We're taking a break from The Mauritius Command to bring you a guest interview with Antonia Senior. Antonia is a book critic at The Times, as well as a writer, podcaster and journalist. But before she was any of those things, she was a Patrick O’Brian fan, and we had a great time talking to her about historical fiction, what makes O'Brian such a standout, and which other authors come close. With a little chat about espionage on the side! 

In Chapter 1 of The Mauritius Command, Jack Aubrey comes to terms with domesticated life ashore on half-pay. He’s beset by caterpillars, wax-moths, a barren cow, daughters and a shrewish mother-in-law - not quite the life he imagined. An old friend visits with surprising news, and a lady begging a lift gets the Sophie treatment. Plus two old landlubber friends dust off their former identities and set sail again.

A special announcement from Ian & Mike about our plans to re-launch the Lubber's Hole.  Merry Christmas!