Sharpe's Havoc

This book is set in 1809 and it brings Sharpe to Portugal. Sharpe is part of a small British army that has a precarious foothold in Portugal. Sent to look for Kate Savage, the daughter of an English wine shipper, the French attack begins and the city of Oporto falls. This leaves Sharpe stranded behind enemy lines. He not only has to find the missing girl, but also stop double-agent Colonel Christopher. Sharpe becomes a hunter instead of the hunted. Exercising revenge on the men who double-crossed him. Sharpe's Havoc is a classic story. A return to Portugal in the company of Sergeant Patrick Harper, Captain Hogan, and Sharpe's beloved Greenjackets, who can turn a battle as fast as Cornwell's readers can turn a page. A solid plot, wicked baddies, a beautiful girl, and rough and ready Sharpe's in good form.

I thoroughly enjoyed the “first” three Sharpe novels set in India with their fast paced action, likeable characters and intriguing side plots. When the fresh baked Lieutenant left India and set out to join the 95th I could hardly wait for my order of the next two books to arrive. But, boy, was I in for a disappointment. [b:Sharpe's Trafalgar 906675 Sharpe's Trafalgar (Sharpe, #4) Bernard Cornwell http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1179348299s/906675.jpg 891820] was a serious letdown and the following [b:Sharpe's Prey 906728 Sharpe's Prey (Sharpe, #5) Bernard Cornwell http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1179348512s/906728.jpg 2030978] was despite some redeeming qualities almost as bad. I was close to giving up on Sharpe and move on with life.[b:Sharpe's Rifles 906669 Sharpe's Rifles (Sharpe, #6) Bernard Cornwell http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1179348292s/906669.jpg 2918547] was to be the final chance I was willing to give the series, and I am glad I did, because this novel made me feel the spirit of Sharpe's Indian adventures again. Not quite as good, but good enough to make my hopes rise again. Sharpe's Havoc ties in a few months after Sharpe's Rifles. He and his half batallion of the 95th that were separated from their main force in the preceding book are witness to the battle of Porto and the subsequent capture of the town by French forces. Joined by a young Portuguese lieutenant and his men they try to join with the British army, but get stuck in a small village in the mountains. A siege of their makeshift fortress, betrayal by a slimy agent of the Foreign Office, last stands and a damsel in distress ensue.Highly recommended.