The Ionian Mission
Political intrigue in the Mediterranean during the Napoleonic Wars as seen through the eyes of a Royal Navy captain. The Ionian Mission is yet another strong showing in the long Aubrey/Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian. I absolutely love this stuff! Here we find Captain Jack Aubrey struggling to use his wits for once, instead of his might and skill at naval warfare, to unravel a tricky situation amongst three minor rulers in the eastern Mediterranean. Will he or won't he choose wisely, side with the right one and back him, thus creating a strong ally in the region for the British? Choosing incorrectly could be disastrous...hell, choosing correctly could end up worse for him and his crew!