Although I often agree with DangerousJim's reviews, I think I enjoyed this book more than he did. Agreed it's a change of scenery and more politics than battles, however I thought this showed how Sharpe has grown, and how he is more than just a soldier now. Of course Sharpie does it in his own way, and there are still fights and love interests, but it does also show London at the time, and gives a real insight in how Wellingtons campaign never really hit home to the normal people without the benefit of TV and cinema. I enjoyed this book, sad that there are only 4 more to read!

In an unusual change of scene, this episode sees Sharpe and Harper return to England to investigate the disappearance of the Regiment's recruits with the plot requiring the pair to go undercover.

Whilst this appears to be a resonable premise for a good story, the return to England limits the plot significantly. Rather than solving problems on the battlefield, Sharpe is required to dabble in politics with the plot revolving around a fish-out-of-water idea which does not fit well with the rest of the series.

Cornwell does manage to get some limited action into the plot but these tend to be isolated incidents, lacking the scale of a large battle. The usual battle sequences are sorely missed, as are the Green Jackets and whilst Sharpe does save the day, it's with brain rather than brawn.