Yankee Mission

The gripping twenty-fifth book in the Thomas Kydd series, which sees action all around the Americas, and an incredibly interesting look at the maritime advances of the age driven by the industrial revolution.

1812. Off the coast of Brazil, HMS Java, a proud British 38-gun frigate, is captured in battle by the American USS Constitution - signaling across the world's oceans challenge to Britain's naval premiership that cannot be ignored.

Back in England Captain Sir Thomas Kydd is enjoying a moment of normal life with his wife and his newborn son. His Thunderer is in the docks receiving some well-earned repairs. He is, momentarily, without a command. It's a position the Admiralty does not leave him in for long, and he is soon given a mission: engage the young republic in a fair fight, frigate against frigate, and restore the Navy's reputation. And they have just the ship and crew for him . . . Tyger.

But on reaching the US east coast, Kydd and his trusted Tygers realise that the hardest part of their mission will be drawing out one of the Yankee men-o'-war to engage in battle - especially once the Americans get wind of his purpose. It's a tall order, requiring every ounce of the crew's guile and persistence - and when fortune turns against them, Kydd finds not only his career, but his life, hanging in the balance.