The Thirteen-gun Salute - Patrick O'Brian

Thirteenth in the series, not quite the best.

As the series continues (this is the 13th of 18 books) the time period which each book covers reduces, which has the effect of slowing down the action. More of the book is devoted to the interplay of personalities and less with the description of naval engagements. Also, there is an amount of quotation of contemporary poetry and sea shanty, which whilst no doubt authentic does sometimes appear like padding.