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HMS Expedient

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HMS Expedient

By: Peter Smalley
Narrated by: Cornelius Garrett
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About this listen

The year is 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 Dorset shire, 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…

©2005 Peter Smalley (P)2011 Random House AUDIO GO
Fiction Historical Fiction Expedition
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So well read

I enjoyed the characterisation, humour and reading. Very enjoyable- not read any Smalley before- would recommend

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Not the normal cast!

Interesting and worth continuing to see how this develops. Talented narrator who brings the book to life even if the characters sometimes seem like they are Dads Army characters (definitely a Sergeant Wilson in there for sure!). A diffeeent approach to this genre with the weaknesses and character faults of the protagonist’s very much on display. Looking forward to the crucial second book!

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A ripping yarn

Well written , atmospheric and compelling. The reader will identify with the main characters and share their ultimate success.

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Not a Patrick O'Brian substitute

Anyone looking for a substitute for Patrick O'Brian will be disappointed with this book, but Peter Smalley does provide a fast moving and interesting maritime adventure tale. Unlike some of the writers in this genre, Smalley has the technicalities of seamanship spot on, and he does create a credible picture of life afloat in the eighteenth century, and the historical references are accurate. The main characters are rather two dimensional, and not very appealing. I suppose it is unfair to compare with the genius of O'Brian, and Jack Aubery is much missed.

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2 people found this helpful