The far side of the world - Patrick O'Brian (Aubrey & Maturin #10)

The intrepid but unlikely team of fighting Jack Aubrey and sensitive ship's surgeon Dr Stephen Maturin has made Patrick O'Brian's tales of adventures, battles and secret missions on and off the ships of Nelson's fleet into bestsellers around the world. They have been hailed as some of the most authentic, exciting and addictive books ever written.

The dogged transatlantic pursuit of an elusive American quarry intent on destroying British whaling interests sees Jack and Stephen beset by obstacles from St Elmo's fire to the shark-infested waters of the South Pacific, to say nothing of murder and criminal insanity. With their prize ever tantalizingly on the edge of the horizon, the two friends arrive at last amongst the natural wonders of the Galapagos, where their epic hunt culminates in a mighty confrontation.