Newbold’s seaworthy debut follows Nell Buccleuch, a grief-riddled mother and terrified wife who, in 1794, dares to do the unthinkable: she disguises herself as a man named Edmund “Ned” Buckley and boards a ship to escape her problems. As Ned, Nell joins the British Navy at a time of war with France and Spain, and soon, as a member of the infantry on the slopes of Corsica, faces the horrors of battle and the reluctance of soldiers to discuss it. A surprise promotion then changes everything. Assigned to handle communication on behalf of Captain Horatio Nelson himself, Nell embarks on a dangerous adventure. As Nelson and the HMS Agamemnon face lay siege at Calvi and then press the campaign to Genoa, Nell witnesses the captain’s rise to commodore and to glory but faces discovery and danger at every turn.

That danger isn’t limited to the enemy in England’s war. Fortunately, Nell is bold and competent, and with Nelson she forges a surprising connection, albeit one she worries is threatened by her secret. As a character and narrator, she’s relatable, observant, and touchingly loyal. Although the dialogue at times can be unclear, and the exposition a little long in the beginning, readers of historical fiction, will appreciate her. Short, slender Nelson emerges as a convincing character of woundable pride and stalwart dedication to his men (and woman). He's a man who—much like Nell—needs a mission to “feed the furnace of his passion.”

The warm, very human interactions between Nell and Nelson, though, gives heart to a story that at times gets caught up in strategy, politics, and historical and military detail that will be appreciated by lovers of naval adventure. Newbold’s knowledge of history and seamanship shines throughout, and as a storyteller she conjures tense, sometimes frightening scenarios with power. Historical readers with a love for sea adventures, complex characters, and more than a few life-and-death situations will find this a rousing read.

Takeaway: Rousing historical adventure of a woman undercover on Capt. Nelson’s crew.

Comparable Titles: Stephanie Dray’s The Women of Chateau Lafayette, Meg Keneally’s Fled.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-