Alexander Kent (Douglas Reeman), a prolific writer, spends an entire novel in maudlin reminescence of a character's life to prepare us for that character's death. This last installment of Richard Bolitho's life deserved far better. Set around Napoleon's escape from Elba, the novel never really gives Sir Richard anything to do, except remember those he has known and act as though he is ready to die. The series, which already went about 8 books too long, is left to trickle off, instead of a spectacular finish and transition to Adam becoming the main character. I read all 23 of the set (though not the 24th, where Adam carries on) and I wish I'd stopped around 15 or so. Skip this one and continue on to Adam's first solo adventure.