The Wicked Trade (A Sea Officer William Bentley novel) - Softcover
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
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Review:
From the Back Cover:
His work has won some outstanding reviews:
‘If you like your Hornblower with more than a lick of the cat, this is for you’
the times
‘A powerful story of lost humanity... its violent emotions are shattering’
guardian
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 city life. And wioth feloow 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
“Jan Needle is following in a great british tradition, but alters it savagely”
THE TIMES
“A painfully authentic portrayal of naval life, a powerful story of lost humanity ... its violent emotions are shattering”
GUARDIAN
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- PublisherHarperCollins
- Publication date1999
- ISBN 10 0006511155
- ISBN 13 9780006511151
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages432
- Rating
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The Wicked Trade (A Sea Officer William Bentley novel)
Published by
HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS LTD
(1999)
ISBN 10: 0006511155
ISBN 13: 9780006511151
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Fair. A readable copy of the book which may include some defects such as highlighting and notes. Cover and pages may be creased and show discolouration. Seller Inventory # GOR003767986
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The Wicked Trade
Published by
HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS LTD
(1999)
ISBN 10: 0006511155
ISBN 13: 9780006511151
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 40594102-20
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The Wicked Trade (A Sea Officer William Bentley Novel)
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(1999)
ISBN 10: 0006511155
ISBN 13: 9780006511151
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Book Description paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_361760903
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The Wicked Trade
Published by
HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS LTD
(1999)
ISBN 10: 0006511155
ISBN 13: 9780006511151
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Book Description Mass Market Paperback. Condition: Good. covers creased. Seller Inventory # 044905
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The Wicked Trade
Published by
HarperCollins
(1999)
ISBN 10: 0006511155
ISBN 13: 9780006511151
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Paperback
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Good. 424 pages. Cover worn. Text tanned. Young William Bentley, su rvivor of the bloody Welfare mutiny, reluctantly resumes his nava l career as an officer on the press tender Biter. When the Biter is reassigned to combat the wicked trade of smuggling, Bentley is caught up in the investigation of the murder of two customs offi cers. Seller Inventory # 2405g
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The Wicked Trade (A Sea Officer William Bentley novel) [Paperback] Needle, Jan
Published by
HarperCollins
(1999)
ISBN 10: 0006511155
ISBN 13: 9780006511151
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Good. Book is in good condition. Pages are yellowing. Creasing to the spine. Seller Inventory # G0159443
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