I read the first three books in C. Northcote Parkinson's Richard Delancey series with some pleasure, and yet, the details of the protagonist's exploits don't stand tall in my memory. When I think of books in the nautical genre, authors such as Forester and O'Brian, Kent and Pope, Durbin and Donachie spring quickly to mind; Parkinson's name does not.

It's not because the books are bad -- far from it, they're quite enjoyable. But, as the fourth book in the series, Touch & Go, reminded me, Delancey is a competent enough sailor without being exceptional enough to stand among Hornblower, Aubrey and Bolitho.

In fact, much of this novel deals with him striving simply to receive some degree of recognition, if not outright fame, for his efforts. Unfortunately, to receive any acclaim, he has to visit his old hometown in Guernsey, where folks know him by sight and gather 'round to hear his stories.

In this book, Delancey captains a small, unremarkable sloop of war, the Merlin, and gives good service at the siege of Valletta and the battle of Cadiz, both in the Mediterranean, near the end of a long war with France. There's a bit with a North African slave girl, whom he rescues from a terrible fate at the cost of his reputation, and there's a touch of romance, too, although that goes badly because of a case of mistaken identity. Through it all, Delancey is a solid, capable officer, often going beyond the call of duty but never demonstrating the flair of some other naval protagonists.

There are a few troublesome inconsistencies in his character, too; he brazenly avoids conflict at one point in the book because he decides he won't put his crew at risk without good cause, then ends the book by attacking a French vessel simply because he hopes for a little extra prize money before the war ends. He also derides another officer for glory-hunting, but makes lots of his own decisions based on the likelihood they might further his career.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Delancey is likable enough, and his adventures are an entertaining read. Parkinson lacks the polish of some of his peers, but I don't consider his books to be time wasted.