Blackstone finds himself being sent by the King to See if the security is good enough to keep Napoleon from escaping. Perkins is sent on the same boat to oversee the security from the military side. Blackstone is a Bow Street Runner, much different thinking than the military mind. He is surprised to find how bad the security is. They are on an island and it is surrounded by British ships but the men are bored and drink too much. Blackstone finds Napoleon an interesting character. He thinks he is slowly being poisoned. Who is behind it? In the state of health Napoleon is in he cannot make an escape, or can he? Lots of money involved and a submarine.

It's now 1820 and George IV sends Blackstone to St Helena to investigate the security of the island and to determine whether Napolean could escape, and did he.
An enjoyable thriller. Another good read in the series.

Really great fun publisher has re-published these Blackstone titles: pre-police, the 'runners' in London functioned as thieves 'turned' and. now catching other thieves. Blackstone was one of best and now in kings service, he's sent to St Helena to suss out how security arrangements are holding up in preventing Napoleon from escaping. He snakes his way in and has unauthorised but intimate meetings with 'Boney' himself .. rumors abound he is plotting escape. and his followers are indeed along with wholesale snuggling going on by everyone on godforsaken island.. Escapades with sexy ladies, mostly lower class,which Blackstone prefers, and decisions that some laws should be enforced, and others not so much,, and Blackstone is clever and works his own judgements. We get historical nuggets about submarines and in this case .you see why (when you read);. Great romp .. an early kind of James. bind. Really fun.

Falkirk, the pseudonym of author Derek Lambert, quite simply is the best at these type of historical detective like thrillers. Not overstuffed, lean, well written, fast paced with a real sense of historical accuracy. I’ve read the entire six book series and am jealous of those who are about to explore these books. Highly Recommended

The book has a host of great characters and has a well developed storyline.
I cannot wait to read more in the series.