The Hawk
The Hawk by Peter Smalley, published by Arrow in 2009, is a historical fiction novel set in 1790 during a tense period leading up to war between England and Revolutionary France. The story follows Lieutenant James Hayter, who commands His Majesty’s ‘Hawk’ cutter, a vessel known for its speed and agility. As Hayter revels in his new role, he grapples with the absence of his former captain, William Rennie, who has been sidelined after a failed expedition. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of smuggling and espionage, highlighting the precarious nature of maritime activities during this era.
Readers will find a tale that intertwines action and adventure with historical elements, as Hayter and Rennie embark on a critical mission to intercept a contraband runner, the cutter ‘Lark.’ Their task, initially perceived as a simple operation, soon reveals deeper implications for national security. The novel explores themes of duty and camaraderie amidst the chaos of the phoney war, offering insights into the challenges faced by those in command at sea. This edition spans 354 pages and is presented in English, providing an engaging glimpse into the world of naval warfare and espionage.
Official synopsis Publisher
1790 and England is on the cusp of war with Revolutionary France. The night-time Channel is the scene of intense smuggling activity and the passage of spies from one coast to another.
Lieutenant James Hayter has achieved his heart’s desire — his first independent command, His Majesty’s ‘Hawk’ cutter, 10 guns. She is swift enough to out sail even the fastest of the French contraband runners and she is Hayter’s pride and joy. But his happiness is tempered by the knowledge that his former captain and friend, William Rennie, has been left on the beach after the failure of the Rabhet expedition the previous year.
But it is not long before spymaster Sir Robert Greer disturbs Rennie’s imposed retirement with a sinister and irrefutable offer that will see Rennie hastening to join his former subordinate in Portsmouth. Together they will have to tackle one of the most sensitive and dangerous missions of the phoney war, to intercept a contraband runner, the cutter ‘Lark’ and capture her captain, a disgraced Navy lieutenant.
But as with all matters orchestrated by Greer, the mission is about a lot more than capturing a few barrels of brandy and a wanted criminal. In fact, it is soon evident that the very security of the nation depends on Rennie and Hayter’s success.
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