Wray and Maturin play for high stakes, but Killick saves the chelengk. We return to Kutali, meet old friends, hear Jack fumbling with Greek and Italian, and have a brush with Bogart and Bergman. Ch 9,10
Jack tests his fortune with the admiral after mixed fortunes in Arabia. Stephen looks like a vagrant, Jack feels like a bereaved lover and the Surprise looks like change could be coming. And we talk Mediterranean strategy, amphibious operations and the Ottoman empire with special guest Philip Ball. Ch 8.
Jack says an awkward goodbye to his Turkish and Arabian guests, while he and Stephen chat about politics, ophthalmia and even adultery with a new friend. We discover the remarkable Lady Hester Stanhope, witness a Bedouin fantasia, and wonder what the admiral will say about it all. Ch7.
Sunken galleys, treasure, sharks, khat and a diving bell - everything about this week's episode says 'exotic'. But can Jack turn all this excitement into victory over the French? And if not, why not? Ch 6.
Jack, Stephen and their followers have to travel across the desert, threatened on all sides by ghouls and jinns and fairies, supported by a noble horse, and by an odabashi with remarkable language skills. Ch 5.
Stephen finds late nights and guilt are bothering him. No such problem for Jack, who's given orders to sail, temporarily bidding farewell and adieu to the Maltese ladies. Speaking of which - we talk about sea shanties with John Bromley from Kimber's Men. Ch 4.
Stephen's newest scientific instrument is here, and it's the bell of the world. Jack and Stephen are both interested in Laura Fielding, but for very different reasons, and everyone's interested in the flauto d'amore, thanks to a dose of Spanish Fly. Listeners help us entangle boats and goats, and it's all in the best possible taste. Ch 3.
More ups and downs (physical and metaphorical) for Jack and the crew of the Surprise. While health can come and go, plainchant is eternal. But wait - who's that counting his barrels in the cloister? Ch 1-2.
We make a start on Treason's Harbour, with a Chelengk and a dog and advancement for Pullings, but we soon encounter some tricky questions: did Stephen REALLY dislike Rousseau? And why? And what's that got to do with Frankenstein? Our special guest Brian Wilson helps us out. Ch 1.
We're onto the final leg of the Ionian journey - the true colours of Jack's Turkish allies are finally revealed, which is a setback for Prof Graham. In action off Corfu, the Surprise has a chance of pulling off 'Nelson's Bridge'. Ch 11.
Building towards the culmination of our Ionian story - we learn to admire Turkish manners, and meet an actual pope, not to mention a passing encounter with Cleopatra. Jack reflects on hypocrisy and parenthood. Ch 10.
The actual Ionian Mission is underway! There are political opportunists looking for guns and power - which one to trust? And can Harte even spell Beylik? Stephen takes a swim, and Babbington takes the heat for his charity towards Lesbians. Ch 9.
Jack is back before Admiral Thornton; Stephen has everyone terrified of being castrated by mumps; and the grand oratorio rehearsal survives a big storm. There's a return for the dear Surprise, with news - the French are out! But not before we've talked about Thomas Cochrane. Ch 8.
This week there’s a showdown with Harte, Jack gets re-acquainted with an old friend, and Stephen makes an unwelcome entrance. Plus, there’s espionage ashore, resulting in a surprising encounter in a moonlit French marsh. Ch 7.
We muse on what is and is not poetical, and Stephen misses a rhinoceros and thousands of flamingos. Jack’s cold continues to dog him, and we have the possibility of some unexpected action, usually the perfect thing to set up our hero, Jack Aubrey. Ch 6,7
As Jack, alone aboard the Worcester, explores the mysteries of 'Old Bach', we explore them for ourselves, with the help of our guest, music professor David Curtin. We also uncover old cold remedies, and a new horse metaphor. Ch 6.
We continue with the Ionian Mission; Jack and Stephen encounter trouble with quails - or are they tribbles? Or partridges in pear trees? Meanwhile Lt Somers loses his cool. Ch 4-6.
Jack has been down in the dumps, but a dose of naval discipline and a second pair of stockings seem to be building him back up. Ch 3,4
Jack's weaponry lets him down, and we have a heart-stopping moment of anxiety about Stephen. Puddings then become a major topic of conversation, triced about the larboard gumbrils, naturally. Ch 2,3
We're picking up book 8 in the series, The Ionian Mission. We've a fresh start for Stephen and Diana, a new ship for Jack, and driving lessons for Jagiello. Oh, and lots and lots of Bach. Ch 1,2
Finally we reach the conclusion of book 7 in the series, The Surgeon's Mate. Jack, Stephen and Jagiello break free, but what about Diana? To talk about her, we're joined by author and Villiers superfan Rachel McMillan. Ch 11.
Back ashore for Stephen, Jack and Jagiello - this time as prisoners in the hands of the French authorities. But which authorities? And we seem to be working up towards some kind of culmination, but how is it that Diana's character looms so large over these final chapters? Ch 10,11
This great book builds to the first of its climaxes - we've got literary allusions galore, music, a rousing chorus and of course the Gentlemen's Relish, finishing off with a gripping chase in a storm. Ch 8,9
More adventures aboard the Ariel as we finally reach the Baltic: We meet an admiral who doesn't bear a grudge against Aubrey, and we enjoy honey buzzards and Humbug. Plus a salute to Trafalgar Day. Ch 7,8
Continuing our reading of the Surgeon's Mate, we finally have Jack and Stephen aboard a ship, HMS Ariel, with a new shipmate, Jagiello. There are unfamiliar waterways and curious gifts from the locals - honey buzzards, anyone? Ch 6-7
Jack has his world rocked by a letter from abroad, Stephen and Diana head for a romantic walk by a river, and O'Brian treats us all to classical allusions and French atmosphere. We're joined by our guest Adam Franti to talk about the War of 1812. Ch 5
Back in England, Jack goes looking for a horse, the Aubrey children are on the march, and Stephen goes looking for advice from Sir Joseph Blaine. We find ourselves enjoying a night at the opera. Ch 4.
Our heroes are afloat again, but being chased by an unusually persistent foe - we wonder why, and wonder what will be the turning point to propel the rest of the story of The Surgeon's Mate. We chat to our guest, author Eva Sandor, about POB's writing style and about her new novel Fool's Proof. Ch 3.
We start the next book in the canon with Stephen, Diana and Jack all ashore in Halifax, ready to celebrate. Jack faces a sailor's temptation, while Stephen and Diana face up to each other. Where will it all lead? Will Jack still be able to call himself an officer and a gentleman? Ch 1-2.
We enjoy the final decisive chapter of Fortune of War, with Jack, Steven and Diana back among the Royal Navy and action against the USS Chesapeake about to ensue. How will the British fare this time? And to look forward to The Surgeon's Mate, we're joined by our old friend, dance educator and re-enactor Karen Millyard. Ch 9.
