Free from jail, John Pearce is not free from the smugglers whose boat he stole, they want bloody revenge and are prepared to chase him to the ends of the earth to get it. Two of his Pelicans are now back in the Navy and need his help – what fate puts them on Ralph Barclay's new ship?
Chased to London, Pearce must risk all to avoid the men trying to kill him and find a means to be with the woman he loves. Emily Barclay needs to let him know of the court martial papers she stole, which her husband is desperate to get hold of and will use any means or men to achieve that. Daring escapes, a deadly swordfight, bungled thefts involving devious villains, a dangerous mission for the British Government and the two of the greatest battles of the Revolutionary War combine in the eighth adventure starring the flamboyant John Pearce and his loyal Pelicans.