Man of War by Allan Mallinson

Another novel in the Hervey series, this one was good but felt a little unfocused. Partly this was due to the fact that all the action happens to someone else (his friend, the Navy Captain Peto). Hervey himself deals with various regimental, legal and relationship issues but doesn't get anywhere near a shot fired in anger. For all that, the reflective side of these novels has always been one of the highlights. And it's still good.