In the early 1800s, the British Navy stands as the only bulwark against the militant fanaticism of Napoleonic France.

Captain Jack Aubrey, ashore after a successful tour of duty, is persuaded by a casual acquaintance to make certain investments in the city. This innocent decision ensnares him in the London criminal underground and in government espionage, the province of his friend Stephen Maturin. Is Aubrey's humiliation and the threatened ruin of his career a deliberate plot? Maturin must try everything he can think of to help his friend out of these dismal circumstances.

This dark tale is a fitting backdrop to the brilliant characterization, sparkling dialogue, and meticulous detail which O'Brian's readers have come to expect.