June 1813: after the victory at Vittoria, Wellington is preparing his troops for the invasion of France. The depleted South Essex is a battalion at half strength so Wellington sends Sharpe to England to recruit new soldiers where Sharpe and the newly promoted Sergeant Major Harper discover corruption in the highest ranks of the British army.
When their suspicions are reported, they find themselves the target of an assassination attempt. In a dramatic race against time to prove their allegations, Sharpe and Harper must fake their own deaths and re-enlist in the South Essex....
