Overview

In The Devil to Pay, Arthur Courtney returns to England in 1802 during the uneasy peace of the Treaty of Amiens. The war may have paused, but danger has not. When a Royal Navy frigate carrying diplomats vanishes on its way to Malta, Courtney is sent back to sea aboard HMS Lysander with his close companion Hiram Nightingale. Their mission quickly becomes a race through storms, politics and naval conflict, where loyalties are tested and survival is never certain.

Writing & Voice

We found Katie Daysh’s writing confident and immersive. Life aboard ship feels immediate, from the routines of the deck to the chaos of battle. The balance between action and emotional tension works well, especially as the relationship between Courtney and Nightingale deepens under pressure. The naval detail is rich and well researched, though readers new to the series may need time to settle into the world.

Characters

Arthur Courtney remains a thoughtful and driven lead, shaped by duty and doubt in equal measure. His connection with Nightingale adds warmth and emotional risk to the story, and their shared history gives the novel much of its heart. The wider cast of officers and political figures is lively, even if the number of characters can occasionally feel crowded.

Themes

This novel explores duty, identity and love in a world defined by rigid rules. It asks what freedom looks like when war never truly leaves, and when personal truth must stay hidden for safety. The sea becomes a place of both escape and danger, where nothing stays fixed for long.

What Worked

• Strong setting: the Age of Sail world feels detailed and convincing.
• Meaningful romance: the relationship is central to the story and treated with care.
• Clear stakes: the missing ship and political tension keep the plot moving.

Minor Quibbles

• As the second book in a series, it assumes some familiarity with earlier events.
• The amount of naval and political detail may slow the pace for some readers.

Final Thoughts

The Devil to Pay is a gripping and emotionally grounded historical adventure that builds strongly on its first instalment. It combines naval action with romance and moral tension, offering a rich and rewarding read for those willing to sail deep into its world.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3 / 5)