A Flag of Truce

John Pearce, Book 4

By: David Donachie

Narrated by: Peter Wickham

Firebrand John Pearce has been promoted to lieutenant and is in a position of command on board HMS Faron when he returns to Toulon from his successful mission in Corsica. But although he returns with a prize in tow, he receives a mixed welcome from his colleagues.

With the fierce Siege of Toulon escalating in violence and the massing forces of the revolutionary army preparing to attack, Pearce is entrusted with the task of escorting 5,000 radical French sailors to a port on the Atlantic coast where they are to be set free. But when the assignment goes awry, it is up to Pearce and his trio of friends, the Pelicans, to prevent judicial murder...

©2008 David Donachie (P)2008 Soundings

Critic reviews

"High adventure and detection; cunningly spliced battle scenes which reek of blood and brine." ( Literary Review)

A Rollicking Tale

I am now at book four in the John Pearce series and I am happy I discovered David Donachie.

The year is 1793 and John Pearce and friends have just returned from a successful mission in Corsica. The siege of Toulon is escalating in violence and the Revolutionary Army is preparing to attack. Pearce has been assigned to escort five thousand radical French sailors to a port on the Atlantic coast, where there are to be set free. As you can predict, the assignment goes awry.

The book is well written and well researched. Donachie brilliantly combines a gripping adventure with intricate historical detail of the French Revolution, in this case the Siege of Toulon, to explosive effect.

If you enjoy a good Royal Navy story set during the Napoleonic Wars this is a book for you. Peter Wickham narrated the book.