"The Maddest
Idea" by
James L. Nelson 
This book is the second in a series about the American Navy during the Revolutionary War. In this book, the main character, Isaac Biddlecomb, sails on desperate mission for George Washington and the Continental Army. The U.S. forces surrounding Boston are in dire need of powder. They are down to a few shots per man and hardly enough to fire a few shots from each cannon. If the British find out, the cause is lost. Can our hero save the day? You bet, but the path to success is filled with peril. Packed with action, this book is as great as Nelson's other two: "By Force of Arms" and "Continental Risqué". Enjoy some of the best described action at sea in print!
Nelson's books fit between Patrick O'Brien and Dewey Lambdin in quality and fun. They contain detailed descriptions of sailing the ships of the day and exciting accounts of action aboard ship and on land. The characters are full and likeable.
Available from:
Pocket Books (a Division of Simon & Schuster)
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
Reviewed by Ken Smith, January 20th, 1999
