The Ramage Touch

In an enemy-held Mediterranean, one British frigate can cause a great deal of trouble.

Captain Lord Nicholas Ramage and HMS Calypso have been sent into the Mediterranean with simple orders: disrupt French shipping, harass the enemy — and create as much havoc as possible.

It is a task perfectly suited to Ramage.

Off the Tuscan coast, a daring night approach brings two unsuspecting French bomb vessels into his hands. But the captured ships are carrying orders that point to something far more important than another coastal convoy. French frigates are assembling at Porto Ercole to embark troops, cavalry and artillery before sailing east towards Crete.

Soon Ramage is playing an increasingly dangerous game of deception beneath the noses of the enemy, turning French plans against their makers as he closes on Porto Ercole.

But when deception gives way to battle, Calypso and her crew will have to face French frigates, shore defences and overwhelming odds — and prove once again that audacity can be the deadliest weapon of all.

Packed with ingenious tactics, explosive naval action and Dudley Pope's trademark wit, The Ramage Touch is classic Age of Sail adventure at its finest — perfect for readers of Patrick O'Brian, C. S. Forester and Alexander Kent.