Hard to miss with this combination mystery/detective story/nautical yarn. Harry Ludlow is an ex-Royal Navy officer now operating his own vessel as a privateer. His ship is destroyed, and he and his crew are taken on board the Magnanime, commanded by one of Harry's old enemies, Oliver Carter. James, Harry's brother, who had also been on Harry's ship, and is hardly a seaman, is discovered standing over the body of a murdered Magnanime officer. Harry must find the real killer in order to clear his brother.

Using his knowledge of the sea and ships, Harry worms his way into the good graces of some of the other officers and sailors. A raft of dark secrets soon emerges, including a secret space where several of the men and officers, would gather to conduct unmentionable activities.

I would rank Donachie somewhere between O'Brian and Forester. The addition of the mystery adds a nice twist to what would otherwise be a very credible naval series. ( )