Spring, 1797: Captain Richard Bolitho, flag captain of the 100-gun Euryalus, about to make the first British re-entry in a year into the Mediterranean, has to contend with an unyielding admiral. He also has to contend with a devious civilian adviser. Bolitho's admiral was personally involved in the naval mutiny at Spithead, an event still creating shock waves. As the squadron sails, rumours are rife of an even greater uprising at the Nore. Only when the squadron is drawn into bloody battle with the enemy does the admiral realise the depth Bolitho's care for the men under his command - but is it too late?