The Sea Monarch

A scorching August day finds the bustling Portsmouth harbour unusually still, its warships bobbing lazily under a relentless sun. Lieutenant‑Commander and his keen‑eyed sub‑lieutenant, Gerald Tregarthen, have just boarded the idle destroyer Calder before the vessel heads for dockyard repairs. Rather than rest, Tregarthen seizes his six‑week leave to join an old school friend on the modest cutter Playmate, eager for the freedom of the open water and the camaraderie of fellow sailors.

Their leisurely escape quickly turns into a puzzling investigation when a mysterious ship, the “Zietan,” surfaces in whispered reports along the coast. Rumors of strange lights, unexplained disappearances and a secret cargo stir the young officer’s sense of duty and curiosity. As Tregarthen and his companion set out to uncover the truth, they must navigate treacherous currents, hidden motives, and the ever‑present danger of a navy that never truly rests.

The early chapters blend vivid naval life with a gripping whodunit, promising a tale of bravery, wit, and the relentless pull of the sea.