The Lubber’s Hole - A Patrick O’Brian Podcast

Jack, Stephen and the crew are chasing the Spartan, but pursued by their own doubts and superstitions. Three sightings, but will the tight-lipped crew take one last prize?  Ch 3

After avoiding a bit of Cochrane action, Jack is on his way home, via London, in a leathern convenience. We find out how to kick up Bob's a-dying, and Jack is set for a fortune or a disaster - which will it be? Ch. 4

Stephen hears a heart-breaking verse of Dryden, contemplates shearwaters, pulls a deserving nose and finally hangs out with his royal protectors. Along the way, he takes care of a big old MacGuffin. Ch 5.

This week Babbington returns, as do honey-buzzards, cricket and hurling. Ashgrove Cottage comes to pieces at the hands of sailors. Reverend Martin is upset by the cost of setting up house, and he abandons bird-watching when Stephen needs it most. Finally, Jack gets an unexpected visit that changes everything. Ch 6.

This is a joint episode with our friends Steve and John from The Cine-Files podcast, discussing the 2003 Peter Weir movie Master & Commander - Far Side Of The World.  Part 2 is next week, and then we resume Reverse Of The Medal.

We reach the conclusion of our review of M&CFSOTW in collaboration with the Cine-Files - can Jack Aubrey keep his naval family together? Can Hollom find leadership within himself? Will Stephen ever get to see his flightless cormorant? And what kind of surprise awaits the Acheron?

Jack and Stephen are getting their heads around Jack’s forthcoming trial - we find about the quality of justice, the puzzling fate of Ellis Palmer and parallels to our other hero, Thomas Cochrane. Ch 7.

Jack's legal situation worsens, as Stephen activates his back-up plan - a charming privateer, weatherly, stiff and fast ... you know the one! Also Byron, Donovan and a corsair named Dover. Can any of them help Jack avoid what's coming? Ch 8.

Stephen works to lessen Jack’s sentence, and get him on board with plans for the Surprise. Blaine offers counsels and potentially a new mission.  And Jack's sentence is finalised and carried out, in one of the canon’s most emotional scenes. Ch 9.

Jack prepares to take the Surprise to sea to finalise her crew. Stephen’s French is tested when he’s invited to a mysterious and perhaps dangerous encounter. An old friend turns up with a missing possession and vital information, bringing the book to a dramatic end. Ch 10.