Stephen joins the Polycrest and wonders about his relationship with Jack. Pullings returns and celebrates his promotion. There are perils afloat, a run-in with debt collectors, more bear references, disputes over discipline, mutterings of mutiny, and the return of Admiral Harte. Ch 7.
Jack meets with the new First Lord. He and Stephen attend Queenie's party and reunite with Sussex neighbours. Beware of bailiffs, footpads, and what you wish for - especially back on shore. Ch 6.
Jack and Stephen are back at sea. There's plenty of action, a dear friend, a gleaming cannon, some fascinating history, more from the book of Job, a series of setbacks, reflections on Sophia and Diana, and the distinct possibility the entire bear trip was for nothing. Ch 5.
Our heroes leave England and meet an old friend. Jack provides insight on his relationship with Diana, Stephen endorses living in the present and we have one of our favourite canon stories: We're going on a bear hunt! Ch 4.
Stephen falls for Diana, but has concerns. Jack tries to deal with Sophie's reluctance. And tension mounts between our heroes even before their entire world turns upside down. Ch 3.
Jack and Stephen get to know the Williamses better. Shakespeare and Dryden make an appearance. Jack and Stephen host a ball and the Jane Austen plot thickens, as everyone engages the enemy more closely. Ch 2.
A new ship, bad odds, and life ashore in Jane Austen country. We meet a new set of characters, explore some classical references, and catch up with our heroes across masculine and feminine households. Ch 1.
This is a short special New Year’s episode, containing a quick message to all of you, and a reminder of what's coming up in the coming weeks. Episode 186, the first chapter of our re-read of Post Captain, is out on January 14th.
We explore the story of Job as Jack plans a final Cochrane flourish - can he meet his obligations to his crew and obtain his life's dream without getting killed in the process? Ch 10.
There are two visitors to the Lubber's Hole, greetings from home, visions of Christine, shifting local politics, a couple of naval actions, another burial at sea, and Jack has a plan! Ch. 9 & inter chapter.
There’s more weather to be weathered, as Stephen considers his contributions to scientific knowledge. William Reade is brought up short, Sir David makes an appearance, and we quote some Shakespeare. Ch 8.
In Rio, Jack learns about the Asp before leaving to go around Cape Horn. There's a nod to POB's first two nautical books, brushes with brutal weather and seas, women up to the challenge, and men working hard as supplies run short. Ch 7.
A death leads to a “surprise” promotion. Harding jinxes the ship and we explore the doldrums - geographic and emotional, a US flashback, the ship’s cats, and our potential adversary in Chile. Ch 6.
The Surprise arrives in Sierra Leone. In the midst of amazing wildlife, Stephen takes his chance with Christine. Jacob and Stephen worry about Jack, and young Hanson enters the boxing ring, fighting for the Surprise. Ch 5.
There are irregularities (of the digestive kind) aboard the Surprise, as Mr Hanson progresses with Jack as a mentor. Stephen hopes for intelligence from Dr Jacob while the galley chorus rallies round. Ch 4.
Jack hurries to get his ship repaired while Stephen works to confirm the mission to Chile with Sir Joseph. There’s family time for some. A royal connection adds to the midshipman’s berth, as Stephen’s pocket-watch works its way into the story once again. Ch 3.
Jack returns to his amorous ways. The Surprise’s fortunes change and change again. Stephen is disappointed, worried, concerned, and ill-dressed. Wantage returns, though not entirely intact, and there’s a fiery ending for all. Ch 2.
The Surprise’s departure for Chile is short-lived as she threatens to founder. Barmouth is back, Keith is not, and we learn about the differences between sailors and soldiers. Ch 1.
Jack and the Surprise go after the galley, but the capture does not go as planned. Neither does much else. There’s a long chase, yet another new Dey, another death, and another potential complication for Jack’s career. Ch 10.
Jack tries to minimize the possibility of Lord Barmouth sending a different ship after the gold galley. Stephen has a favour to ask of Lady Keith, and Jacob leaves the ship without permission. Meanwhile, a pirate galley awaits the dark of the moon. Ch 9.
Stephen and Jacob return to Algiers to find the Ringle and Surprise. Once again, there’s a new Dey in town. Stephen has some unexpected additions to his family. He doubts his diagnostic ability and his judgment, while seeking help from the wind and from a corsair. Ch. 8.
Stephen and Jacob head off into the mountains. There are animals, bribes, secret acquaintances, some Royal Navy history, a lion hunt, grand theft, and a wicked desert sandstorm. Ch 7.
Shakespeare on death, a strong blow, more jeopardy for young Daniel and stories about his life. Meanwhile Jack shows birds to Stephen, there’s an unredeemed Killick, Algiers, lions, and tigers and bears, oh my… OK, no bears - but there’s a new Dey in town. Ch 6.
Action ensues, and our deep intelligence coves start some action of their own. Dr Stephen Maturin and Commodore Jack Aubrey visit The Lubber’s Hole! And we have a fiery time along the Adriatic Coast as Muslim gold heads for Napoleon’s mercenaries. Ch 5.
The Pomone is still unreliable, ill omens continue, the hand of glory disappears, a duel between Surprise’s officers is in the offing, and foreign ships move to take the weather gauge - with a curiously unfamiliar flag in view. Ch 4.
We have another tragic death in the squadron, the continued threat of bad luck and ill-omens, Killick’s rise and fall, a German flute-playing Marine officer, lucky objects threatened, and some music - as the naval and intelligence missions continue. Ch 3.
Jack exercises the squadron’s great guns. Stephen composes music, gets a new loblolly-”boy,” and sketches the severed hand. There’s a mention of bad omens, darkness lurks in the background, danger threatens, and the squadron is called to action. Ch 2.
The Hundred Days begin: The squadron arrives in Gibraltar and in the blink of an eye we learn what's changed. There are unexpected deaths near and far, threats on the continent, and invaluable intelligence and naval missions for our heroes. Ch 1.
Our latest Crossing The Line special is all about audiobooks. With the help of special guests Steve Morris, Chris Durbin, Simon Vance and Sue Dennis we explore the artistry, the practicalities and reminiscences of how words like O'Brian's came to be spoken aloud for us.
Jack and Stephen return to London to attend the meetings which may determine the future of Jack’s naval career. There’s time at home, a Surprise make over, vacation with the family courtesy of the Chileans, and an even bigger surprise! Ch. 10
