The Devil to Pay - (John Pearce) by David Donachie (Paperback)

About the Book

Volume #11 in the John Pearce Adventures. 1794: Stuck in the Mediterranean, headstrong lieutenant John Pearce must repair his battle-damaged ship, face a court-martial, and survive a battle against a bloodthirsty and piratical Turk.

Book Synopsis

The eleventh volume in the popular John Pearce Adventures set on the high seas

1794: Stuck in Palermo harbour, headstrong Lieutenant John Pearce and his trusty Pelicans must repair the battle-damaged HMS Larcher with only meagre funds. Once again, he finds himself protecting Emily Barclay, abandoned by the captain of her merchantman after he discovers her true identity. When Pearce sets sail for Naples, he discovers disloyalty among his crew, who are suspicious of Emily's presence and the troubles that seem to be coming their way.

Sailing into danger, they encounter enemies armed with more speed and greater firepower. Lacking proper masts and a bowsprit, Pearce has no option but to run until forced to abandon and burn his ship trapped in an Italian bay. Pearce must face a court-martial for his actions. However, his troubles are only beginning. Admiral Hotham, now in command, seeks to neutralise Pearce, who poses a threat to him. Hotham contrives a deadly plan to send the unwitting Pelicans into mortal danger against a bloodthirsty and piratical Turk called Mehmet Pasha. Only luck and Pearce's fiery thirst for battle can save them.

Review Quotes

Exciting and unpredictable.-- "The Bookbag"

High adventure and detection; cunningly spliced battle scenes which reek of blood and brine; excitements on terra firma to match-- "Literary Review"

High-speed epic from an ace storyteller.-- "Daily Sport"

I love Donachie's thrilling naval adventures, and this eleventh installment is no exception, with plenty of sea-battles, intrigue, romance and derring-do.--Historical Novels Review Online

Outflanking and out-gunning C. S. Forester.-- "Cambridge Evening News"

About the Author

David Donachie (1944-2023) was born in Edinburgh. He always had an abiding interest in military history, including ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, the British navy of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and the clandestine services during the Second World War. He had more than fifty published novels to his credit, with over a million combined sales. David lived in Deal, the historic English seaport on the border of the English Channel and the North Sea.