This is a historical fiction book about the time when President Jefferson sent the Marines to Tripoli with the Navy to send a message to the pirates of that area that the U.S.A. will not bow down to their demands and their consent taking of ships. I found this to be a very fast read. Though this was a very good book and the characters were all well developed. One must also remember that this was the first that the Stars and Stripes flew on foreign sole, hence the Marine Corps hymn “from the shores of Tripoli”. Also that this little war was from 1801 to 1805. This book is good at giving a look at a forgotten piece of history and I enjoyed reading as an adult but would have loved it back when I was reading pirate stories. A good read.

James Haley takes us to the Shores of Tripoli in this naval swashbuckler of Lieutenant Putnam and the American navy versus the Barbary pirates. Unsentimental look at venal politicians and harsh navy life as the Americans seek to stop the plundering of their ships under Jefferson's presidency. Also portrays life in New England in the early nineteenth century. Lieutenant Putnam sees action at sea and on shore as he pursues his career in the navy. Accurate historical novel with lots of action.