Crime, Mystery, Adventure, Thrills - all to be found in Nicholas Monsarrat's short story collection commencing with 'The Ship that Died of Shame', where a former Navy gunboat is used for smuggling by ex-servicemen down on their luck in post-war society. In 'The Reconciliation' a husband employs private detectives, but then changes his mind about a divorce once their findings are revealed; and in 'Licensed to Kill' a honeymoon soon turns into a manhunt when a former Royal Marine Commando employs the tricks of his trade. A further seven stories complete a volume which contains much to satisfy the reader, with many twists and turns and hard hitting drama.