The wicked trade - Jan Needle

A compelling novel of press gangs, smuggling and brutal murder -- a fascinating picture of the dark realities of British 18th-century naval life. Though France and Britain are at war, both nations' seafarers cooperate clandestinely in a 'Free Trade' of increasing ruthlessness -- while the Impress Service's struggle to find men for His Majesty's ships grows ever more difficult. It is in that most reviled part of the Navy that William Bentley reluctantly resumes his career. As an officer on the Biter, a Press tender based in the London River, he has to learn fast about the darker side of 18th-century city life. And with his fellow officer Sam Holt, he soon has his first appalling encounter with the Free Trade as the Biter ranges coastal waters to prey on returning merchantmen. Much worse is to follow, however. For when Will and Sam are caught up in the investigation of the violent deaths of two Customs officers at the hands of smugglers, they have no idea that behind it are some of the most powerful and dangerous men in the country.;'A gripping tale of naval life in the 18th century, of a navy manned by pressed men living a life worse than jail, of smuggling and a liberal dash of murder' irish news