An Ill Wind

John Pearce #6

by David Donachie

1793. John Pearce and his Pelicans are going home to freedom and intent on putting the treacherous Captain Ralph Barclay in the dock. But in the confusion of the evacuation of Toulon, as citizens try to flee the Republican Army and the guillotine, Pearce must keep his wits about him in order to survive. Through unfortunate circumstances, Pearce finds himself on a ship back to England with Captain Barclay and his lovely wife Emily. In the end, the Pelicans may think they have reached the end of their troubles but it is Emily Barclay who holds the key to their hope of justice. But do her loyalties lie with her husband or her conscience?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Military Fiction

348 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

aka Tom Connery, Johnny 'Two Combs' Howard, Jack Ludlow, Jack Cole.

David Donachie was born in Edinburgh in 1944. He has had a variety of jobs, including selling everything from business machines to soap. He has always had an abiding interest in the naval history of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which he drew upon for the many novels he has set in that period. The author of a number of bestselling books, he lived in Deal with his wife, fellow A&B author Sarah Grazebrook.

Reviews

[Jean]

This is book number seven in the John Pearce series. It is important to read this series in order as Donachie is going through the battle of Toulon step by step with each book in the series. This story is also set in 1793. The British navy is withdrawing from Toulon as the force led by Napoleon is overcoming the British defenses.

Lt. Pearce is caught between the rivalries of two leading admirals and threatened by the machination of the villainous captain Ralph Barclay. There is a sharp divide between good and bad senior officers in this story. Pearce is beginning to question himself that he maybe obsessing over Captain Barclay.

The author has done his research about the battle of Toulon and the British Navy. This historical novel does an excellent job of putting the reader right into the action at Toulon. Donachie does a good job in his depictions of a storm at sea and fire on board a wooden ship. Donachie writes a good Royal Navy historical novel but it is not in the class of Forester or O’Brien.

I keep wondering if Pearce and his fellow Pelicans will ever be free of the Royal Navy. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Peter Wickham narrated the story.

[David Flett]

As a stand alone novel it lacks nautical adventure. Perhaps it would be better to read it as part of the series. But the hackneyed characters don't inspire me to read more.

[Tracey]

This was to reflective for me. Seems like a lot of the book was about the previous books.

[Mark Donald]

Good read a bit awkward to keep up with what's happening and has good action scenes

[Peter]

A good read, I really like this series.