Sharpe's Rifles

The book, set in 1809, covers Sharpe's early days. Here he is still a reluctant officer in French-occupied Spain. He must deal with many enemies:
:: the French, who outnumber the fleeing British
:: Sharpe's own men (the Rifles) who believe he is in over his head, and
:: his own self-doubts.

After a fight with his mutinous soldiers, Sharpe gains an ally. Don Blas Vivar, an aristocratic Spanish officer, takes over. Vivar is the guardian of a mysterious sealed chest. The French desire this enough to send a colonel and his detachment of dragoons to pursue. Vivar means to hoist the flag of Spain's patron saint over Santiago de Compostela, now in French hands. This will be a sign that Spain will be victorious. The plans become complicated when Methodist missionaries and their young niece join them.

Loads of action and a gripping tale make for another excellent Sharpe.