[.ca] The Bomb Vessel: A Nathaniel Drinkwater Novel (ISBN 1574090992)

The first Battle of Copenhagen:
Having returned from the Red Sea (see "A Brig of War"), Drinkwater finds himself on the beach, suspecting that an enemy is using petticoat influence against him. However, some patronage gets him the command of the bomb vessel, Virago, although still a lieutenant. The early part of the story deals with the problems of manning and supplying the vessel, and getting ready for sea. A last minute, unexpected addition to his crew is his brother, on the run from troubles. The Virago joins the fleet bound for Copenhagen, and Drinkwater has the opportunity to distinguish himself at the first Battle of Copenhagen in April 1801. On the personal side, he must deal with the problem of his brother who he has concealed among the crew under a false name, and a problem with his purser. Drinkwater does eventually receive some unexpected petticoat influence in his favor. The Battle of Copenhagen and the related politics are described in some detail. Woodman provides useful maps and, as in other novels of the series, provides time periods at the top of each chapter. This novel covers the time period from September 1800 to July 1801, a relatively brief period compared to earlier novels in the series.

Drinkwater must make good:
There is realistic conniving, boredom, and petty squabbling aboard Lt. Drinkwater's aging bomb (mortar-firing) vessel (unlike what you'd expect in Dudley Pope's swashbuckling Ramage series). Yet Drinkwater feels that Virago is his last chance to make the step to commander. Then comes an exciting flurry of action under the impetuous Admiral Lord Nelson facing the ferocious guns of Copenhagen. Besides nautical matters this fourth story in the series contains two romantic angles, murder, family loyalty, and a bit of conspiracy with Drinkwater's former spymaster, Lord Dungarth (see An Eye of the Fleet). This book includes very helpful maps, something more sea tales should include ...

4th in this gripping series:
Describes the circumstances surrounding the action at Copenhagen in 1801 (not the lesser-known debacle in 1807, told in Mr. Cornwell's 'Sharpe's Prey'). I say 'action' but there is remarkably little of it for the bulk of the book, more delaying and prevaricating, despite the presence of Lord Nelson. A personal undercurrent pre-occupies Nat, who uses his previous clandestine life as a cover - the on-board speculation is handled very nicely. Having said there is no action is misleading; the very lack of progress to action causes unrest in the ranks (and higher command), showing how lack of purpose and conviction, or unfitness for the task can severely jeopardise an operation, causing unnecessary loss of surprise, ships, and men. This is well-told, without losing one's interest as the various strings of the plot are drawn together, culminating in the final bloody action. Altogether a gripping thriller topped by a detailed factual description of a complex naval battle.*****