The thrilling sequel to Against the Tide, which was highly acclaimed by the Historical Novel Society, sees Brookes returning to ride again at the request of the King, when his friend and fellow rider Goliath comes back to England to seek his help. Aleka, Goliath's wife is missing, stolen by barbaric slavers. Her father, the Governor of Sierra Leone has been alerted to this tragedy and is known to work tirelessly to stop this hideous trade. Once more Brookes must don the garb of the Riding Officer to combat the brutality of smuggling cutthroats in Devon and Cornwall. He has a duty to his friend, a debt to be repaid and once more Nathaniel's family and friends are put in peril. It is a dangerous, bloody and lonely occupation. Ostracised by most they come into contact with, it is up to them to stop the vicious wreckers and the lawless smuggling fraternity but this results in a high price being put on their heads and far too many thugs are prepared to try their luck at stopping these two brave men. In a race against time, can they find Aleka before she is sold into the cruel world of drudgery, or whore houses? Will Nathaniel live to ride another day? The tide is turning, but will it bring peace or tragedy?