England 1811. Thomas Crabbe has just entered the ailing George III's navy as a young cadet.

After a running battle with an American privateer ship, an injury confines him to the galley as the ship's cook. While there he befriends an indentured African and the ship's cat.

Their ship is captured and the three friends are seized as prisoners of war, but a twist of Fate separates them, changing the course of their lives. Thomas is swept into a world of intrigue, which takes him to the heart of Paris, exciting but treacherous.

In England, the Prince Regent waits impatiently to ascend the throne. As political unrest builds, across the channel the former Emperor of the French, Bonaparte, is rattling his sabre.

Can a cat-loving cook save Europe from impending war? Will the unlikeliest of friendships endure and stand the test of time?PRAISE FOR E ATKINSON'S RAVENSWOOD HALL'A gothic infused historical mystery that was well written with a gripping storyline and well-developed characters. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more'NETGALLEY'It has a cast of characters that you can't help but cheer for and it keeps the midnight oil burning, as it is impossible to put down.

Five out of five stars for me and I'm off to start the next book in the series'GOODREADS. .