Paperback, 818 pages
English language
Published Jan. 1, 2005 by Arrow Books.
Paperback, 818 pages
English language
Published Jan. 1, 2005 by Arrow Books.
It is the late 1600s, on the high seas. A group of Barbary galley slaves plot as they ply the oars of a pirate ship, hatching a scheme to find a cache of Spanish gold. Amazingly, they succeed — leaving behind some very unhappy men who vow to hunt down the vagabonds and bring them to justice, no matter what the cost.
Meanwhile, back in France, Eliza — toast of Versailles and spy extraordinaire — attempts to return to London with her baby, a child whose paternity is shrouded in mystery. Making her way home, her ship is stopped by a French privateer and she is returned to the French court. Thrown back into a web of international intrigue, Eliza must contend with all manner of characters, including buccaneers, poisoners, Jesuits, financial manipulators, and even a stray cryptographer or two…