Three of these short stories are original for this publication (yes, I've started checking, since publishers seem to reissue stories without warning the buying public). Carla Kelly, in her introduction, states that the last story, THE CHRISTMAS ANGLE is a novella, introducing Able Six, the master genius of the newish series of St. Brendan (see below).
I've been saving this book for the difficult time we've been having (Covid 2020). I own almost Carla Kelly's entire booklist and have to parse these few remaining books that I haven't read at least twice.
BOXING THE COMPASS -- 5 stars
Captain Paul Fergusson, one of those rare British ship leaders who is loved by his men, is grieving over the new birth of his first daughter and the fact that he is on the sea instead of at home. So Paul's steward takes himself off the ship (forbidden) and goes to one of the ships Paul's group is escorting to Australia (prisoners who are exiled from England for heinous crimes). He finds a woman with a baby and brings these two to Paul's ship, so he can walk and cradle a young baby. This action opens up an incredible tale of bravery by Paul and his men.
This is one of those Carla Kelly stories that will stay with me a long time.
WAIT HERE FOR THE PRESENT -- 5 + stars
Asenath Bowers, a 32-year-old spinster living at ease after the recent death of her brother, finds a small boy in a tea shop in town. When he's still waiting there hours later, she decides to take him home and bring him back the next morning. Edward Melville is waiting for his Navy surgeon father, who is coming ashore. They leave a message with the tea shop owner.
The next morning, there's a note asking someone to put Edward on a coach -- Micah Melville has been dispatched to another port where many injured soldiers are coming ashore for medical attention. Asenath, her butler, and Edward travel 2 days to get to Edward's father. It is wartime and Melville is inundated with desperately ill patients. Asenath, who was dreading a boring Christmas, decides to stay and help at the hospital. A wonderful story.
I didn't think the last story could be improved upon but Carla Kelly pulled out all the stops for this one.
SLIP NUMBER FIVE -- 5 stars
Captain McCulloch brings his limping and wounded frigate to Devonport for repairs. Planning to stay aboard during repairs and catching up on his reading, his plan is abruptly interrupted when he collapses in his berth and is found by the shipwright and his right arm (and daughter-in-law), Lorna Griffyth. They take the captain back to their home (just off the docks) and care for him. McCulloch is insensible for four days and gradually begins to improve.
Carla Kelly shows her deep understanding of naval terms, attitudes, and concerns. All of her stories come across as authentic. The author has used this theme (a tough Naval officer surrendering to the kindness of a strong woman) over and over but makes each story new because of her understanding of the human heart. This author chooses common people (captain or surgeon is usually the highest occupation she uses in her stories. Dukes needn't apply for a role in her stories.).
THE CHRISTMAS ANGLE -- 4.5 stars
Master Able Six is on half-pay because of the English-French peace treaty but everyone knows that Napolean plans to return to war as soon as he is able. When a friend offers him a job teaching math to two small boys, he decides to give it a try. After all, meals and lodging are included, along with a tiny salary. When he arrives, Able meets his soul-mate; and she understands his genius. This is the backstory for the three St. Brendan stories listed below.
Why I love Kelly's books so much is that she concentrates on common folk for her stories. Able Six, as a genuine genius, is definitely outside of the common folk genre. I own those books listed below but didn't read them because I find characters with special attributes (drop-dead beautiful, richer than Midas, etc. to be so outside of our normal experience that I think they have life too easy -- and are not very realistic). After reading this intro, I am willing to try the series again.
St Brendan Series
1. The Unlikely Master Genius (2017)
2. UnlikelySpy Catchers (2019)
3. TheUnlikely Heroes (2020)
