelson's navy as well as any writer before or since.' -- ***** Reader review'Riveting' -- ***** Reader review'Could not put it down' -- ***** Reader review'Fantastic book by an outstanding author' -- ***** Reader review****************************************1773: Midshipman Bolitho's ship, the Gorgon, is laid up for refit, and he is allowed home for Christmas.Bolitho, now seventeen, returns to his family in Falmouth, and soon discovers that all is not well in Cornwall. There are rumours of an increase in smuggling, even witchcraft, and when a murdered man is found near the Bolitho house, ugly rumour becomes reality. Wrecking, the most savage of all crimes, is a further cause for alarm.Only a small and agile man-of-war can be of use against such restless enemies. To Falmouth comes one such vessel, the Avenger, and thoughts of a carefree leave are quickly forgotten, especially when Bolitho learns the name of the Avenger's commander...Three midshipman Bolitho novellas are included in this one omnibus volume. Bolitho's adventures continue in Band of Brothers.

This story is set in the winter of 1773, in and around the West Country of England. Midshipman Bolitho's ship, the Gorgon, is laid up for refit, and he with some other 'young gentlemen' is allowed home for Christmas.