This is the second installment of the "Richard Bolitho" series, about a fictional British naval officer during the 1700s. In this novel Bolitho is newly promoted to Lieutenant. The ship to which he is assigned has a secret mission involving intrigue and treasure (no spoilers here). The best aspect of this novel is the continued maturation and development of Lieutenant Bolitho. There is plenty of action in this novel, and it is an excellent read.My favorite aspect of the "Bolitho" novels are the parts that deal with the American Revolution. This second Bolitho novel does not deal with that topic much. No matter; it is still an engrossing novel. Recommended. RJB.