Richard Sharpe faces professional ruin and social exile until a high-stakes espionage mission in Copenhagen offers him a final chance at redemption. After returning from India, Sharpe finds himself sidelined and stripped of his former status within the newly formed Greenjackets. General Sir David Baird, recognizing Sharpe's unique aptitude for unconventional warfare, recruits him for a clandestine operation that requires a soldier willing to operate outside the rigid constraints of military protocol. The narrative follows a third-person perspective, tracking Sharpe as he navigates the political volatility of 1807 Denmark while contending with both external enemies and the internal prejudices of the British officer class.

Readers of the series typically appreciate the meticulous historical research that grounds Sharpe's exploits in the reality of the Napoleonic era. The narrative is often noted for its balance between gritty combat sequences and the complex political machinations of the British military command. Critics frequently highlight the author's ability to maintain a consistent tone across a long-running series while providing fresh challenges for the protagonist. The portrayal of the Copenhagen expedition serves as a pivotal moment in Sharpe's career, effectively bridging his past experiences with his future campaigns. This entry is generally regarded as a solid addition to the series, maintaining the established conventions of the genre.