Oh, yes, MMario, definitely read them in order.

In one review of the movie on public radio there was a complaint that, like watching an episode of Star Trek, you are never in doubt that the good guys will win. (Actually, the parallels between the Star Trek series and Aubrey/Maturin would make an interesting analysis...) In contrast, what you find in the books is that, though you know Aubrey and Maturin will survive, you're never sure if "the barky" (ship) will, or wether they'll ever reach their intended destination, or accomplish what they set out to do, or even if so, whether the folks back home will appreciate it the way they should or throw them in jail instead. Many times the plot twist is in the last pages, sometimes it's at the beginning of the next book... definitely keeps you hooked.

~ Becky in Tucson