The Maddest Idea

The Isaac Biddlecomb Series, Book 2

By: James L. Nelson

Narrated by: John Lee

The Maddest Idea continues the powerful saga of the American Revolution with another stirring, dramatic maritime adventure.

In the late summer of 1775, General George Washington discovers that his cache of gunpowder has dwindled to a mere nine shots per man. A desperate plan is hatched—to send a ship under the command of Captain Isaac Biddlecomb to Bermuda to capture the British powder known to be there. But the plan is a trap, set by a traitor among the patriots, and one from which even Biddlecomb cannot escape. Washington dispatches his aide-de-camp, Major Edward Fitzgerald, to hunt the traitor down, while Biddlecomb must rely on cunning and seamanship to free his men and the ship and to capture the gunpowder that is the lifeblood of the fight for liberty.

Divided by an ocean but bound by the cause, as well as by their own private fears, Biddlecomb and Fitzgerald must take on a common enemy—the greatest military power on earth.

This is a powerful saga of the American Revolution—a stirring maritime adventure in the epic, true-to-life tradition of Patrick O’Brian.

©1997 by James L. Nelson (P)2022 by Blackstone Publishing

Nelson at his best

As we are approaching the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation and the fight for independence, how awesome to read the pages of this story part of Nelson’s American Revolution sea stories. Issac Biddlecomb is a fighting camp and represents the story of Wooden ships and iron men well. I love Master and Commander Aubrey/Maturin stories by OBrien but man Nelson is running close second
Great read.

Every Day is Talk like a Pirate Day!

Arrrrggghh! Shiver me timbers, haul out! Lower the top gallants! What fun! I love this genre and even if you don't know what they are talking about, you can still feel as if you are right in the middle of a sea battle. Great story, history comes to life, and a terrific narration.

Another fun story

This is a very original story line in a genre in which it's difficult to be original. hope to listen to more in the series.

Even Better than the1st in the Series

Really top-drawer adventure. The author really knows how to tell a story. This is becoming one of my favorite series of historical novels about the age of sail. Great stuff!!!

Relatable characters

What I like about these stories is that the characters are not perfect. They are well developed and not burdened by the immutable laws of political correctness. I don’t understand most of the naval terminology but appreciate the fact that James Nelson knows it very well and adds to the realism of the action. I think I’m usually in the right part of the ship when the action begins. Characters are well developed and not one dimensional. The narrator is excellent and I’ll listen to the complete series.