The Ionian Mission by Patrick O'Brian

The Ionian Mission was an OK read.  It really was two books in one ... the first half being the blockade mission with Admiral Thornton and then the actual Ionian Mission under the direction of Admiral Harte.  I enjoyed the first 'book.'  But the 2nd book was a bit convoluted.  This is where the wiki entry helped me a bit.  However, the battle at the very end of the book was actually the best part.

There were a few zingers in this book.  I thought I'd share them.

Bugger old Harte, bugger old Harte
That red-faced son of a blue French fart.

In another part, Jack meets an old flame - Mercedes.  As she was walking down the stairs, Jack made a few mental notes: "Still pigeon-plump, but no vast spreading bulk, no moustache, no coarseness."  No moustache!?  That one had me rolling.

There were a few others, but I either couldn't find the page or didn't earmark it.

Anyway - average book, but not really the best.

On to Treason's Harbour.