Dudley Pope (1925–1997)

there's a chronology of the previous year at sea, the list of ships at the great battle, and an in depth study of the motives and strategy of both sides. this book was often reprinted.

Ramage is appointed to the Dido, a 74 gun ship of the line and is sent to the West Indies to blockade the French island of Martinique, scene of earlier adventure with the Calypso. Several successful actions ensue and the book ends with suspense over what his next orders will be.

Ramage assigned to watch Cadiz for the French and Spanish fleets to emerge. When they do he is reminded that frigates such as the Calypso have no place in the line of battle but stay back to relay signals from one ship to another. But when Ramge spots the Hazrd, the twin to his French built Calypso, he cannot resist attempting her capture.

Sent to rescue English hostages held in Italy, Ramage unexpectedly discovers his missing wife in 2nd set of hostages