Ramage's Diamond

Captain Nicholas Ramage has finally been given the command he has fought for – HMS Juno, a fast 32-gun frigate bound for the West Indies. But his first independent mission as a post captain will demand far more than routine blockade duty.

Ordered to watch the French island of Martinique, Ramage soon discovers that enemy privateers are active, French frigates lie protected beneath the guns of Fort Royal, and a heavily escorted convoy is approaching with desperately needed supplies.

Outnumbered and far from reinforcements, Ramage devises an audacious plan. Diamond Rock – a towering, seemingly useless outcrop guarding the approaches to Martinique – could become the key to destroying the French advantage. But first his men must somehow haul heavy naval guns hundreds of feet up its sheer cliffs and turn the rock itself into a battery.

With the convoy closing in and powerful French warships protecting it, Ramage must gamble everything on surprise, seamanship and one of the boldest schemes of his career.

Packed with daring cutting-out actions, fierce naval combat and ingenious Age of Sail tactics, Ramage's Diamond is the thrilling seventh adventure in Dudley Pope's classic Lord Ramage series.