Critical reception varied, from "taking his readers for granted", "an interim novel" or "somewhat predictable, nonetheless full of life" to "another excellent adventure" and "the top of his elegant form". As often happens, reviewers comment on the whole series to date ("virtuosity", "the best things of their kind", "uniquely excellent", "as always lapidary prose"), and are glad this is not the last book in the series, there is more to come, recommending readers new to the series to start it from the first novel. Aubrey's relationship with his wife is noted as a strong point of this novel, as is the sly humor and some of the "set pieces", like the boxing match and actions at sea during the blockade.